Should there be a red card for politicians?

In a couple of hours Scotland will start to vote on a referendum to decide on its independence from the British parliament at Westminster in London. About 4.3 million, which is a record 97% out of a total population of 5.3 million people, have registered to vote. As is usual politicians have deluded the people that an independent Scotland will be good for them, with jingoistic rhetoric about how medieval heroes William Wallace and Robert the Bruce fought against the brutal English. The truth is that Alex Salmond wants to be the Laird of all Scotland, jet around the world on taxpayer money and have his photo taken, standing shoulder to shoulder with other world leaders. The Scots say that the Sassenachs, which is Gaelic for Saxons, are robbing them of revenues from North Sea oil while the English claim that their taxes are subsidising the Scots. Tempers are running high with both sides accusing each other of lying but with so much at stake there has been no real violence, showing how close the 2 nations are with each other. While Alex Salmond is dreaming of the powers and privileges that come with being the head of government British Prime Minister, David Cameron is terrified about demands for independence by Wales and Northern Ireland, being reduced to second rate status in the EU and losing the UN Security Council seat. The real terror is if that happens England will lose its importance to the US and will be ignored by the rest of the world. If Scotland does become independent other separatist groups in Europe will also seek their own referendums. As part of the EU they will get the same benefits as independent entities as they are getting today as provinces of large countries and with NATO protection will have no worries, or indeed the need, for any defensive force. If a wealthy region breaks away it can keep all its taxes so tax rates will fall, pensions will be higher and the standard of living will rise. A mouthwatering prospect. So, will the Scots be living in leisure with money from North Sea oil, free to travel anywhere, as a new state within the EU, and protected by the US? It may not happen that way. Spain, which is afraid of Catalonia and the Basque region breaking away, may veto Scotland's entry into the EU. Not being part of the Schengen agreement would mean border controls between Scotland and England, oil prices may fall as shale oil production rises and the Bank of England may refuse to honor Scottish debt. Regardless of what happens one thing will not change. In sports Scotland has always fielded a Scottish team, whether in football, in rugby or in athletics. Perhaps countries should be ruled by sporting rules.