Source: The Economist, September 11
If the Scots opt for independence in next Thursday’s referendum, the balance of power in the rest of the U.K. will shift in favour of the E.U.’s opponents. Britain would also be more likely to leave the European Union, since Scots are better disposed to Europe than are the English (and are less likely to vote for the Conservatives, who are promising a Euro-referendum if they win next year’s general election).
Mr. Salmond is on stronger ground when he argues that if Scotland does not leave Britain it might be dragged out of the E.U. against its will. This is indeed a danger, but in going independent Scotland would swap the possibility of an E.U. exit for a certain future as a small, vulnerable country.
Eric Koch’s new book, New Beginnings, will be launched on Saturday, September 20. All are invited to mark the occasion at the Deer Park Branch of the Toronto Public Library between 2 and 4 pm. The book will be available at the launch, and from the 
Among other reasons, some attribute Scotland’s ideologically ‘left-of-centre’ urge to become independent on the Iron Lady’s insistence on the conservative ‘neoliberal’ TINA.