LIKE a lot of readers I spent the referendum, and subsequent elections, tirelessly knocking doors and speaking to people trying to convince them that independence wasn’t just about flag-waving, blood and soil nationalism and a love of William Wallace. So, you can imagine my disappointment and frustration when I saw that Hope over Fear are planning on showing Braveheart in George Square at their next rally.
What this does for the independence cause, other than signalling to people that the Unionist smears and stereotypes of independence supporters have been right all along, is beyond me. Marches and rallies absolutely have their place in the movement for connecting like-minded people and demonstrating that the appetite for independence has not gone away, but in this case it feels like more harm will be done than good, as this will just perpetuate the negative myths about our movement.
If people really want independence they need to get serious about it and stop playing into our opponents' hands. This is not how we win.
Jack O’Neil
Convener of YSI North East
READ MORE: Row over Braveheart screening at Yes rally
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel