I READ that fowk are getting scunnered with the anti-SNP content in The National. This only proves the steady judgement of the leadership of the paper, but I am slightly concerned that the photograph of the editor will soon be changed to one with grey hair as the debate sharpens.
It is at the very least odd that the critics of the SNP are disenchanted enthusiasts. I am a Green and hope that my party, though pro-independence, keeps at arm’s length so it can use the maximum leverage towards co-operative policies protecting the planet.
Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh has been keen in her criticism, and is of course from Alba though once in the SNP. Joanna Cherry is a thorn in the flank of Westminster and also critical. She is no longer welcome in the inner sanctum of the SNP but writes for The National.
READ MORE: Pandemic is no excuse for forelock-tugging attitude of the SNP leadership
The great Alex Salmond is saying little, understandably given recent history. It is a double tragedy that the unsuccessful case against him has had a second victim who has not avoided prison. This is Craig Murray. He is a cultural and political titan and his imprisonment is shocking. He recently stood for president of the SNP, being against gradualism and considering England had no power of veto over the people of Scotland to choose their own path. He failed in his candidacy and Michael Russell won.
Now Michael Russell is political director of the Independence Unit as well. He argues that a written constitution can wait on a successful referendum. This is wrong. When you put up a building (or restore an old one), always provide a full specification of what is involved before going out to tender. There should also be conditions of contract. To proceed without these is folly. To ask people to vote without a formal constitution which is analagous to these documents is not responsible.
The negative style of the political director is shown by his comment that a knowledge of the form of country we would be is “designing the epaulettes on the uniforms”. The political writer Orwell said in Homage to Catalonia that what the fighters need was reliable ammunition. He is offering dud rounds.
Iain WD Forde
Scotlandwell
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