Scottish independence

Alex Salmond, the Leader of the Scottish National Party, is a canny politician.  He knows he would lose a referendum vote on independence for Scotland if it was held now.  However, in two years time the political landscape may have changed and Scots may then be more supportive of independence.  Unionists wish the referendum to be held before Salmond has had time to work on the Scottish electorate.

Some dimwits are suggesting that the English should have a vote on the issue.  Look at it another way.  In the event of the UK holding a referendum on membership of the EU, should the ballot be thrown open to all the citizens of Europe?

One reason given sometimes for demolition of the United Kingdom is that Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland leech on the English taxpayer.  Unfair, the proponents of this argument shout.  Well, take it one step further.  Why should richer parts of England subsidise poorer parts?

I see the war of ideas has started:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/scotland/scottish-politics/9007878/Scotland-warned-it-could-lose-the-pound-and-be-forced-to-join-Euro-as-price-of-independence.html

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/finance/jeremywarner/100014229/scotlands-sterling-issue-makes-independence-highly-problematic/

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/scotland/9013541/A-question-not-just-for-the-Scots-but-for-everyone-in-Britain.html