Scotland

Floor Speech

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Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is an exciting and historic time for self-determination in Scotland. Scots (and others) are voicing the pros and cons for Scotland's vote this week on independence. To go it alone or not from the United Kingdom is the question before the feisty Scots.

Thousands of Scots came to the United States for a new life over 300 years ago. My own family line traces back to Scotland and the Weems (Wemyss) clan. (Some would say it explains my personality.) The Weems castle, built in the 15th Century, still proudly stands in the town of Fife, Scotland.

My ancestors fought with Robert the Bruce in the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. The King of England, Edward II, invaded Scotland with the largest English Army to ever attack Scotland. His army outnumbered Robert the Bruce's common Scot army 4 to 1. But the Scots are fearsome warriors. After days of hand to hand combat, the Scots beat the English and declared Scotland's de facto Independence.

However, Scotland and England were joined under the United Kingdom 400 years ago.

Texas Weems came by way of the Carolinas in the 1700s then they moved to Tennessee and finally settled in early Texas in the 1800s.

From America's struggle for Independence and Texas's successful fight for Texas independence from Mexico (Texas was a sovereign republic from 1836-1845), such causes are noble but difficult. During the Texas War of Independence, at least four Scots fought and died at the cradle of Texas liberty--The Alamo.

If government truly is of the people, by the people and for the people, then people that are ruled over by a government should be the ones to choose that government. Self-determination is a natural right.

Scotland will have that peaceful choice this week, and do what is best for ``Scotland the Brave.''

And that's just the way it is.

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