Public Meeting

[John S]

Proud to be British

He added: "The SNP want Scotland separate from the UK and want to force Scotland to choose between Scotland and Britain.

Can anyone tell me what the SNP's position is on membership of the European Union?

The SNP believes in a confederal Europe that collectively exercises certain sovereign rights pooled by its members. Power in the European Union rests firmly with the member states. But although Scotland now has a parliament, we are not an independent member state - our status is that of a region. As a result we are forced to rely on the UK to represent our interests. On issues from funding to fishing Westminster has repeatedly failed to stand up for Scotland. Scotland needs Independence to get the most out of Europe.

[Bobbie En Tejas]

Neil, you're in England. What is the general opinion in your area of Scotland being independent? (Is that a dumb question?) But the answer might not be as cut and dry as one would think..

[ionnsaigh]

John S

Mental Health in the Workers Republic Scotland.
All Citizens would have access to a local team of Mental Health Workers- this would be a provided on a 24/7 basis. Each area would have a drop in- staffed by dedicated psychiatrists and highly qualified Workers. Mental Health would be a subject taught from nursery, through to students who wish to end their formal Education at 20years.

Every Town would have a fully staffed and clean General Hospital- offering next day surgery if required. All medical treatment -including therapies drugs etc shall be free. In the new Republic it is hoped that people will live long and happy lives, each having contributed to the welfare of all. The Republic would have removed, not only the scourge of Poverty from its People also the enormous cost associated with it. People in Drumchapel Glasgow die 12 years sooner than the more prosperous immediate neighbour Bearsden. Most are sick before they die, sick for years and years as their poor Family watches a loved one slowly die- In our new Society this will be viewed as criminal neglect. Poverty will be wiped off the map of Scotland once and for all, we will shine as an example of liberated free people. Workers could if they wish retire aged 45years. The State pension will be in exact line with the earnings of the People £300 for 20 hours work.

The Republic will encourage criticism and the gaining of knowledge- the press would work on the principle of free speech no book or reference will be banned. Public transport would provide a Green alternative to the car. Massive investment in all forms of Public Transport would be invoked, included the new Scottish Workers built, free bike.

The concept of Home Care will be expanded for our disabled Workers- we will tend to our sick- we will see Peoples lives as a one and only special thing- and the vital importance of providing favourable conditions so that all should flourish to their greatest potential.

Peace and goodwill to all would be our collective ambition, to a peaceful happy rich live, full to the brim with experience.
That in part is the Scotland I see, not some impossible Utopian dream- rather something that could be achieved by the People of Scotland.

PS; Can the SNP help me please
A STILL CANNAE VOTE. saor Alba

[Petrol Head]

Scotland needs Independence to get the most out of Europe.

So if Scotland were to become an independant nation in its own right, with the SNP at the helm, presumably it would need to renegotiate its membership of the EU as it would not then be a de facto member of the EU.

[Nancie]

Presumably England would need to renegotiate its membership too

[jaywalker]

Careful Gary

[John S]

Hi Gary,
Nancie is right. There would require to be some administrative formalities to sorted out, but there is nothing to suggest any obstacle exists to Scotland retaining its place in Europe . After all it is one of the oldest nations in Europe, the fact that we have had a unified crown and central government for 300 years does not detract from Scotland’s identity as a nation or the rights of the people in spite of what Brown says.

[Petrol Head]

I'm sure someone somewhere has worked out the figures for how much it would cost an independant Scotland to be a member of the EU.

A reduced-size United Kingdom (not just England) would, presumably, likewise be looking at a reduced contribution.

As a romantic the idea of an independant Scotland is attractive but I do have concerns as to whether it could survive economically. I'd be the first to admit I don't have the wherewithall to determine the answer to that question.

[Petrol Head]

There would require to be some administrative formalities to sorted out, but there is nothing to suggest any obstacle exists to Scotland retaining its place in Europe . After all it is one of the oldest nations in Europe, the fact that we have had a unified crown and central government for 300 years does not detract from Scotland’s identity as a nation or the rights of the people in spite of what Brown says.

