Wednesday 17 September 2014

David v Goliath


Recently I’ve been commenting on Facebook saying the referendum battle looks more like a David and Goliath situation. The invasion of our masters from London, the dishonest ‘promises’ which will fade into the long grass if a No vote, watching the sickening spectacle of the three Westminster leaders agreeing with each other’s words - I could go on and on.

Unfortunately there has been some incidents locally which cause me to feel ashamed of the odd independence supporter. One happened to me last week in Dundee.  I was walking through the city centre with a friend, who is a businessman.  He employs people.  He was undecided and we’d been talking about that while walking along the Murraygate.

When we were passing a small group of Yes campaigners one youth leapt out of the group straight into our path. He roared in our faces, “Ye’ve goat tae vote Yes, Yes, Yes.”  Now I’m not someone who gets easily offended but I don’t like anyone yelling at me two inches from my nose.  My friend attempted a conversation. “Why should I vote Yes?” he asked.  “‘Cause them in London are cutting oor benefits,” was the reply. The conversation continued and I discovered this young man was 27 years of age, left school at 17 “because I didnae like it” and has never had a job.  When asked what kind of job he fancied the reply was, “Ah’m not wantin’ a job. Ah manage fine oan ma benefits and helpin’ ma pal oot wi’ his wee cash jobs now and again”.

When we finally managed to move on, my friend turned to me and said, “It’s a definite No from me now.”  Embarrassed, I couldn’t think of an appropriate reply.

I want a fairer country - one in which people are paid a wage equal to the level of their skills and achievements. A country which acknowledges those who take massive risks creating jobs and doesn’t pillory them for making profits.  Also, I want to see a country which is fair when spending our taxes on helping those in need.  Some would describe the young man we met as ‘vulnerable’ but he certainly was not. He wore quality clothing (I noticed his trainers which cost upwards of £100) and he knew the lifestyle he wanted - one courtesy of the taxpayer.

In an independent Scotland I would hope for a more comprehensive system which stops young people wasting their lives in this way.  One suggestion is the return of vocational schools and colleges.  All of us have the potential to be good at something and if young people are given the opportunity to learn a trade at a younger age (rather than the one-size-fits-all academic system we have at present), then this young man may have had a different outlook on life.  He may have been in work rather than standing on a street on a Thursday afternoon accosting passersby with his silly ‘speech’.

What will tomorrow bring?  I’ve become pessimistic in the past few days and can’t quite put my finger on the reason.  Maybe its because not one newspaper supports the independence cause and that disappoints me.  Maybe it’s the bribery and corruption behind closed doors that sickens me.

Alex Salmond has played his part admirably, along with Patrick Harvie and Denis Canavan to name a few.  It’s reported in the press that many people dislike Alex Salmond and that’s why they’re voting No. A rather pathetic reason really because surely Alex Salmond deserves respect for his political skill in handling the aggression of the Westminster army if not his policies.

Often this week I’ve been asked about the result.  The polls suggest neck and neck but I’ll stick my neck out and suggest it will be 48-52 against. That is a gut feeling and nothing else.  Let’s hope I’m wrong because this is the first and last time I will have a vote on the future of my own country.  If it does happen to be a Yes vote, we need to grow up quickly and shake off the entitlement attitude some possess. The old adage ‘a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work’ would be a good motto for starters.

A few days ago I read an article in which the author stated ‘it was brave to stick together’.  I disagreed.  Bravery is taking responsibility for your own actions and not depending upon others to make your decisions for you.

There is no doubt in my mind that one day Scotland will return to being an independent nation again.  It may not be tomorrow and I won’t be around to see it, but it will happen.  Let’s think positive.


28 comments:

Oldrightie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Oldrightie said...

Your post belies that vilified and loathed attitude to human activity. That of self determination for ones self and a successful work ethic, with rewards used to put back into society as one sees fit. Mostly in middle class, quiet and unheralded altruism. In essence, conservative values with a small "c".

Sadly these values are so hated by statist socialist people with their smug sense of entitlement to moral high ground, regardless of the means of getting there.

