Post Archive
Region: The Confederacy of Free Nations
So Scotland should just accept it's a former country and just accept it will always be a minority in the UK? We should just lump it because hey, we're all British now and that's the way of it.
Lavan Tiri, Neo-Icelandic Commonwealth
At this point, what separates an average Englishman from an average Scot? Both eat the same food, drink the same drink, and speak the same language, thanks to globalization both people have adopted the same culture and watch the same media. They are the same person save for personal pub preference.
Lavan Tiri
What separates us is our political outlooks. Scots do not want Brexit, the English do. Scots do not vote in Conservative governments, the English do. Scotland has as much right to control its own defence, its own social security system, its own borders etc. Why should these things be surrendered to England just because we live on the same island and speak the same language?
Lavan Tiri
That's not at all what I said and you know it lol. My point is its perspective, which I have made very clear. The way you've worded it is also wholly negative which suggests it's completely a one sided situation. My other point is the idea that every place with differing culture ruling itself would fracture the states of the world and this points out a flaw in automatically assuming this universally appropriate and more importantly necessary needed. It more importantly highlights that it simply is based upon perspective again.
Lavan Tiri
So at this point the only difference between the two people is voting habits?
Lavan Tiri
Yeah, it's all about perspective. From my perspective, Westminster is a foreign parliament ruling over my country and using its resources. To you, Britain is one country and it's right and proper that Westminster rules it.
Swings and roundabouts. As I say, it's easy for you to think this way because you're from the union's most dominant country.
Lavan Tiri
Yes. I don't see why Scotland should suffer perpetual Conservative governments just because England has the bigger population.
Furthermore, I want Scotland to control all the policies I mentioned above, and everything else. I do not want an English-dominated parliament controlling these policies for my country.
Lavan Tiri
And it's easy for you to think that way because you're not? You say that as if you've got me by the tail when you've actually just reiterated my point. The very fact that exists and perspective changes things shows that your argument is not inherent and eternal and infallible, just as much as mine isn't.
Lavan Tiri
I'm not saying my argument is infallible. What is so wrong with arguing that a country should rule itself?
Lavan Tiri
Jesus Christ it's like trying to force and round peg into a square hole. The whole point with suggesting the argument that the Scots who like the U.K. like being ruled by Westminster and the whole tyranny by majority is entirely down to perspective on the situation. Now I know everything in the world is but the trouble with the argument is that you as much as you can justify your claims you can't prove your claims as it's entirely subject to a single side of the argument.
Lavan Tiri
Yes, that's true. Some Scots like the UK. And I believe most will always choose it. If that does happen in a second referendum, I'll just need to accept it. But I'll probably not bother with politics after that. If Scots decide to remain in the UK, those who voted for it deserve every bit of sh!t Westminster throws at them.
Lavan Tiri, Neo-Icelandic Commonwealth
So if you are the same people at this point, what makes you special and unique from the rest of the union? For example, do you think that an American state should be independent if it votes different to the rest of the country?
Lavan Tiri
Dude, why are you arguing with a nationalist. Of course it's gonna be difficult. Their arguments are inherently subjective.
Lavan Tiri, Yukona
If a majority in the state want independence then they should have it.
And Scots aren't special. I've already explained this. I want my country to govern itself. I don't want a parliament in England, stuffed with mostly English MPs, voting on laws which my 59 MPs can do sweet FA about because of sheer numbers. Plus, Scotland has control over only a few key policy areas and most of our taxes and resources are collected and spent by the London Treasury.
Lavan Tiri
Yeah, and a unionist/British nationalist's arguments are always objective and truthful. We Scots nationalists are just silly and emotional. We don't know what's best for us.
Lavan Tiri, Magnatronia, Neo-Icelandic Commonwealth
How does it make you feel that Scots and Englishmen are now essentially the same culturally, that there is virtually no difference, and that aside from a minority of people, true Scottish culture does not exist?
Lavan Tiri
"True Scottish culture does not even exist."
Not even going to dignify that with a response.
Lavan Tiri, Neo-Icelandic Commonwealth
I meant among the common person.
Lavan Tiri
See, now you're getting the hang of it.
Lavan Tiri, Yukona
Donald: Och, are ye lot havin' anither argument about Scottish independence? Ah huvnae seen this much arguin' ower Scottish independence since... well, since last nicht when me an' Gordon hud argument about it fur th' umpteenth time.
Douglas: Ah woods hae loved tae see ye chew out Gordon again, but Ah was at Vicarstown wi' th' midnecht goods train. Ah imagine it was quite a show, thocht!
Donald: It was, but th' others didne hink sae. Thomas said me an' Gordon waur keepin' a' fowk waukin', but Thomas doesnae understand 'at we Scots cannae just let an attack at oan our sovereignty slide.
