Behold! The latest attempt to set up the Scottish Independence Convention (SIC) as the ‘official’ umbrella group for the Yes movement. All credit to Common Weal director Robin MacAlpine for his persistence. Congratulations also go to Max Wiesznewski (formerly of Common Weal), who seems to be in charge of this scheme to impose a management structure on the Yes movement.
Which is not the same thing as taking control, of course. However much it may look that way, we should not be deceived into thinking that waddling, quacking thing is a duck. Just because SIC/Common Weal is talking about setting up offices and employing staff, we shouldn’t take this to mean they intend to run the Yes movement. When they talk of “getting on the front foot with the media” we shouldn’t take this to mean that they plan on presenting themselves as the ‘official’ voice of the Yes movement. When they talk of providing a “strategic vision for the Yes campaign” we mustn’t assume that vision will tend to align with that of a particular group.
It’ll be fine!
If you’re concerned about the grassroots Yes movement being transformed into a hierarchical organisation, don’t be! I’m sure that’s not what’s intended at all. If you’re worried about the possibility of SIC/Common Weal harnessing the power of the Yes movement to a narrow policy agenda, relax! There’s a distinct possibility that won’t happen.
If you’re apprehensive about SIC/Common Weal diverting resources from the de facto political arm of the independence movement – the SNP – fear not! There’s a fair chance somebody is looking at that issue.
If you are in the slightest bit dubious about the motives of those setting themselves up as ‘leaders’ of the Yes movement, set aside those doubts and suspicions right away. Just look at the individuals and groups who have already signed up for whatever this turns out to be. The unity card has been played. You’ve been trumped.
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Peter A Bell 
Determined to snatch defeat for the Yes movement from the jaws of victory.
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I do try NOT to be paranoid or a conspiracy theorist, I really do. BUT (there’s always a ‘but’) it would be stupid not to think that a movement that would “split the UK” would not have secret service people embedded in the movement from its early days. Call them what you like (“Moles” or “Agent provocateurs”) but I’m convinced they will be there.
So, why should I NOT be suspicious of any individual or group that purports to be a YES supporter, but whose actions actually undermine that very cause?
Paranoid rant over.
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Such determination to lose everything. Of course they want to get control of all the funds, I seem to remember some suggestion that the SNP should give them their money.
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