Sure, I don't disagree with any of that, but would the population be given the opportunity to vote on whether Scotland were to become a member of the EU or would it be taken as a given part of the process of independance?

[ionnsaigh]

Well it must seem fairly obvious to all that the SNP have no interest in a patriot that cant, for political reason vote in the coming elections. I thought that my comments at the very least warrant a reply. You see I was taught to care for those in need, yet your silence - only serves to indicate your contempt for the poor People of Scotland. Your vision of Scotland - fails miserably to address the suffering of the poor. You claim to love Democracy, then talk of a unified crown, what rubbish.
Your vision fails to attract those of us that dare to think of a better World for all. You offer little in the way of Independence other than a form of narrow Petti Bourgeoisie values, that fail to address the Economic question that condemns a third of our People to a life of struggle and want. Poverty is a man made phenomena not the result of famine. As a consequence of your failings I would ask the People of Kintyre to think carefully of the true nature of you and your kind, are the SNP the best on offer? Is this all that the People can expect from those that dare stand up. So you can keep my vote, as it wouldn't make a blind bit of difference to the sufferings of the poor. Perhaps the answer lies in the hands of the People of Kintyre, unless you can come up with something better- then the poster at the edge of the Town springs to mind No Boat- No Vote. You have continually evaded the question that I put to you in earlier posts, chiefly where lies the difference between Scottish and English Capitalism- the People wait with baited breath. As I have previously indicated you could have had my vote if you where prepared to fight for it - alas to you it is only one vote - and fighting has long been discouraged by Middle Class manners.
I think it would be fair to say that the SNP are bankrupt of courage and ideas. You have failed to all who read, yet your adverse silence is there for all too see. However I will continue to post on this site- until at least the majority of readers say otherwise, so what do you say , should I go- or should I stay ?. If as you claim to be a lover of Democracy then you go ahead and vote first, it would be interesting to read your justification of my right to post. What really amazes myself is the sheer hypocracy and contempt that you show to the People of Scotland- you dont speak for me, and I a scottish patriot.

Once again Nae vote nae vote. Mick Donoghue Summerston Glasgow

[general jack o'niell]

[John S]

There would require to be some administrative formalities to sorted out, but there is nothing to suggest any obstacle exists to Scotland retaining its place in Europe . After all it is one of the oldest nations in Europe, the fact that we have had a unified crown and central government for 300 years does not detract from Scotland’s identity as a nation or the rights of the people in spite of what Brown says.

Sure, I don't disagree with any of that, but would the population be given the opportunity to vote on whether Scotland were to become a member of the EU or would it be taken as a given part of the process of independance?

I am no constitutional expert but I would expect that the referendum question which would be put to the Scottish people by an SNP government to established a "settled will" to become independent of the UK could include a reference to remaining within the EU. Remaining within the EU will be the message that will feature in next year’s election.

[John S]

Well it must seem fairly obvious to all that the SNP have no interest in a patriot that cant, for political reason vote

If you are excluded from the voting system by current voting legislation there is little we can do other than raise a challenge on your behalf, if there are legitimate grounds for such. If you PM me your contact details I can pass these to the Glasgow branch to assist.

As for answering your dubious question, I thought I already did, let me try again. No one in the SNP, as far as I am aware, is advancing blues any more than reds, capitalism any more than socialism, communitisim, any more than centralisim. All we are saying is that the social / economic balance required to meet the needs of the Scottish people cannot be met under the Westminster system. The only viable alternative is independence.