Douglas: Tay true, Donnie.
Russkov Soviet, Jaslandia, Lavan Tiri, Percyton
Oh, yeah, that's right. Scotland has no culture of its own. I mean, it's not like it has its own education system, its own law, its own church, its own languages and music, its own parliament. These aren't aspects of Scottish culture, they are just figments of my imagination.
If there is virtually no difference between Scots and the English as you claim, why are you calling us Scots and English? Surely if there was no true difference and we were all just one big happy family and people, then why do the distinctions of Scot and English still exist? Why do the concepts of Scotland and England as countries still exist? Why are we not just all British and no other identifies? Why is it that many more people are identifying as Scottish/English only rather than British and Scottish/English or British only?
Could it be because there is still cultural differences between us?
Lavan Tiri, Neo-Icelandic Commonwealth
And here we have the counter-example to that statement.
Lavan Tiri, Percyton, Neo-Icelandic Commonwealth
Funny guy.
Lavan Tiri, Magnatronia
Love the new RP story so far, I can't wait for more to join in.
Russkov Soviet, Lavan Tiri, Magnatronia
Oops, forgot to actually include the RP part
Lavan Tiri
Post self-deleted by Clemodecralia.
Hey, Jas.
The King of Westeros urges Prince Jason to do away with this parliament nonsense and return the Crown to its rightful place as ruler of the land.
Jaslandia, Lavan Tiri, Percyton
I think you misunderstood my original question then?
Lavan Tiri
Your question was how do I feel that Scots culture does not exist. I responded by pointing out aspects that showed a distinct Scottish culture.
Lavan Tiri
Well... I can't find it for some bloody reason. Shoot me a link?
Lavan Tiri
My mistake for not specifying *historic/traditional* Scottish culture.
Lavan Tiri, Yukona
By your logic, most of Europe is indistinguishable in terms of culture since most European states are secular, liberal and democratic. Should they become one country because of that?
Lavan Tiri
Prince Jason appreciates hearing from a fellow monarch, but he shall decline the King's request. Prince Jason has no interest in absolute power, and he's not going to undo hundreds of years of Jaslandian democracy so easily.
Nuremgard, Lavan Tiri, Percyton
King Aegon finds it weird that Prince Jason doesn't want absolute power and finds the whole concept of democracy horrifying. But he has also said to Jason, "whatever cooks your pudding."
Jaslandia, Lavan Tiri, Percyton
It's things like this that make me glad I pull the mail train, that way I don't have to listen to the arguing at the sheds all night. Tidmouth Sheds seems to have gotten much more argumentative over the past year. Still, at least I can still get some peace and quiet at Ffarquhar Sheds.
Murdoch: Peace and quiet, you say? I'm all for that! Mind if I join you at Ffarquhar Sheds one day?
Percy: You could try, but the sheds are designed for tank engines like me, Thomas, and Toby, not big tender engines like you. Plus, I'm not sure if the branch line rails could support your weight.
Murdoch: Are you implying I'm fat!?!
Percy: No, not at all, just--
Murdoch: Relax, I was just teasing you. No worries, Percy. Knapford Sheds is good enough for me.
Gordon: I wish the same could happen to Percyton. I tried to make the monarchy more powerful back when I was King of Percyton, but it only made me unpopular; my supposed 'gruff' and 'arrogant' demeanor didn't help, they say. Still, I suppose democracy has its uses, and Prime Minister Sir Topham Hatt has been a valuable ally to me politically.
Nuremgard, Jaslandia, Lavan Tiri
I imagine if Westeros became a democracy, it would resemble the UK. Most power reserved in King's Landing but each realm has some devolution over certain areas, with their own elected assemblies and first ministers. The upper chamber of the King's Landing legislature would be reserved for the nobility of the country, the King would play a more active role in politics than the current ceremonial UK monarch and the Hand of the King would be the prime minister.
Lavan Tiri
Most of Western Europe is indeed, sadly indistinguishable (save for the languages and isolated towns), however I think not to the same degree of Scotland/England.
Lavan Tiri, Yukona
That's your prerogative to think that.
Jaslandia, Lavan Tiri
Western Europe is pretty distinguishable, dunno where that's coming from tbh
Lavan Tiri, Yukona, Neo-Icelandic Commonwealth
Yeah. Try telling a Frenchman their culture is indistinguishable from a German. You'd get a punch in the mouth most likely. And you'd also probably get a punch in the mouth if you said to a Scotsman in a Glasgow bar, "your culture does not exist. You are the same as an Englishman."
Jaslandia, Lavan Tiri, Neo-Icelandic Commonwealth
I imagine you'd be lynched for saying a German is identical to a Frank. Or telling a Spaniard that they're indistinguishable from a Greek.
