Respiro, Respiro

While we wait for the result of today’s vote here’s a little light entertainment.

I smile each time I watch it and I’ve viewed it a few times. Do hope you smile too.

Tweet

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.

Tweet

The Invasion and A Couple of Worthwhile Reads

Interesting times aren’t they?  Yesterday, in a token gesture to Scotland, the Saltire was raised over 10 Downing Street.  I believe it is to stay in place until after the referendum.  How happy I am to see such benevolence from London. Do I feel patronised?  Of course not.

Yet more excitement today! We are to be blessed with a visit from David Cameron, Ed Miliband and Nick Clegg in an attempt to save us from ourselves.   I say blessed because their decision to grace us with a few hours of their time will be a good boost to the Yes Campaign.

When I first heard the news I thought ‘how condescending of them’, but later I realised Westminster politicians really are clueless about how us Scots tick.  If they did have any idea they would know that such a show of unionist unity is the last thing the No Campaign need at this moment.  But, as most people are aware, the quality of MSP from the unionist parties in Holyrood is poor, very poor, and I suppose they’ll be delighted to have their masters visit in the hope it will boost their cause.  I hae ma doots.  Be prepared for the media to be overflowing with reports about the London heir bummers’ visit to our country and don’t forget to smile at their ignorance (or should that be arrogance?)

More importantly: 

The other day I found this very interesting ebook Scotland’s Decision published by the Hunter Foundation.

It’s lengthy but worth reading.  If you’re short of time at least read the conclusions.  Pass it to anyone who perhaps is undecided.

Also Jim, one of my readers, has suggested I republish the leading article in yesterday's Scottish Review.  Unfortunately I can do that owing to copyright rules but you can read it here.  Thanks for the prompt Jim.

As an attempt to show balance in the debate, I was sent a copy of a blog article entitled Do the Scots know what they’re doing?  You can read it here. It’s always healthy to read an outsider’s view, although it’s very obvious Mr Boot has never spent any time in Northern Britain.

Tweet

Unhappy 'No' Campaigners

It appears the Yes campaigners, in particular Willie Rennie of the Libdems, aren't too happy with Martin Sime, the chief executive of the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations. Mr Sime dated to read an email from the Scottish Government, in which mention was made of a second referendum question.

Recently it was reported that the SCVO, which is campaigning for greater devolution, said a poll it had organised found 56% of voters wanted a second question on more 

powers at the referendum. The No campaign won't discuss the possibility of having a second question as they don't want all opinions to be considered - only their own for the status quo.

Willie Rennie ‏@willie_rennie

SCVO Chief Exec Martin Sime should go. He sought to undermine Better Together launch + now has been caught plotting with SNP adviser.

Expand

•  Reply 
 
•  Retweet 
 
•  Favorite

George Foulkes is so incensed he even accuses one of his ex-leaders of being in cahoots with Alex Salmond.

Henry McLeish appears to me to be one of the few unionists who is prepared to listen to all sides of the debate and given much thought to the independence question. The Yes campaign should be grateful he's on their side, but George Foulkes certainly isn't pleased.

George Foulkes ‏@GeorgeFoulkes

@willie_rennie Salmond has been secretly encouraging the "Devo Max" campaign using pawns like Sime & McLeish because he fears Indy will lose

Expand

•  Reply 
•  Retweet 
•  Favorite

Mr Foulkes has shown - perhaps inadvertently - all is not well in the No camp.  Who'd have thought it?

Tweet

Our Public Duty

On Tuesday I received this self-explanatory email:

Dear Subrosa,

            I am not sure whether you might wish to remind your readers that the closing date for responses to the (not very well publicised) Scotland Office consultation paper on the Scottish referendum is this Friday 9^thMarch. Details of the consultation are the Scotland Office website.

I think it is important that ordinary people who are not members of a political party also contribute, as well as the politicians and other interest groups who have the resources to make their views known.

I attach a copy of my own proposed response. I would really like the idea of a Royal Commission to consider options for government of the United Kingdom to be debated, but I am not sure how to kick this off or whether there is likely to be any support. I find it ironic that DFID quite rightly spends a significant amount of the aid programme on “Good Government” yet when it comes to Britain the government seems reluctant to adopt a logical structured, approach to governance.

With best wishes,

Yours sincerely,

James Aitken

Can I ask, if you consider a Royal Commission would be the most appropriate manner in which to achieve opinion and transparency in this important subject, could you please leave your thoughts in the comments.

I, for one, think a Royal Commission would be an excellent platform.

Tweet

BBC Biased? You Bet!

