Quote Originally Posted by ThisYouWillDo View Post
But I do identify with Scotland. Many people in the southern US states still identify with the Confederacy, which no longer exists. The rest appear to think they are Irish! Some people in Quebec wish they had French, or at least Quebec nationality, rather than Canadian. They all choose what they want to be, and it is that - the idea - that they are happy with. If Scotland became independent tomorrow, I would, I suppose, become officially an Englishman rather than a citizen of the new Scottish republic, because I currently live in England. I would STILL consider myself a Scot. It has nothing to do with what politicans say, on that level.
When you think of Scotland. What images and emotions pop up in your head?

Quote Originally Posted by ThisYouWillDo View Post
It also has nothing to do with whether I am proud of myself or not, and it is offensive to suggest I am riding on the backs of others to bask in their glory. I have claimed no credit for anything, simply the right to make a romantic choice. And, for the record, I am quite comfortable with what I have done in my life, thank-you very much.
Subconscious choices are also choices. You choosing not to pursue a line of thought all the way to the end is also a choice. You say it's just a "romantic" choice. But that doesn't explain why you put all this extra positive slant on being Scottish. If it isn't to raise your ego, then what's the point?

Quote Originally Posted by ThisYouWillDo View Post

Tom, who do you support when Sweden plays another country in an international football match? Sweden, maybe?

Would that be because you are a member of the Swedish football team, or because you are a Swedish national?

TYWD
I'm a sports guy. I love football. I love all sports. But if I don't have friends on the field I really don't care no matter the colour on the shirts. It's utterly and completely arbitrary. I understand the joy of going to a game. You invest emotionally, you get the feeling of a shared goal and some male bonding. It's fun. But I get the same feeling if you go out clubbing with friends. You take joy in friends getting laid. The team won.