Nuremgard, Jaslandia, Lavan Tiri, Neo-Icelandic Commonwealth
One place in Scotland where you'd get fervent agreement that Scots and English are the same is in an Orange Lodge.
Lavan Tiri
I can relate to that. For us on Sodor, people will sometimes say that we're the same as the Manx, or that we're just a discount version of the Manx. I think it's safe to say Sodor's history and culture proves otherwise.
Nuremgard, Jaslandia, Lavan Tiri
Punched in the mouth? By a Frenchman?! To protect his nation's dignity?!?
Bahahaha! Funniest joke I've heard all day!
Nuremgard, Jaslandia, Lavan Tiri, Yukona, Neo-Icelandic Commonwealth
I expected someone to make the pussy Frenchman joke lol
Jaslandia, Lavan Tiri, Neo-Icelandic Commonwealth
You know how commercial airline pilots, once they've landed the plane, usually come out of the flight deck and stand near the front of the plane, thanking people and welcoming them to the destination city?
It seems like a real opportunity missed.
If I were a commercial airline pilot, I'd do it almost identical to that. I'd land the plane, exit the flight deck, stand next to the door where the passangers were disembarking from.
And when the passengers were walking by and saying stuff like "bye" and "thanks" and "have a good night", I'd look them dead in the eye with a stony face and respond, in my best a la Harrison Ford voice:
"Get off my plane".
I wouldn't be a commercial airline pilot for long, but dammit I'd be the very best like no one ever was.
Russkov Soviet, Nuremgard, Jaslandia, Lavan Tiri, Tserra
I feel bad for how oppressed people in Tangshan are. Workers were striking for a minimum wage and the President just made them into slaves.
Jaslandia, Lavan Tiri, Magnatronia
"What is 'corporatism'?"
"I'll take 'Fact as Fiction' for $200, Alex."
Jaslandia, Lavan Tiri
I actually had a pilot do something like that. I can't remember his name, but it was Southwest Flight 1028 from DIA in Colorado to LAX in Cali. As we were leaving, the captain came out in a pirate costume and thanked us for "flyin' Bluebeard's airy-ship". No wonder our gate time was so long. I gave him $100 and got a pair of wings. Best day ever.
Jaslandia, Lavan Tiri, Clemodecralia
Yup. Tangshan is a corporate hell-hole.
Lavan Tiri
God I love him already
Jaslandia, Lavan Tiri, South Hyder
You'll probably want to marry him when you find out he is at the centre of a violently jingoistic cult of personality which extols the President as a god and which treats Tang nationalism as a religion.
Lavan Tiri
Marry him? He's my new god.
Jaslandia, Lavan Tiri
You'd do well in Tangshan. If you were an elite that is. If you're poor then you're f*cked.
Lavan Tiri
Juche?
Lavan Tiri
Hell no. That's communist. Tangshan is fanatically corporatist and free market.
Lavan Tiri
*America peeks in* what are you talking about?
Lavan Tiri
Just check out its overview page. You'll see.
Lavan Tiri
https://goo.gl/DCY5LE
Lavan Tiri, Solla Ultima
Sounds about right
Jaslandia, Lavan Tiri
*America* what we've just invaded Iraq twice in the name of "freedom"
Lavan Tiri
I mean, to be fair, we did find Chemical Weapons when we brought down Saddam.
Lavan Tiri
Also, remember everyone!
If you didn't give a dolphin LSD and a hand-job in the sixties, you weren't really living.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margaret_Howe_Lovatt
Jaslandia, Lavan Tiri
Good morning everyone!
Lavan Tiri, Andromitus, Neo-Icelandic Commonwealth
Man, I always miss the ScotRef debates, how else am I to spread my nasty progressive nat opinions?
Nuremgard, Jaslandia, Lavan Tiri
I tried to make it as less of a debate as possible, hence why I tried to word it diplomatically and also say "I'm not trying to argue" - my sole point was that Nurem saying that Scots were 'ruled' by Britain and there is a tyranny by majority wholly depends on the outlook of which country you feel you come from - it's simply not an inherent truth that you can lambaste the opposite opinion holders on.
Lavan Tiri
Yup. Scottish nationalists accuse British nationalists/unionists of being cringe-merchants in thrall to the bigger country next door. British nationalists/unionists accuse Scottish nationalists of nursing grievances and believe they are equal and British.
Their viewpoint makes me lol.
Lavan Tiri, Neo-Icelandic Commonwealth
"cringe-merchants"
I have never heard this word and it's only now that I feel satisfied with the Internet. Thank you Nurem :D
Nuremgard, Jaslandia, Lavan Tiri
Happy to be of service. *bows*
Lavan Tiri
P.S: It's still tyranny by majority. Just because Scottish unionists are happy with it doesn't make it right.