[ionnsaigh]

can't figure out wether the last poster is making a case for a particular party or no party at all?

it sounds suspiciously like a scottish socialist, but doesn't appear to support independence, maybe he's recovering from a tommy sheridan party?

he can't critisize a party thats never been in power, with a "youse lot would be rubbish anyway" type sweeping statement. thats what happens when your view of politics is coloured by the tabloid you read.

or for that matter you believe everything you see on the BBC, who have their own political agenda

I don't belong to any political party, and as such have no allegiance to any of them. I could be described as a Socialist Aye.
My dealings with Mr Sheridan go back to 1989- he was a elitist career Politician then, as now. He and his Militant Mob at that particular time where Unionist pro British- they divided the opposition in the Anti Poll Tax movement - by forming a federation in opposition to the main body of resistance to the Poll Tax- APTU. We had over Eight Thousand members, throughout Scotland, I should know this as I signed most of them up. I was the first person jailed for opposing the introduction of the Poll Tax in Scotland- A fact duly recorded on BBC news , the front page of the Scotsman etc etc- The so called federation didn't even exist at this point- Militant didn't oppose the registration of the tax- The People of Glasgow had bonfires in order to burn the registration forms. The Police contacted Maryhill Fire Service to put out our fire- however and to the delight and applause of the gathered crowd they refused to put the fire out- well done the Maryhill Firefighters, I hope I will never forget that night.
I can criticize anyone I want - that is the beauty of freedom of speech- however you do raise a valid point, they have never been in power, so what right have I to say they would be worthless. I haven't actually said that in so many words, what I would say however is that if the British National Party ever got in then I can honestly say they would be disastrous .
Aye- a sweeping generalisation that contains no contradiction, here is another for good measure , All Fascists are Fascists.

As far as the power of the BBC and the tabloids and the effect they have on their viewers readers is concerned aye your absolutely right. It would be about Ten years since I've bought a newspaper- I do admit watching the BBC though, not that I would trust them an inch. I watch with caution even then sometimes the propaganda sticks for a wee while, that being the sticky nature of Propaganda.
Independence well , what did Rabbie Burns write- "freedom like a magnificent feast"
Aye Freedom makes mae mouth waater. I see this as being in the hands of the People of Scotland not in the various political parties begging for votes. To me they represent no really clear choice- other than the lesser of the evils.
Furthermore I would say that I can only admire your staightforward approach on this site. long live freedom of speech
and here's to the establishment of a new Republic.
Mick.

[ionnsaigh]

Well it must seem fairly obvious to all that the SNP have no interest in a patriot that cant, for political reason vote

If you are excluded from the voting system by current voting legislation there is little we can do other than raise a challenge on your behalf, if there are legitimate grounds for such. If you PM me your contact details I can pass these to the Glasgow branch to assist.

As for answering your dubious question, I thought I already did, let me try again. No one in the SNP, as far as I am aware, is advancing blues any more than reds, capitalism any more than socialism, communitisim, any more than centralisim. All we are saying is that the social / economic balance required to meet the needs of the Scottish people cannot be met under the Westminster system. The only viable alternative is independence.

Thank you very much for your kind offer, my opinion of you and the SNP has grown considerably, alas it is an offer I have to refuse for Moral reasoning, nevertheless thanks. You see if my memory serves me correct the SNP opposition to the illegal taxation of the People of Scotland amounted to no more than pay it in pennies. As Ive been fined Thousands of Pounds for refusing to register for the Tax, plus Thousands for refusing to pay- Had over the years a number Warrant Sales my furniture even my sons stereo confiscated by her Britannic Majesties (Labour controlled) Government. This for my dear Family and Friends has been a long difficult struggle, going on for what 12years or something. I call for an amnesty for those who choose to follow my lead, and have become the invisible People of Scotland- feel free to check the National Census see if I'm on the list. Mr Michael Donoghue Snr Staffin Drive Summerston Glasgow.
Independence cant be achieved unless the SNP address the Economic question. There is no balance in the system of exploitation of the Workers stolen wealth, and the complete misery and early death it creates. This directly effects me in that my dear Son and Wife and Grandson are living in Drumchapel- collectively they will die 36 years sooner than People from across the road- so aye am angry. And until my last breath fight this injustice regardless if we had Family there or not. As far as The SNP raising a challenge on my behalf , Ive never asked or had the need to let somebody do my dirty work- however I have no objection to getting round the table- we are asking for a peace deal -because at the end of the day we won, we beat Thatcher- we being the ordinary folk, not the Politicians- rather the wee wuman up the sters.