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Post by Truth on Aug 29, 2014 6:11:26 GMT -5
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Post by Bara on Aug 29, 2014 6:35:04 GMT -5
Hi Truth - no, we're fine, thanks! I've always wanted to go to Iceland, but perhaps not right now ....
I don't think we have any volcanoes in Shetland! Our hottest topic is the referendum next month to vote for Scotland's independence from the UK!!
It's split 50/50 in Shetland. The 'yesses' say : "WE own the North Sea oil and gas." The 'no's' say : "What was the point of the 1745 rebellion if we give up all our UK rights?"
I know, I know.... I don't know!
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Post by ZenRider on Aug 29, 2014 16:58:47 GMT -5
How is it affecting air flights? That was the big deal last time.
Much as it would be nostalgic for Scotland to be independent, it would likely be better, as the world is now, to remain part of the Commonwealth for the majority of the Scots people.
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Post by Bara on Aug 30, 2014 7:55:27 GMT -5
Yes, lots of flights still being cancelled.
Re the referendum, I don't think I've lived here long enough to have a valid opinion - although I DO have a vote.
Some Shetlanders are saying that if Scotland goes independent, Shetland will break away from Scotland, taking the North Sea oil and gas with us.
I don't really think I'm cut out for politics.... I just want everyone to be friends and leave my savings alone!!!
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Post by ZenRider on Aug 30, 2014 14:31:03 GMT -5
Hmmmm, in perfect world... but something tells me in the current world Shetland would soon find itself exploited by the oil companies in a hurry. Who actually owns the oil and gas rights now? How would the monies be distributed in Shetland? Are they thinking it would be distributed equally to all? Likely not. Independence does not ensure those rights will go with. Not to mention the fact that oil and gas are not unlimited resources and technologies will eventually reduce the demand and actually have. It's only world demand is up. Also, who would protect those resources? Armies are expensive. Ensuring environmental protocols are being used? Inspection teams etc. are expensive as well. Plus not a guarantee the companies will follow safety protocols anyway. Remember what happened in Florida? People died and the mess is only cleaned up on the surface. The next big, big hurricane will let us know how well the mess was really cleaned up or how well it was 'swept beneath the carpet' with chemicals that may be worst for the environment.
Or would Shetland remain part of the commonwealth and retain, at a cost I'm sure, some of those protections already afforded by Great Britain? Complex matter to be sure. One that shouldn't be made on emotion alone. That's from an outsider looking in.
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Post by Bara on Aug 30, 2014 21:52:18 GMT -5
Quite. It's all too complex. So, Truth, maybe the volcano would be a better option!
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Post by Truth on Sept 3, 2014 18:44:34 GMT -5
Here's your volcano, Bara ----http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/09/02/1326692/-B-r-arbunga-A-Brief-Update?detail=email# Thar she blows!!!!
And here is an article about Scotland's impending independence …..http://kos.salsalabs.com/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=C6W%2B9QnPsaCc2SrpUoCnVrXK0KooHZvN
Have to agree with Zen. Independence is a complicated matter. I think many people think independence means more money for them and not having a 'foreigner' telling them what to do. BUT it can be very expensive -- having your own army
OH, farrier's here! Boys getting a pedicure…...
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Post by Bara on Sept 5, 2014 23:12:40 GMT -5
Wow! I'm glad we don't have volcanoes, Truth!
Yes, it's weird, the Independence debate. Scotland is split 50/50. Shetland is overwhelmingly 'no'. But the whole of the Shetland Isles has a population of just over 23,000 (and me!) I'm neither a politician nor an economist.
However, I've lived through two Independences, Zambia and Zimbabwe. It all went horribly wrong. But Scotland isn't Africa.
Re the oil and gas, Zen, one of my Shetland friends raised the spectre that the Middle East would come in and quickly close down our resources.
It's over my head.
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Post by Deb on Sept 8, 2014 10:00:29 GMT -5
Wasn't it William Wallace of "Braveheart" who led the rebellion of the Scots in the 1700's to gain independence from England ? Sounds like history repeating itself.
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Post by Bara on Sept 8, 2014 11:26:03 GMT -5
You're so right, Deb! I'm impressed!
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Post by Deb on Sept 10, 2014 9:51:01 GMT -5
I honestly do not know how I retain in my memory banks the things I can remember once I have come across them. Sometimes it can be a curse though as there are some things I'd rather not be able to remember.
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Post by Truth on Sept 15, 2014 12:40:51 GMT -5
China weighed in on the independence thing. They can't believe England would actually let them go. They can't believe England is actually allowing them to VOTE on it. That would never happen in China AND they're afraid it will give some of their 'states' a BAD idea……..
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Post by ZenRider on Sept 15, 2014 19:36:22 GMT -5
China is considering adopting Christianity as it's 'State' religion. What a fun and confused world we live in.
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Post by Bara on Sept 17, 2014 20:57:28 GMT -5
Well, polling day tomorrow so we should know our fate by Friday. 'Yes' and 'No' are still too close to call - 48% : 52%. Whichever way it goes, half of Scotland will be disaffected and unhappy.
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