Current events are scarier when they're going to become history
Wow. I've never really paid that much attention to elections before. I can't recall any Prime Minister other than Tony Blair. The only First Minister that's been around since politics of any kind appeared on my radar is Jack McConnell. I don't even know who my MP is, let alone my MSP and I honestly don't care who my MEP is.
But today was an election. And it was an important one for Britain, quite possibly more important than a general election. The Scottish National Party have come to power in Scotland, most likely by dint of the fact that their chief opposition was Labour. A bit of background on the SNP, simply as I've been researching some myself. They're not to be confused with the BNP, because they aren't crazy racists with a logo. They have numerous policies, but the only one anybody really cares about is their wish to make Scotland “independent”, cutting it off from the British government and the United Kingdom.
Now, it looks like it may still be very difficult to do that. They have a majority of only one seat and none of the other major parties are likely to want to form a coalition government with them. The Liberal Democrats have specifically said that they are against making Scotland independent and Gordon Brown, prime minister in waiting and a Scotsman, has said that he will not work with the SNP to break up Britain.
In a very rare event, I find myself in agreement with Gordon Brown. If I may be allowed to throw in some political commentary, breaking up Scotland would be disastrous. I know several people who have said that they would simply pack up and leave for England, or elsewhere, rather than stay in an independent Scotland facing inevitable tax hikes. And let's face it, the Scottish Parliament's greatest achievement so far has been making a building cost 400% of its original price and paying for it all with taxpayer's money. They are in no position to run a country.
I always think of myself as Scottish first and British second, when I consider nationality at all. I'm not a rampant “you must trust in our government at all times or you're a terrorist” kind of patriot. I really don't care how Scotland does in international sports, though it pisses me off when England succeeds at something and it dominates the news (I'm looking at you, rugby). I'm not much of a patriot at all, in fact. I don't like the idea of supporting “my country”. “My country” is a lump of rock where I happen to live. I may like some things about it and I may not care for the weather but I do believe that it will be disastrous for the people of Scotland for decades to come if the SNP get their way.
I may have more to say on this subject tomorrow or after the weekend, particularly as the situation develops. I also have something to say about the computer vote-counting cock-ups. For now, I have to sign off. Normally, I apologise for any overly serious post around now. I'm not going to do that.
But today was an election. And it was an important one for Britain, quite possibly more important than a general election. The Scottish National Party have come to power in Scotland, most likely by dint of the fact that their chief opposition was Labour. A bit of background on the SNP, simply as I've been researching some myself. They're not to be confused with the BNP, because they aren't crazy racists with a logo. They have numerous policies, but the only one anybody really cares about is their wish to make Scotland “independent”, cutting it off from the British government and the United Kingdom.
Now, it looks like it may still be very difficult to do that. They have a majority of only one seat and none of the other major parties are likely to want to form a coalition government with them. The Liberal Democrats have specifically said that they are against making Scotland independent and Gordon Brown, prime minister in waiting and a Scotsman, has said that he will not work with the SNP to break up Britain.
In a very rare event, I find myself in agreement with Gordon Brown. If I may be allowed to throw in some political commentary, breaking up Scotland would be disastrous. I know several people who have said that they would simply pack up and leave for England, or elsewhere, rather than stay in an independent Scotland facing inevitable tax hikes. And let's face it, the Scottish Parliament's greatest achievement so far has been making a building cost 400% of its original price and paying for it all with taxpayer's money. They are in no position to run a country.
I always think of myself as Scottish first and British second, when I consider nationality at all. I'm not a rampant “you must trust in our government at all times or you're a terrorist” kind of patriot. I really don't care how Scotland does in international sports, though it pisses me off when England succeeds at something and it dominates the news (I'm looking at you, rugby). I'm not much of a patriot at all, in fact. I don't like the idea of supporting “my country”. “My country” is a lump of rock where I happen to live. I may like some things about it and I may not care for the weather but I do believe that it will be disastrous for the people of Scotland for decades to come if the SNP get their way.
I may have more to say on this subject tomorrow or after the weekend, particularly as the situation develops. I also have something to say about the computer vote-counting cock-ups. For now, I have to sign off. Normally, I apologise for any overly serious post around now. I'm not going to do that.
posted by Alasdair Corbett at
11:14 PM
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