IF, at the time it became clear that Scotland could not escape the consequences of a worldwide pandemic, the First Minister had not put plans for a second constitutional referendum in 2020 on hold, she, the SNP and the Scottish Government would have been widely condemned by opposition parties and by commentators across the Scottish media.
If the First Minister had suggested on Monday that the 700th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath be privately commemorated (with public celebrations already having been postponed until 2021), she would have been accused of insensitive opportunism by both anti-independence politicians and trenchant commentators throughout the UK. Yet the UK media refuses to pose difficult questions about the UK Government’s actions in handling the coronavirus pandemic.
READ MORE: Dominic Raab branded NHS funding demands a 'child wish list'
Why has the transition period for Brexit trade negotiations not been extended? Why has the Secretary of State for Health (England) not been grilled following his public contradiction of his own statements over the composition of the 100,000 per day testing figure by the end of April with or without antibody tests?
Channel 4 News noted on Monday that it was estimated that the additional death toll (not currently reported) in the community, including those in care homes, was 30% of the total hospital deaths reported, so why have no probing questions been raised at the UK Government daily briefings about this dire situation in our communities?
READ MORE: First Minister confirms plans in place for replacement if she falls ill
If this figure is correct it could indicate that perhaps the policy for care homes should be changed, not only because staff may require to be supplied with much more PPE equipment on an ongoing basis (unless some “residents” can be temporarily cared for in family homes), but possibly because compared to the general public the more elderly in care homes with Covid-19 symptoms should be admitted to hospital earlier than the prescribed seven days, as any delay in transferring them to intensive care could be more likely to be fatal.
Of course such questions will also focus greater attention on the reasoning behind decisions taken by governments, and whether in effect thousands of elderly people are being sacrificed to save our younger citizens, but surely in an open, democratic society the media should assist the public in objectively engaging in such an important debate and not simply abstain from presenting serious arguments around fundamental issues that arise in addressing our current crisis.
Stan Grodynski
Longniddry, East Lothian
A REPORT shows that in Chicago 70% of Covid-19 cases in the city involve black people, who make up just 30% of the population.
If you know about vitamin D deficiency you would know that above latitude 35 virtually everyone is deficient in vitamin D, and persons with black/dark skin are even more deficient that white-skinned people.
When tested for vitamin D deficiency, many black skinned people barely register as having any vitamin D in their systems at all.
READ MORE: Vitamin D3 boosts the immune system, our first line of defence
This has a major impact on their immune systems and leaves them wide open to infections. It is equally the case in Britain. The conventional wisdom relating to vitamin D deficiency is not just wrong but dangerously wrong.
Perhaps one of your reporters could spend some time researching the current science and treatment of vitamin D deficiency.
Whilst a healthy immune system cannot guarantee that you will not catch a bug, it does give you the best chance of fighting the infection.
More importantly, if you have a weak immune system then your body has very little defence against any form of infection.
Deficiency of vitamin D is associated with seven different cancers and is responsible for bone weakness, to name but two major health issues.
There are many more health benefits to having a strong vitamin D-supported immune system.
The science is there for those who choose to look for it.
Harry Key
Largoward, Fife
THE article on the lack of celebration of the Declaration of Arbroath by the Wee Ginger Dug (What lack of anniversary events tells Yes movement, April 7) struck a chord with me.
Around 18 months ago I was commissioned to do some work for a client planning to deliver an extended programme of community involvement in exploring and explaining the background to the Declaration and culminating in a major international event at the time of the anniversary.
READ MORE: What lack of Arbroath anniversary events tells Yes movement
The community aspect of the project had to be abandoned through lack of funding. Amazing as it might seem, it became clear through my contact with major funders that the grants officers with responsibility for assessing the project at the Heritage Lottery Fund – Scotland had never heard of the Declaration and had little interest in promoting it.
Douglas Turner
Edinburgh
Scotland is in lockdown. Shops are closing and newspaper sales are falling fast. It’s no exaggeration to say that the future of The National is at stake. Please consider supporting us through this with a digital subscription from just £2 for 2 months by following this link: www.thenational.scot/subscribe. Thanks – and stay safe.
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