What!? We can only restore Scotland's independence with the approval of the European Commission, NATO and the White House now!? It was bad enough that we had to satisfy the British ruling elite of our worthiness. Now we have this lot to contend with as well!
Alternatively, we can go our own way and just deal with the foibles, whims and tantrums of the 'major powers' on a day-to-day basis like everybody else does.
Hi Peter, perhaps I could have been clearer. I am arguing that the outgoing SNP leadership has been deterred by the conflicts and disruptions that independence brings about with these institutions. Am arguing that any serious attempt at independence would have to overcome that.
My comment was ever-so slightly tongue-in-cheek, Jonathon. But it is a point worth making, I think, that if we are not prepared to face such challenges then we can hardly claim to be prepared for independence. And we must be ready to accept that not all of these "conflicts and disruptions" will be resolved. They are a feature of human existence.
Most of all, and as with all the other policy issues, we must not allow the idea to develop that all of these things need to be resolved to everyone's satisfaction before we can 'qualify' for independence. That, unfortunately, is where the opponents of independence inevitably take any debate about any policy.
The UN Declaration on the granting of independence to colonial countries and peoples 1514(3) states that problems can never be permitted to become excuses for disregarding the will of the people.
"Inadequacy of political, economic, social or educational preparedness should never serve as a pretext for delaying independence."
When the people say Yes, that is an end of the matter. The apparatus of the democratic state is then charged with making it work.
Fair comment. This piece is really an attempt to sketch some of the broad outlines which I think are central to the present circumstances. Will look at some of the issues in more detail. If you look through the archive you will find specific editions which provide in-depth analyses of foreign policy, currency, corporate lobbying and so on.
A difficult read in that it is both intellectually challenging and a stark descriptor of current reality.
One area of the SNP's current state which needs to be put under the microscope is the make up, role and power of the NEC.
This power structure has caused a disconnect between the ordinary members (who were the decision makers) and the elected members in WM and Holyrood. The resignation of several high profile members in recent times seems to have gone largely uninvestigated. Why?
What!? We can only restore Scotland's independence with the approval of the European Commission, NATO and the White House now!? It was bad enough that we had to satisfy the British ruling elite of our worthiness. Now we have this lot to contend with as well!
Alternatively, we can go our own way and just deal with the foibles, whims and tantrums of the 'major powers' on a day-to-day basis like everybody else does.
Hi Peter, perhaps I could have been clearer. I am arguing that the outgoing SNP leadership has been deterred by the conflicts and disruptions that independence brings about with these institutions. Am arguing that any serious attempt at independence would have to overcome that.
My comment was ever-so slightly tongue-in-cheek, Jonathon. But it is a point worth making, I think, that if we are not prepared to face such challenges then we can hardly claim to be prepared for independence. And we must be ready to accept that not all of these "conflicts and disruptions" will be resolved. They are a feature of human existence.
Most of all, and as with all the other policy issues, we must not allow the idea to develop that all of these things need to be resolved to everyone's satisfaction before we can 'qualify' for independence. That, unfortunately, is where the opponents of independence inevitably take any debate about any policy.
The UN Declaration on the granting of independence to colonial countries and peoples 1514(3) states that problems can never be permitted to become excuses for disregarding the will of the people.
"Inadequacy of political, economic, social or educational preparedness should never serve as a pretext for delaying independence."
When the people say Yes, that is an end of the matter. The apparatus of the democratic state is then charged with making it work.
well written but too broad for me, the devil is in the detail
Fair comment. This piece is really an attempt to sketch some of the broad outlines which I think are central to the present circumstances. Will look at some of the issues in more detail. If you look through the archive you will find specific editions which provide in-depth analyses of foreign policy, currency, corporate lobbying and so on.
A fascinating, incisive and enlightening piece, as ever. Thanks Jonathon!
Yes, clear sighted
and essential reading. Thank you.
A good piece , hard to take and a good analysis but essential reading. Thank you
A difficult read in that it is both intellectually challenging and a stark descriptor of current reality.
One area of the SNP's current state which needs to be put under the microscope is the make up, role and power of the NEC.
This power structure has caused a disconnect between the ordinary members (who were the decision makers) and the elected members in WM and Holyrood. The resignation of several high profile members in recent times seems to have gone largely uninvestigated. Why?