On September eighteenth the citizens of Scotland will vote in referendum to decide for or against their independence from England. I do not say independence from the United Kingdom, because long before the four kingdoms were united, Scotland had already lost her freedoms to England. As had Ireland and Wales. In fact, in looking at the history of the islands, it is clear that the kingdoms were united only by their subservience to England.

The United States is founded on the belief that freedom from oppressive governments is one of the foremost rights of all people. Having fought a war for eight years to gain our independence from the British Crown's domination, I find it hard to imagine that Scotland, a land that had to fight the English for over eight centuries, would do anything but pounce on the opportunity to be free from its control. And yet, there are those Scots who waiver in the face of change. Those who say, "If it's not broken, don't fix it," and "We've been doing fine for the last 300 years, why change now?"

That voice of apathy sounds loud and clear, at least in the ears of many with Scottish heritage living in the Americas. And in Scotland (and England) you may well respond, "Who cares what you think? You're Americans; you don't know what it's all about."

To that I say, we are Americans because we faced this same choice in 1776 and decided to embrace it. If you think the United States is a separate family of people-Americans-you do not understand the United States. We are not people with a singular ethnicity as you might say the Poles, or Italians, or Greeks are. The USA is primarily a political experiment. We are a philosophy of government that is practiced by all races and ethnicities within this country. And many of those people living within the United States are sons and daughters of Scotland. We understand all too clearly what you face.

From the earliest Anglo-Saxon invasions of the 7th century A.D., to the medieval slaughters of Edward the 1st, to the bloody field of Culloden, through the highland clearances of the eighteen hundreds, and on to the Black Friday riots in Glasgow in 1919, England has continually brought fire and sword, rape and thievery to Scotland. By doing so, England has overwhelmed an ancient culture, changed its language and religion, murdered its kings and queens, stolen its right to govern itself, and turned its people into 2nd-class citizens within their own country. The historical facts are clear and irrefutable. How can you not be appalled by the horrors and injustice forced upon the Scottish people? How could you vote for anything but freedom and independence?

The expatriate Scots of Canada, Australia, the United States, and elsewhere are living on different continents because our ancestors could no longer live in our own country; because they were forced out by the English government; or because they went to build an empire elsewhere in a world where men and women were free to pursue their dreams. We understand all too clearly what you face.

I was recently told by a Scotsman that the country depends on England to protect its borders. He actually asked me, "If we gain independence, who'll protect us then?" My first thought was, "Are you kidding? Scotland has some of the finest soldiers in the world! Let them protect you." But to answer him fairly, I checked the statistics about Scotland's unemployment rate. The Office of National Statistics states that it is running about 6.3 %. On the other hand, the Scottish Government web site states that the number of those employed (based on the population aged 16-64) is actually 73.5%. Not to dither, but doesn't that mean the unemployment rate for the same group would be 26.5%? Either way, whether unemployment is only 6.3% or 26.5%, there is clearly a pool of local workers whom the country can train and employ to guard its own borders. Any job that loses an English worker gains a Scottish one. Seems like a good trade off to me. I'd hope the man who voiced his concern about losing England's protection would agree.

Just this morning on BBC-TV, I heard an Englishman state that the Scots are delusional if they think they can survive without England. Is that true? Are the people of Scotland delusional? Have they become so weakened by 300 years of subjugation that they have lost all sense of their national identity not to mention their pride? The industry and intellect of Scotland, the driving force behind past revolutions in industry, science, and the arts, is famous around the world. I cannot believe that the country's intelligence and spirit is depleted. Use it now. Grasp the change that awaits you and regain your true place in the world. It can be done.

Britain's' empire and commonwealth was built on the brains, brawn, and blood of the Scottish people. I have to ask, if our ancestors could build such a world outside their own country, can you not do the same within your own borders today?

Unlike Scotland's children in previous years, you don't have to leave your country to gain your independence. A simple vote of yes will grant you not only your freedom but your country as well. How hard is that? It's time your taxes stopped going to support a monarchy that has, since 1714, consisted of a string of Germanic families living in London.

Scotland may be a small country, but the heart and soul of its people are gigantic. Trust in yourselves. You have the faith, alliance, and best wishes of a horde of homeward-looking Gaels around the world. We understand all too clearly what you face, and we wish you well.

Whether you name her Caledonia, Pict Land, or Alba, the rallying cry will always be Scotland forever!