These people will insist that they are not putting party before country. But what else can it be called when they choose to ignore both the past failure of the SNP to progress Scotland's cause and its stated intention to betray that cause?
The hope to which I cling despite all Humza Yousaf's efforts to discourage me is that the Yes movement might unite sufficiently to be a force the SNP leadership cannot disregard. Despite having no reason to do so, I continue to hope that influential people within the SNP will join this effort to get the SNP back to being the 'party of independence'.
Richard Walker is correct when he says his column in The National today is not "a plea to “wheesht for indy” to disguise some fundamental differences in approaches and ambitions". It is worse. It is a plea to dutifully cheer the SNP and its approved affiliates at all times. It is a plea, not just … Continue reading Only expletives are heard
Richard Walker suggests an alternative to GERS is needed in order to 'make the case' for independence. In fact, an alternative to GERS is useful only if you want an endless, pointless, fruitless debate about economics. If you are focused on the constitutional issue, however, it could only be a debilitating distraction. Go ahead! Produce … Continue reading The unused power of hindsight
The notion that the police operation is excessive is being encouraged solely as a diversion and as a means of preparing a scapegoat should matters develop in ways some will regard as unfortunate.
Richard Walker is deservedly respected as a journalist and as one of the leading figures responsible for the launch of The National and Sunday National. I know a lot of people find fault with these newspapers. But whatever their flaws, they provide a mainstream media platform for Scotland's cause. The value of this is inestimable. … Continue reading Feet of clay
In common with innumerable other commentators, Richard Walker portrays the British government as having no respect for democracy. He is, of course, perfectly justified in doing so. The catalogue of reasons for stating that the British government has no regard for democratic principles and that the latest iteration of British Nationalism is overtly anti-democratic, need … Continue reading Double the thinking! Half the sense!
Richard Walker isn't angry. And he doesn't want you to be angry, either. At least, not so as anybody would know. It's understandable that you might be angry. Your anger is justified. But if you want to be accepted as a genuine independence activist then you must not let that anger show. Inwardly, you may … Continue reading Are you angry yet?
Again! The 'recruiting sergeant' myth trotted out with casual disregard for the facts. There is no measurable recruiting sergeant effect. We have gone through a period since the 2014 referendum when those supposed recruiting sergeants for Scotland's cause have been working very hard indeed. Quite remarkably hard, in fact. And what has been the product … Continue reading Blurring the picture
I like to think of myself as one of the 'Yes bloggers' hated with such spittle-flecked fervour by the likes of Pete Wishart. I reckon I can fairly claim to be a dissenting voice within Scotland's independence movement. I would never presume to be representative of all dissent within the Yes movement. I speak only … Continue reading Dissenting voices and cloth ears
Peter A Bell 