Scottish Independence and the Survival of the European Union

Most Americans don't seem to understand why Scotland's independence from the United Kingdom (UK) is such a big deal. It is and, it will have a far reaching impact on the survival of the European Union (EU).

Arguably, beyond the pure advantages of having an economic cooperative between European countries, the glue that really holds the European Union together is the preponderance of like-minded liberal politics; with the only conservative and economic elephant in the room being Germany.  For the political stability of the EU, Germany's economic influence and conservative politics has always been countered by the economic power and political influence of  a predominately liberal United Kingdom.  This is where the small country of Scotland comes in.

Scotland is very politically liberal; and, is primarily responsible for maintaining liberalism in the U.K.  If it cedes from the United Kingdom, their dominant liberal voting will be gone and conservatism is sure to seep into the UK's political landscape and, suddenly, the EU could find itself with its two dominant partners, England and Germany, being conservative; meaning that the policy making within the European Union could also turn decidedly conservative.  This will not sit well the remainder of the EU countries who seek to maintain a liberal agenda.  Thus, Scotland's departure could force others to leave in order to protect their own internal need for a European Union that is steeped in liberal politics.

References:

Scots independence battle reaches fever pitch on streets and screens: http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/09/14/us-scotland-independence-idUSKBN0H60MG20140914

If the Scots Gain Independence, Expect a More Conservative U.K.: http://takingnote.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/09/08/if-the-scots-gain-independence-expect-a-more-conservative-u-k/

That Libyan Already Received Compassion!

For Scotland to have released Libyan bomber, Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed Al Megrahi, on the basis of "compassion" -- after he had been convicted and sentenced "to life" for his role in the Pan Am bombing over Lockerbie Scotland -- is both a travesty of justice and a moral outrage (Click to See Full Story: "Barack Obama leads condemnation of Scotland for freeing Lockerbie bomber").

This Libyan had already received his compassion in getting a life sentence in Scotland. If the tables were turned and he had been tried in Libya for murdering Libyans or other Arabs, he would have been sentenced to death under Libyan law. He should be grateful that his life was spared by some of the same Westerners that he hates and would kill in a heartbeat.

I applaud Obama for his stance on this Libyan's release. I also applaud his condemnation of the celebration for Megrahi that took place when that murderer landed in Libya. I would hope Obama pushes this issue with some penalties being issued against Libya for idolizing this killer of hundreds of Americans.

Sadly, there is no "reprieve" even possible for the dead who were killed by this murdered!