Lavan Tiri
My viewpoint booked and boarded a flight with Virgin Galactic's experimental space-tourism aircraft and decided to go on one of those zero gravity flights about 367,454 feet above your head.
Lavan Tiri
Sigh. Think we should make a rule between us: no more discussing this issue. I'm a Scottish nationalist, you're a British nationalist. Let's leave it at that.
Lavan Tiri, Neo-Icelandic Commonwealth
Lavan Tiri
You believe in Britain as a nation. You believe the countries of Britain should be ruled by Westminster. You are a British nationalist.
Lavan Tiri, Neo-Icelandic Commonwealth
Here you go: statement made by my administration pertaining to the conflict in UCT: https://www.nationstates.net/region=the_confederacy_general/page=display_region_rmb?postid=26590620#p26590620
Lavan Tiri, Andromitus, Pirate Kingdoms
Nothing wrong with a good debate! Its always great to hear what both sides are thinking, helps us come towards an understanding with one another. Where about's in Scotland are you from Yukona?
Nuremgard, Lavan Tiri, Yukona
I ain't, oh how you've mistaken me -_- kinda makes my side seem worse now
Lavan Tiri, Lex Caledonia
He's a heathen. He's from......*whispers* down south.
Lavan Tiri
Ahhh that's my bad! Nah your side isn't worse, don't worry about it. Even if you aren't from Scotland, your views are still valuable in my opinion. Helps us get a wider picture and frame a larger understanding of the situation here.
Nuremgard, Lavan Tiri
Despite my sometimes bitter and argumentative tone, I do enjoy debating with you, Yuk. Would be very boring if we were always in an echo chamber.
Lavan Tiri, Lex Caledonia
We try
I'm from south-western England. Funny, Nurem, if I go to Uni this year I'll have to get used to saying I live in Surrey/London. How odd.
Nuremgard, Lavan Tiri
You're going to live in Tory country? Heaven help you! Luckily, my uni is in my home city. Literally across the street from my old college campus.
Lavan Tiri, Yukona
Oh, and good luck for getting into uni! What you gonna' study? What uni do you want to go to?
Jaslandia, Lavan Tiri, Yukona
You're never here to back me up. You're a bad comrade. :P
Lavan Tiri
Royal Holloway, University of London - Politics and International Studies.
Nuremgard, Jaslandia, Lavan Tiri, Lex Caledonia
Same course as me! Good luck! Will be honest though, never heard of that uni. Though I doubt you've heard of Strathclyde.
Lavan Tiri
I know quite a few Scottish Unis. And I doubt you would have heard of it, but it's a decent enough university - only just getting big, prefer to say University of London tbh. It's similar to Queen Mary, UCL and King's.
Lavan Tiri
Hey, you can handle yourself :L
Nuremgard, Lavan Tiri
Well now I feel terribly provincial. When I think of English unis, I think of the elite ones. Eton, Oxford, Cambridge. Another that springs to mind is the London School of Economics.
Wouldn't mind a helping hand now and again!
Lavan Tiri, Lex Caledonia
Ooooh! Its a great uni, my girlfriend is studying Media there and she loves it. Good luck my man!
Nuremgard, Lavan Tiri, Yukona
I'll be sure to chip in a bit more then!
Nuremgard, Lavan Tiri
Is she English? Are you interbreeding?! Traitor!
Lavan Tiri
Thanks, I was unsure at first because I wanted a bigger and well-known university that was in the city - but they have an excellent partnership with Yale, Concordia (Montreal), Toronto and Alberta (Edmonton) university(ies) and I'd really like to study in Canada or the US.
Nuremgard, Lavan Tiri, Lex Caledonia
What's your plan for a career?
Lavan Tiri
I'm afraid so Nurem, I'm a dirty traitor who is conspiring with the enemy, please don't tell the SNP for they shall surely have my head! *faints*
Nuremgard, Jaslandia, Lavan Tiri
http://www.dailywire.com/news/19204/health-rationing-england-obese-and-smokers-banned-hank-berrien
Lavan Tiri
Nah it's cool, man. I understand the temptation. I've got a thing for Englishmen.
Lavan Tiri
I don't know really - I'm waiting to see that when I get to doing the degree (I'll also have to see if I go due to my results). But if everything pans out, I plan on doing all the security and defence modules revolving around counter-terrorism and war, so I'd probably do something like that as it's right up my street. I could see myself working in the civil service, intelligence service or a defence-orientated job with the government or an NGO.
Nuremgard, Lavan Tiri
That's England, not Scotland. Our healthcare system is devolved.
Lavan Tiri, Neo-Icelandic Commonwealth
That would be awesome. I'm aiming for the civil service myself. Defence and intelligence service are very important jobs.
Lavan Tiri, Yukona
Assembled with Dot's Region Saver.
Written by Refuge Isle.