One of the great fallacies of the independence movement is the notion that people may be persuaded by 'factual' economic arguments, even supposing such a thing could be contrived. #DissolveTheUnion
The truth is that, long before a person arrives at any discussion of economic factors, their position has been firmly established on the basis of ideology, identity, partisan loyalty etc. #DissolveTheUnion
People who have already made up their minds about a social or constitutional issue turn to economists for algebraic affirmation and the confidence that comes from having assumptions, preconceptions and prejudices papered over with graphs and charts. #DissolveTheUnion
Of course, some will claim to have come to a decision on the basis of 'facts and figures' alone. They will mostly be practitioners of the dismal science or a related field of equally miserable endeavour. #DissolveTheUnion
Alternatively, they may be individuals who have been conditioned to feel ashamed to admit that their political choices are informed by anything other than purely intellectual considerations. #DissolveTheUnion
There can be no conclusive economic case either for or against independence, because nothing can be known. We choose which economic 'facts' serve us best. #DissolveTheUnion
There can, however, be a solid economic case against the Union. A case based, not on the insubstantial models conjured up by economists, but on the actual lived experience of real people. #DissolveTheUnion
