The Scottish Government

221. MK - Glasgow
Sunday, November 4, 2007 12:37

Quite!

Britain and Eire within the EU are a good model for how Scotland could work with her nearest neighbours.

We haven't the slightest interest in what the Irish get up to domestically, we cross their border without a thought.

Ihere are no Al Qaeda attacks on Dublin as the former Home Secretary warned, at last year's Labour in Scotland party conference, would befall Scotland if we should choose to take responsibilty for our own affairs.

Families keep in touch and visit as they do everywhere else across the Atlantic Archipelago.

The RAF patrol the skies over the Irish Sea and the North Atlantic with the full agreement and co-operation of Dublin.

So inspite of having shed blood within living memory to retain the Irish as part of the UK, and some strong residual individual anti-Brit animosity, at every level the Irish get along fine with 'Auntie Britannia' across the water.

Perhaps some unionist might enlighten me as to why the Scots should be any different?

Let's just get on with a referrendum, let the people speak and then go with the decision, whatever it turns out to be.

204. John Findlay - Glasgow

"Only 31% of Scots want independence. Majority rules. 69% want to remain as we are."

Assuming the statistics you're citing are from the numerous three - option polls giving a choice between independence, "more powers" and the status quo, only a fraction of the 69% who don't appear to favour independence are content with the powers the Scottish Parliament currently has, probably between 10% and 20%, and some of the 69% wish to revert to direct rule from London. The overwhelming majority are in favour of greater powers.

That these increased powers are undefined in my mind undermines these figures. "More powers" could mean just about anything, but what the Unionist parties envisage remains to be seen. Would all those who indicate a preference for more powers be satisfied with what's proposed, or would a percentage of them decide, in the event of a three-option referendum, that whatever arrangement is suggested falls short of their ambitions, and vote for independence?

There have also been polls carried out which give a straight choice between independence and the status quo. These polls have consistently indicated a majority in favour of independence. They aren't usually publicised as much as the three-option polls.

SCOTLAND waken up and smell the coffee
independence is the future
the unionists had their chance
and did nowt
housing and fair pay
not Gordons nuclear bombs

If Scotland gets her "Independence" from the big bad English people, will that mean the Bay city rollers would reform? because as we all know music died when they split up. Does it also mean that the young Jimmy Shand would be the director of music.
These important questions must be answered, as for too long we have been forced to listen to nasty English music, like the Spice girls, led zep., the Beatles, rolling Stones pink floyd, etc.,Surely a corrupting influence on the Scottish younger generation. What I would really like to know is how would you market the real strong points in Scotland like domestic violence and alcoholism. Surely there is an export market for these commodities?And as for the nuclear position, what is the matter with you independence espousers. Nuclear is good, just ask the people of Chernobyl, didn't they all get new houses, which would have made them really happy.
Yes I am in favour of Scotland becoming another state of America, as the benefits of supersizing big macs, would be a great asset to the economy. Also ex pats like myself and big Sean, have absolutely no right at all to make comments, because we do not live there. And hey if I was really rich there is no way I would give any money to any politician, because believe it folks they are all a load of nest featherers, who are trying to con you in to thinking that they are well meaning.Fir Park rules.

In response to Malcolm of Glasgow, I believe that the SNP and my party should regard the noble demand for independence to be a pre-decision-making negotiating stance. It is likely that when Scottish and English nationalists sit down to agree an appropriate arrangement within the islands of the British Isles, something less than absolute independence will emerge. But it is vital that Unionists, with their presuppositions, be excluded from this process.

In responce to Kevpb

I must say that I find your comparison of my pro-British views to Nazi rants somewhat amusing. However i'm not sure if my opinions would have made one of the Nuremburg rallies.

Could I just ask, in what ways are my 'rants' similar to those of the Nazi's?

Being serious now, making such comments is childish. Just because someone has different views to you does not give you the right to be insulting.

I could easily say that you are anti-English just because your pro-independence - although I have no doubt that you are not.

In making such comments all you are dong is undermining the integrity of your own argument.

Cheers

Craig

The first person to convince me of the inevitability of Scottish Independence was Tam Dalyell. Before his "West Lothian Question" and his fierce, impassioned and intelligent camapiagning against a Scottish Parliament I only aspired to a free country, I did not expect it.
I now expect it. Dalyell was right, devolution is "a motorway to Independence with no exits".
Unlike Tam, I eagerly await that happening.

"Sir" Sean, why did you accept a UK honour and become a Knight of the BRITISH Empire if you oppose the Union itself?

Sounds like hypocrisy to me, just like the increase of 1,000 police officers that the SNP have lied to us about.

Let's have a national conversation WITHOUT hypocrisy.