The much 'treasured' BBC Scotland - on the command of their London superiors no doubt - has decided to terminate the broadcasting of Newsweek Scotland after more than 30 years on air.

The unbiased presenter, Derek Bateman, announced this on his blog the other day and I hope he will receive much support against the decisions of his masters but I would think he is loyal enough to realise that if his programme is to be taken off the air, then what voice does BBC Scotland have, other than BBC Alba.

For those of you who cannot access Facebook (or have no wish to do so) Derek Bateman suggests the following is the best option for complaints:

Phone the BBC on 03700100222. Option 1 then 3 (I assume he means the keypad business) then complain.  Vital to your complaint is asking for a written reply.

The BBC has a blatant objection to providing a balanced debate concerning Scottish independence and regardless of political affiliations, people should abhor their strategy.

If that wasn't enough evidence then Lesley Riddoch's latest tweet says it all:

LesleyRiddoch Lesley Riddoch 

Update. Newsnight Referendum Special 10.35pm BBC1 25th Jan & R Scotland MW & online. N Sturgeon (not Lec) M.Moore, J. Lamont & me #indyref

I presume she is chairing the event, she doesn't say and although she admits to being against independence for Scotland, as a chairperson she is always impartial.  However, for the BBC to broadcast a programme about the referendum without having some person - or more - from the 'undecided' to be on her list, shows the BBC's contempt for Scotland.

My phone call wasn't well received - in fact the telephonist was surly and that's being polite. But don't let that deter you, phone them and don't forget to ask for a written reply. If my experience is anything to go by you may have to repeat your address several times (something with which I seldom have problems) but I don't be put off. I know you wasn't!

Update:  Lesley says she's on the panel so it's a 4 to 1 debate.  How insulting to Scotland.

Tweet

Is Alex Salmond Basking In Glory?

Alex Salmond's year is ending on a high note. Since 5 May, when he managed the unimaginable, he has shown the governance of Scotland is in safe hands. It's little wonder his followers are thoroughly delighted with their leader's anointment as Briton of the Year by The Times - and rightly so. Hopefully The Times uses the title Briton in a modern context and not in the historical one I was taught at school - 'an inhabitant of southern Britain prior to the Anglo-Saxon invasions'.

To further enhance Mr Salmond's status in the UK political scene, Jonathan Freedland's article in the Guardian is astonishingly flattering and even accurate in part and Reform Scotland's latest poll, although it should be taken with a very large pinch of salt given its credentials, can only increase the SNP leader's public profile.

Most of the accolades paid to Mr Salmond are old news, which brings me to wonder why the unionist press has so suddenly decided to praise instead of pillory him for his separatist agenda. Joyce McMillan has a few thoughts.

Like the Burd I too feel much of what has been written recently in the MSM has a vaguely condescending tone, but that doesn't dampen my respect for the man. He deserves every credit for bringing Scotland to the notice of the international community; not just as a country that is proud to wear tartan and eat haggis, but as a nation that has a distinct heritage and culture. The Burd also expresses my slight concern regarding the economic case for an independent Scotland, but I tend to bury my head in the sand about it, because how many independent countries in recent times have returned to their previous lords and masters because they're broke? 

The SNP has struggled for decades to be acknowledged as a mainstream political party, but where I disagree with the Burd is when she states that awards such as the Times has bestowed does Scotland no good.  I tend to believe in the 'there's no such thing as bad publicity' idiom as far as politics is concerned, but again I wonder why Westminster based media hacks are so intent upon praising Scotland's First Minister.

I cannot ignore the fact that Alex Salmond holds the position he does because of his colleagues. The SNP administration, both past and present, are a credit to their principles and beliefs. To show the party is 'in tune' with the people he allows the odd MP/MSP to voice their own opinions - such as John Mason's thoughts on gay marriage - but there's no doubt Mr Salmond runs a tight team and for that he can be applauded.  Not all SNP members - or SNP supporters -defend his vision for Scotland or all his policies, but they're discerning enough to realise dissent, when the aim is to handle our own affairs, is foolish.

Will the leader of the SNP be basking in glory?  No - or at least I hope not. He's a formidable politician who is respected or even feared by many in the UK's unionist political arena. They mess with him or his colleagues in the cabinet at their peril is the message that has finally been heard by the UK government.

Alex Salmond knows he isn't where he is today without the work of thousands over the years. As 2012 approaches he'll keep his powder dry until he knows the time is right to ask the Scots' opinion in a referendum, but meanwhile, is it too much to ask for a review of the SNP's EU policy, a warts and all look at why some schools are failing our children and why we are training medics when we know many will be unable to find work here?

Tweet