THE name Wagner now means more than a stirring opera. Thanks to David Pratt (We should not underestimate the importance of crisis in Sudan), Wednesday’s National once again focuses on issues beyond the petty political squabbles that fill the Tory-run tabloids. Private armies such as the Wagner Group, currently on hire to Putin, require financing.
READ MORE: Chris Law: Now's the time to work with the world on independence
As is the case in Sudan, with the aid of corrupt political leaders, the plundering of vital mineral resources upon which today’s modern society depends is one favoured means. For the moment most of the world’s armies are under sane democratic control and financed by willing taxpayers. There have been exceptions – not all UK taxpayers supported Blair’s Iraq war.
The world’s wealth is circling into fewer hands. How long before they graduate from bodyguards to hiring a private army to protect their interests?
Heartily sick of the Union Jack, most of the world is on our side. The time is ripe, let democracy prevail.
Iain R Thomson
Strathglass
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 The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.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 here