After having been out of Scotland for 50 years, I returned in 2005 to find my hometown in a mess. Little had improved it seemed to me over those 50 years. Yes, a leisure centre, a sometimes swimming pool. But the Broch seems to be the 'forgotten corner' - no more railway there and precious little tourism. Too much drinking on the streets and loutish vandalism. And the fishing industry a convoluted garble that was too difficult to follow. Not even a really decent local newspaper. Some of that has been changing lately I will say, thankfully. There is less vandalism, less racism heard, and a couple more policemen driving around. The reason I voted SNP is many-fold: I listened o BBCRadio 4 practically round the clock and began to realize that England is absolutely the main country in this foursome - in their own eyes. One could hear nuances daily.
I believe that a separated Scotland would be far easier to govern; problems could be recognized and sorted more efficiently; a fair income tax system could be possible, being no longer a part of London City; I do believe in a strong central government, with lesser powers to the 'shires'. And I do believe in elected mayors who have a deal of responsibility and accountability to their towns and cities. I cannot figure out who is the 'boss' in the Broch - who is the accountable person taking responsibility for a thriving town. It is simply too ancient a place not to have gotten things right yet! Education would be easier to deal with; the medical system would be easier to deal with; and the economy would be easier to deal with were the country of Scotland at last be on its own feet. All around the world people love us you know, even if they are just tickled about our men in skirts. And look at the huge number of events which are aided and abetted with a Pipe Band! With a strong central government at the helm, this country could really develop its brainy people, its businesses and its health care to the highest levels. As for the E.U., if we are joined up to a Club, ok, then, let's join. But let's steer clear of another boss or bosses who act in their own favour; we've had that for centuries. I heard a radio interview from Edinburgh, I believe, in which one of the men interviewed mentioned the large number of strong economic brains the SNP has backing it - and I think our popular Alex Salmond should grab one or two to accompany him everywhere he goes before the world comes to think that the SNP is a one-horse pony. Blessings and congratulations, Alex, and all you hard-workig SNP people. And certainly not to forget Alex's great wife Moira for her steadiness and charm and common sense.
A couple of ideas (in my own interest I guess): find a system of charging road tax by usage, not size of engine. I hardly drive much at all and do resent having to pay the same road tax as those who may be travelling into the City every day for work. Couldn't mileage be recorded each year at M.O.T. time and charged on a scale of mileage?
And council properties should be properly inspected for leakage and poor insulatio in these times of global warming worries and high energy costs. For example, my house is okay on right and left sides, joined onto other properties, but the back - kitchen area doesn't seem to have much in the way of insulation. Open any cupboard door to get a blast of cold air! Now I am paying for this, to the tune of £90 per month, even though I don't run a full size cooker, a washing machine or drier, nor dishwasher, nor TV set. The storage heaters need looking into, seriously because they are either on or off, so i sweat or freeze.It's really great to have a council house available upon my return, after a year of waiting, but I would have expected some sign of inspections regarding energy-savings to happen by now. There is something a strong central government could deal with and ensure it happened. We have a helluva lot of staff at the Aberdeenshire Council, most of whom seem to be intersted in doing a good job; but then there are the rest...Same thing happens in the provincial governments out in Canada; they sometimes forget that they are provincial public servants and get techy about the Federal Government in Ottawa sorting them out. Well, sometimes it is necessary to sort out the local 'rulers'. Re nuclear: I would always vote for a ban on all things nuclear; a nuclear war cannot be won! nuclear waste can't be made to disappear and it is poisonous. End of that story. I once knew a fellow who was Ukranian and was part of the clean up crew right after Chernobyl - he wouldn't even talk about it - EVER. His rage and sadness were too great. He is now in Canada, supporting half a dozen relatives in Ukraine.
I'd be a lot tougher on speedsters; one infraction of driving (anywhere, anytime) of 15 miles over the posted limit would equal a year's loss of licence. Tough luck. And I would name and shame all those caught using or dealing drugs - their names should be in the paper as soon as they are found guilty. But not before. What a handy reference list this would make for moms and dads! These are awful problems; they need awesome penalties. And a yellow school bus system - why I couldn't get past all the traffic parked in a half-ass way around the local schools moms driving the young ones to school. If they must be driven would not school buses make much more sense? And save gasoline into the bargain. And provide jobs for drivers and wardens. And let's have parents in for a good stiff talking to if their child persistently turns up without their homework done; and perhaps prizes for all the kids who are consistently good about doing homework. Maybe they would be more willing if it were properly explained to them WHY homework is important. It was never explained to me, but a skelpit bottom was in it for me being delinquent.
A great word of praise must be given for all the precious volunteers and fund raisers for charitiess, beach cleaning, and other tasks. The Broch is chock full of these good people as is obvious to a returning Scot. Away more than in Canada, that's for sure. More should be made of this wonderful gift of people helping people. Annual awards or something. Published lists across the country. I'll shut up now.