‘The Good Wife’ star Alan Cumming favors Scottish independence

Alan Cumming, who plays Eli Gold on CBS’ “The Good Wife,” has been an American citizen since 2008, but he still has a keen interest in the affairs of his native Scotland. And on the day that Scots are heading to the polls to decide whether the country will leave the United Kingdom, the actor published an op-ed in the New York Times advocating for independence.

The op-ed, titled “Scotland’s Moment of Destiny,” argues that the Yes campaign, which he has supported since 2012, “ is about hope for a fairer, more caring and prosperous society.” Meanwhile, a no vote is a vote for “the devil you know.”

Cumming says he remains an optimist.

Many Scots have long been frustrated with government rule originating from England and feel they have no strong voice for themselves in their own future.

While British Prime Minister David Cameron has argued against Scotland move away from his country, Queen Elizabeth II has mostly remained silent. She did, however, make the comment that she hoped that people, “think very carefully about the future.”

The full scope of what Scottish independence means for the country is still such a large concept that many haven’t quite fully grasped it. But Cumming feels strongly it’s the right move.

And he’s not alone. Sean Connery and Russell Brand are two stars who voiced support of independence. Other stars in opposition include J.K. Rowling and Hugh Grant.

One character who voiced strong support of Scottish independence was Groundskeeper Willie, the proudly Scottish maintenance man at Springfield Elementary School in “The Simpsons.”

“Both sides of this argument have valid points,” Willie said. “The freedom-loving heirs of the highland tradition and those who enjoy crawling like worms beneath British boots.”

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