Indy is an idea generations in the making. It won’t go away
TO be called stupid because of one’s support for Scottish independence is, no doubt, the carefully considered opinion of Peter A Russell (Letters, June 14). Not everyone will agree with him, but it is his opinion to make.
Being told, however, by Mr
Russell that the SNP leadership, and by implication the SNP itself and those people stupid enough to support Scottish independence, should all give up “their increasingly desperate cries for independence” is quite another matter.
Mr Russell states: “Even the most obtuse of nationalists should realise by now that they had their chance in 2014, and failed.” The Scottish independence referendum did not, nor was it designed to, prevent or limit those in favour of Scottish independence from continuing to make their voice heard. Surely a major element of a strong, functioning democracy is that voters are presented with a range of political options? While Mr Russell mentions only the SNP, the same logic would suggest the SSP, Alba, the Scottish Greens and any other political party or individual in favour of Scottish independence should not “drip on” about it. How is democracy in any way improved by those in favour of Scottish independence not having a party for whom they can vote?
It is in any event unclear quite what benefit Mr Russell envisages would accrue if those in favour of Scottish independence did no longer “drip on” about it. Perhaps he thinks he would gain peace from no longer having to listen to stupid people? Perhaps he thinks Scotland would become more united as we all get the choice to vote only for a unionist party? Regardless, the stupid people would not be happy. They would have no political outlet for their aims and ambitions for Scotland. They are not put off by losing one referendum result. They have not been put off by any general election result. Scottish independence is a political idea generations in the making. It is an aspiration, an ideal. It is a principle. The stupid people are indeed foolish enough to believe that they can persuade the people of Scotland that Scotland has the ability to run our own affairs; just like any other country in the world.
It is interesting that Mr Russell directs his attention only to Scottish independence supporters. What about all those other political parties which are unsuccessful at election time? Should they too not “drip on”? It seems that Mr Russell is content for all political parties, from socialists (not in favour of
Scottish independence) to Conservatives and every other party in between to continue to take an active part in democracy; but not the stupid people. I’d rather be thought of as stupid and allow all political voices to be heard than seek to limit any party in favour of democracy.
David Logan, Milngavie.
Huge changes since 2014
THERE is a definite note of panic in Peter A Russell’s letter which suggests that he has been spooked by the latest opinion poll which puts the SNP and Labour neck and neck. According to Mr Russell, “any fool can see that independence is dead for the foreseeable future” and that the more John Swinney, Stephen Flynn and some of your correspondents “drip on about it, the more stupid they look”.
I wonder if Mr Russell realises that he has insulted around half of Scotland, as opinion polls consistently show that is the level of support from voters for independence. I will doubtless be called a fool and a drip, but I would remind Mr Russell that a lot of water has flowed under the constitutional bridge since the independence referendum 10 years ago, not least that Scotland, after being told that the only way we could secure our place in Europe was by voting No, has been dragged out of the EU against our will by a government we never elected. At no time, on no ballot paper, has it ever been written that Scotland could not change its mind on independence. Scotland’s future should be determined by Scotland’s people, not by a government 400 miles away.
Ruth Marr, Stirling.