It seems to OR either vote will lead to a socialist dominated region. One with the dark shadow of a soviet style Brussels government.

lonegroover said...

Dear Subrosa,

As one who used to support the SNP in the 1970s I must say that the idea of supporting independence on the basis of Salmond's lies and deceits is truly frightening. We should know the "bottom line" in this deal, and one day from the actual vote we still don't.
To vote yes on that basis is reckless beyond belief in my opinion.
This independence "stooshie" (I cannot bring myself to describe it as a "debate") has altered forever my perception of what sort people populate our small country.
Whatever the vote tomorrow brings I'm afraid we will all be poorer for what has been going on over these last 2 years.
regards
John

Joe Public said...

FWIW, maybe the 'Yes' vote peaked a tad too soon.

Whatever the outcome, ½ the population of Scotland will be disappointed.

A significant number south of the border will be hoping for a 'Yes' vote, if only to 'rid' us of a 'liability'. More than the Scots, we're p1ssed off that cash and resources have been found as bribes for a 'No' vote.

Whatever happens, politicians will win tomorrow, and I guarantee that any 'new' intake will be no better than the current lot, or, the previous mob.

IMHO every penny spent by the RUK on this referendum in which 'we' are denied a vote, is wasted.

Rant over. Until tomorrow.

Elby the Beserk said...

"The invasion of our masters from London"

Well, yes, but courtesy of the West Lothian question, that works both ways; for example, this English conservative with a small "c" was denied his party getting an outright majority thanks to 41 Labour MPs from a country which already has its own parliament.

How does that work?

Joe Public said...

Obo nails it.

http://obotheclown.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/hoots-mon-indyref.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Be aware though, his 'auto-correct' dictionary is the Profanisaurus.

Joe Public said...

And Anna has a piece that is well worth considering:-

http://annaraccoon.com/2014/09/17/the-end-of-the-world-is-nigh/comment-page-1/#comment-50030

Antisthenes said...

I very much agree with your aspirations but you live in Scotland and which ever way the vote goes you are not going to see them realised. After all your country is mired neck deep in socialism and not the Nordic kind where at least they encourage profit making to pay for it where as SNP, Labour and all the other lefties there do not.

Hamish said...

Like you, Rosie, I am feeling slightly pessimistic this morning.
Previously I was fairly confident that we Scots would grasp this opportunity with both hands, the opportunity to create a fresh Scotland in keeping with our traditional values, some good some bad, some shared with the English some different.
Like you I deplore the intimidatory behaviour of some Yes supporters. It is so obviously counter-productive that |I am almost tempted to believe the conspiracy theory that it is a false flag operation.
What appals me more is the degree of external interference in this referendum. They all say of course this is a matter for the citizens of Scotland but they go on to try to influence the outcome.
Worst of all is the current UK government. By any standards, including the United Nations charter, they should be scrupulously impartial.

Do vote Rosie, who knows.

Dan said...

To be honest, a yes vote might actually do a hell of a lot of good. Firstly, it would give us a quick back door out of the EU, and would forment revolt in other countries of the EU.

Secondly, it would educate the nationalistic plonkers in where their benefits actually come from, when said benefits get cut to the bone to help build a strong economy.

Thirdly, if as I suspect the new Peoples' Republic of Jockistan turns first into a Socialist paradise then into a hell of their own making, it may educate the voters of the folly of voting for leftie morons.

Finally, it'll be entertainment for we little Englanders.

Disenfranchised of Buckingham said...

Exactly Elby. 13 year of Blair/Brown and now complaints that sanity has returned.

JRB said...

One more sleep till the votes are cast.

It has been highly encouraging to see so many people across the generations in Scotland engaged in discussion and debate about our future.

Sadly and all too often, it has been an acrimonious and unpleasant campaign, of which neither side should be proud.

I fear much of the vitriol has been fuelled by politicians fearful for their own individual careers; an oft irresponsible press and media and further compounded by the shield of anonymity offered by modern on-line social media which has added to the excesses of some contributors.

