“The paper that has come out is a consultative paper and we will be discussing it...”
#BBCQT Audience Member Contribution
THE Growth Commission is not an unyielding blueprint telling you that the discussion about Scotland's future is going to end. It was produced to provide the basis for further engagement and debate with all of those interested in shaping the best possible policy framework for Scotland.
If we are to progress as an independent nation the people of Scotland must be willing to debate – not argue – with ourselves or anyone who is willing to take the time to exchange information.
For those who decry the Growth Commission and are opposed to it, then let's begin the conversations about it. The frightening world of the British Media today no longer sees a difference of opinion, but instead, just one point of view that cannot be challenged lest you be called "Enemies of the People".
On BBC Question Time, Tory MP Kwasi Kwarteng showed this tactic when attacking the Growth Commission, stating “Scotland would have to make public expenditure reductions and keep the pound”, and when challenged he admitted he had not even read the full report. Of course it’s important to highlight that in 2014 the key argument from Better Together was that we couldn’t use the pound, and now in 2018 Unionists argue that we would need to keep the pound.
The stark reality is that Labour and Conservatives do not want debate – they want obedience. They insult and attack without the basis of information or facts to discourage people from being informed because they do not want anyone to question their idea of "national identity".
It is also key to remember that Ruth Davidson and Richard Leonard are not political leaders in Scotland. They are 'mouth pieces', 'puppets', 'fronts' for their actual party leaders down in Westminster. In essence the only word to describe Labour and Conservatives in Scotland is obstructionist.
The Tories and Labour obstructionists are still dispensing their limited, single talent of trying to shut down any conversation about Scotland making decisions. If the Scottish Parliament is not making their rich donors richer, then these 'appointees' do not want the public to be informed about the potential of Scotland having full economic controls sitting with Holyrood.
In contrast, the First Minister has announced a series of public National Councils across Scotland to debate the Growth Commission and that the SNP depute leader will chair these debates. If I am elected as SNP depute leader, I hope that much of the work produced could be of value to the debate on governing Scotland in advance of the future independence referendum.
Together we will seek to debate and provide a strategy for the future, to assist the people who choose to make their lives in Scotland and to determine the best route forward for our economy and society.
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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.
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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
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