The desire for self determination, the deep craving for the power to shape one's future, the urge for independence begins with one thought by one human being, sometime, someplace along the infinite spiral we call time.

That one thought, often accompanied by a singular but vivid vision, then proceeds to leave the private and personal safety of the mind of that one person and ventures out into the public domain. There it seeks hosts, willing and unwilling minds which grapple with the possibility of the impossible while they inadvertently infect others with the seed of hope. 

For an indefinite time, hope remains a fragile seedling as it struggles with a dimly lit not so friendly an environment, heavy with the shadow of fear, fear of change. Then just as suddenly as the inception of the first virulent thought, the climate changes. The light becomes strong enough to sustain the sapling and as hope grows and throws leaves and branches in all directions, fear is slowly devoured and transformed into more hope and sweet change, much like the carbon dioxide which is transformed into the life sustaining oxygen and sugar, by the silent greenery we have left around us.

For many countries independence came at a huge cost. Unprecedented brutality, bloody wars, entire genocides and massacres occurred under the pretext of ethnic cleansing which many a time accompanied struggles for independence. Suffice it to mention the break-up of the former Yugoslavia in our time. Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia are independent and war free now but the scars inflicted on the minds and bodies of their people will perpetuate the torture in the heart and minds of generations to come.... Neither Vukovar nor Srebrenica nor those without a name will be forgotten, ever.

And the winds of change and for change have not stopped blowing over Europe. While our little country proudly prepares for a memorable celebration of the 50th anniversary of our National Independence, other countries or rather the people living in them are struggling with the conflict of the need or otherwise for home rule. Centralisation seems to be falling more and more out of favour with populations and the question ' If not now, when?' is becoming iconic again, uttered by the hundreds of thousands or millions from the Basque region to Catalonia, from Scotland to proud little Cornwall. Other countries like Italy have not been spared the contagion and the virus for self rule is not confined to the Northern more industrial regions either. Central governments have failed their people miserably in many countries, planting the seeds for their own demise and for their replacement by governance closer to home.

On 18 September, the world's eyes will be firmly focused on Scotland and the UK. The manner in which Scotland's quest for Independence has been pursued is already a feather in the UK's cap, even if it turns out to be the last one. Civil and political debate, tireless, emotional but peaceful campaigning  are drawing to a fair close without ever being close to compromising the rule of law.  Even for this reason only, the UK would have terminated its existence with dignity should it cease to be on the 18th.  If that happens, the wave of quests for Independence will gain not only momentum but leverage, and Catalonia's chances come November will probably be greatly enhanced. Others will follow, and Europe will face the challenge to reinvent itself in order to prevail.

But let's not think too far. A week is a long time in politics and hope and fear will joust to the death only on the agreed date of the18th September. 

In the meantime, if omens are anything to go by, the blue Saltyre of Scotland only reluctantly accepted to fly over Downing Street on 9 September , that is last week. It was as if the spirit of William Wallace, the valiant Scottish hero, whose heart was torn out of his body while still beating and the rest of his body  mercilessly chopped up a stone's throw away in Smithfield, is still at large awaiting vindication.

 

I' m a proud Maltese - as they say 'bl-gheruq u x-xniexel' - and can only express an opinion on the Scottish question. But had I had a vote, I'm in no doubt where I would cast it. For Fotheringay in 1587, and Mary Queen of Scots, for William Wallace, for identity, for self- determination... I would vote YES for Independence .....and a New European Order to follow. 

I believe that asserting one's identity and individuality does not preclude the co-operation with likeminded others for the creation of a better world.  To the contrary, to my mind a free unbridled space to grow in an individual way can unleash potential hitherto suppressed, which can then be synergistically applied in the most beneficial way in sync with others. Being Independent puts the voice of your nation on the same platform as that of other sovereign nations. Negotiations on anything can then depart from the same level, the same platform. 

The rest can then follow, for wherever there is a will there is also a way.

Indeed, it is obvious that Scotland  is already a winner in all this because its children raised their voice, dared to speak out, dared to demand change.  

The only doubt remaining is whether the Scots will go all the way, whether they harbour the courage to embrace the ultimate change.