However, whatever the outcome I hope we can all return to some semblance of community and togetherness – you may call it socialism with a small ‘s’ if you so wish; or a Christian ethic or whatever ethic you have – but it has been a Scottish characteristic throughout time and I hope it continues for a very long time to come.

After all is said and done we are a’ just Jock Tamson’s bairns

JimS said...

My aunty was a hospital matron of the 'old school', she is as sharp as a box of knives.
She is probably older and most definitely wiser than anyone who posts here.
She says vote "No".

Tcheuchter said...

About 30 years ago a wise Lochaber man when explaining to an English reporter why he and many highlanders were against the separation said "Westminster just ignores us; Edinburgh hates us".

I believe there is truth in his comment.

carol42 said...

At least you get a vote on the future of your country. I was born in Glasgow and spent most of my life there as my family still do. I live in England now so have no say while recent and sometimes even temporary residents do. I think it will be a no, and by more than the polls predict but I also think England has woken up to how much the devolution settlement disadvantages them and will not except even more without real constitutional changes.

subrosa said...

OR. I thought my post supported the points you make, but I apologise if it didn’t translate in that way to you.

subrosa said...

John, sorry you feel that way. As I say I consider Salmond to be one of the best politicians the UK have at the moment.

Are you suggesting all other politicians involved in the debate are honest, upright and open individuals?

Perhaps you’re allowing your dislike of Salmond to cloud your judgement because there are many more involved in the Yes campaign.

subrosa said...

Feeling better now Joe? Hope so. :D

subrosa said...

Ah Elby, just a wee point. Scottish MPs actually ‘work’ in London. They don’t visit London for an away day trip. I doubt if many of those who walked Buchanan Street had ever crossed the border in their lives.

subrosa said...

Thanks for the links Joe.

subrosa said...

Antisthenes, as you’ll gather it’s my hope that this country eventually achieve a balance.

subrosa said...

Oh I will vote Hamish. I’ve been waiting for this day all my adult life. Alsi I’ll be taking a black ballpoint pen with me to the polling station. ;)

subrosa said...

Thanks for your comment Dan. Some interesting points there.

subrosa said...

On a lighter note JRB, I was in the company of a person who lives in Ayrshire. One of her remarks was that she would miss all the street activity which she found delightful. There’s been none in this area so I haven’t witnessed much unless I’ve been in Dundee or Perth, but what I did see was entertaining.

Slàinte.

subrosa said...

JimS, I have a friend who was also a Matron and she’s also as sharp as a bag of knives. She’s voting Yes.

I wouldn’t like to suggest you’re insulting my readers of course, but I would have preferred if you’d left out your incorrect assumption of them.

subrosa said...

Tcheutcher, I’m not a Highlander, but I’ve learned quite a bit from the likes of JRB who lives much further north. I think he would agree in part.

subrosa said...

I have close family in a similar situation to yourself carol42.

Where should the line be drawn about who votes? The law states who does. The only way to change that is, we are told, by voting in elections. We don’t have much choice in the UK.

Clarinda said...

Hi Subrosa - haven't commented for a while but still keep reading your blog!

I too am of the 'old school' NHS but the younger version (70s) which developed critical thinking and a willingness to change for the best interests of the patient .... unlike the 'old-old school' who tended only to be able to function on what was always done (possibly for decades) despite much better methods and information available.

One of my colleagues proposed her PhD thesis along the lines of 'Why do people persist in activities they know to be wrong'!

Many do not wish to have their comfort blankets replaced with duvets. Fair enough - but when this tolerance to the status quo or the stagnant quagmire, as I prefer, and it has direct disadvantages to others it must be challenged. Uncomfortable perhaps but necessary to effect improvement for the right reasons.

On my way to vote today I passed two signs placed very close to each other - on the left "Vote YES for a better Scotland" on the right "No Thanks" - the irony didn't pass me by.

Was your friend that really undecided if it only took one idiot to convince them to make a serious decision?

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