Can we win the referendum?

[tig]

or alternatively the majority of Scots will realise that leaving the union and the financial mess that its in will only be a good thing and save us from the bankruptcy the union is so eager to create

[Electric Hermit]

The answer to the question posed in the title of this thread is clearly in the affirmative. Of course we can "win the referendum". If by that we mean, at the very least, bringing about meaningful change to Scotland's constitutional status such as independence or something so close to it as to be a generally acceptable substitute in the interim.

A more pertinent question would ask what are the potential obstacles to winning in these terms. Answers to that question would fall under two broad headings. The effectiveness of the anti-constitutional reform campaign. And failures in the pro-constitutional reform campaign.

Arguably the first and worst item under the latter heading would be the error of underestimating the anti campaign. That campaign has already started. We can expect that it will be extremely well-funded and that it will have the unstinting support of all major media organs - print, broadcast and online.
We would also be well-advised to assume that the anti campaign will be well organised with a very high degree of unity of purpose. Even if it is not the ultimate well-oiled machine its command of resources will go a very long way to compensating for any failures.

The other major potential problem facing the pro-reform campaign is fragmentation. Too many cliques and factions within the "yes" campaign could be very damaging with internal frictions being played up by opponents and mixed messages confusing the issue.

Those who aspire to a better future for our nation need to put aside petty political squabbles and come together to secure that future.

[Lachlan09]

My question is, can I win the lottery ?

[Sgoinneil]

Are you "in it"? youve "got to be in it to win it!"

[sandy74]

Originally Posted by Lachlan09

My question is, can I win the lottery ?

That depends, are you one of those people that holds up the line in the local convenience store spending all your money on scratch tickets and lotto tickets? If yes, no you don't have a chance and I'm behind you trying to get my drink and crackers for breakfast and now I'm late for work.

[Lachlan09]

Naw mate. UK lottery and Euro Millions only. Scratchcards are pish.

But I can't do it now. If I was on holiday in the UK, I could do the UK lottery but not the Euro (you have to live in UK or Europe for that). The UK lottery doesn't require residence but you must prove you were in the UK to buy the ticket. So no GBP 160m for me then !

[sandy74]

I kind of like scratching the stuff off of the scratch tickets when I do get an idea to buy one. It's like playing Bingo. We have one called cash for life that I'd like to win.