[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 132 (Tuesday, September 16, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1411-E1412]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                SCOTLAND

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 16, 2014

  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

[[Page E1412]]

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.

                          ____________________