Readers React: Scotland’s referendum: It’s secession, not independence

To the editor: The referendum in Scotland should be regarded as concerning secession, not independence. Scotland is an integral part of the political union known as the United Kingdom, which has about 64 million members. Among other questionable aspects of this referendum, expatriate Scots are not permitted to vote, while residents as young as 16 are. (“Will Scotland choose independence?,” Editorial, Sept. 14)

It was a cardinal error for the British government to have allowed a binding vote on this issue in the first place without also polling the 59 million Britons who do not live in Scotland. Membership in the United Kingdom conveys benefits and also responsibilities.

If the referendum passes, British Prime Minister David Cameron will hopefully recognize his error and insist on ratification by a nationwide vote, which would almost certainly reject secession. To do otherwise would create a very bad precedent and acknowledge that vociferous minorities can impose their will on the majority. At best this leads to minority rule; at worst, anarchy.

Richard Bailey, Pomona

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