> That's not a time-bound statement. The accepting can take place in the future, as can the telling - the use of were implies that the telling takes place before the forgetting, but both can be in the future.
Then what's the problem? If somebody promises to hold a referendum and then gives one, there's no broken promises. If they promise to not hold a referendum and then does not give one; also no problem.
> But they haven't said that. They've said that if there's a majority vote for independence then they'll abide by it. I don't see where your problem lies.
The problem is that they've said "if there's a majority vote for independence, we'll abide by it", followed by "we're not going to allow any vote to take place". That's the political equivalent of "if you want some cake, just ask me", followed by the sticking of fingers in ears.
> if WMD had been found in Iraq [...] would it be OK for them to keep disagreeing?
Yes, but I wouldn't neccessarily consider it to be the only honourable thing to do. If the majority of the populace — and particularly if a majority of Lib Dem voters — were to start supporting the war, why shouldn't the Lib Dem politicians do likewise?
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Date: 2007-02-20 04:47 pm (UTC)Then what's the problem? If somebody promises to hold a referendum and then gives one, there's no broken promises. If they promise to not hold a referendum and then does not give one; also no problem.
> But they haven't said that. They've said that if there's a majority vote for independence then they'll abide by it. I don't see where your problem lies.
The problem is that they've said "if there's a majority vote for independence, we'll abide by it", followed by "we're not going to allow any vote to take place". That's the political equivalent of "if you want some cake, just ask me", followed by the sticking of fingers in ears.
> if WMD had been found in Iraq [...] would it be OK for them to keep disagreeing?
Yes, but I wouldn't neccessarily consider it to be the only honourable thing to do. If the majority of the populace — and particularly if a majority of Lib Dem voters — were to start supporting the war, why shouldn't the Lib Dem politicians do likewise?