BUTTERFLIES BROKEN UPON THE WHEEL

A few days before the 2014 referendum, Robin McAlpine wrote “The British state has sent its big guns to Scotland and found them overwhelmed by a movement of a thousand butterflies.”

On the eve of the referendum Tommy Sheridan addressed thousands of optimistic Scots in George Square –  “ Scotland may have only 40 years of oil left; Westminster has only 40 hours.”

Had the butterflies succeeded in dodging the impact of the big clunking fist and its pugilistic companions, what different a Scotland might we have created.

We’d hoped for a compassionate country addressing poverty and inequality, encouraging and supporting all, with access to the best of services, from cradle to grave. A country where we could right the wrongs of centuries of unnecessary hardship and deprivation for too many. A nation participating on the world stage as an equal partner, peace loving, warm and egalitarian, welcoming and a positive force. Freedom come all ye, pal, neebs, hen – we’re aw Jock Tamson’s bairns not being reserved only for Hogmanay toasts.

Today approaching the tenth anniversary of those times we hear evidence of the flawed ideology which has taken root in all of our institutions – when a woman in her 60s is denied support assisting her recovery from sexual assault, because she requested assurances on single sex provision. 

This revelation follows hot on the heels of the publication of the consultation on conversion practice which if passed would criminalise and lead to the imprisonment of concerned parents. 

Days earlier was evidence in a Scottish Parliamentary Committee to the effect that the risks inherent in enabling male offenders to be housed with females can be acceptable – acceptable to whom ? For sure not the women who expected to serve a sentence alongside only other women or the female officers disinclined to search a male prisoner.

Add into the mix confusion and for some also fear on transgender guidance in hospitals and schools and it’s easy to see how a democratic grassroots movement can be made to become divided and turn upon itself.

Less than competent government on innumerable issues including health, transport, education and all the madcap ‘green’ policies cost us fortunes with at best negligible meaningful returns; at worst the amounts squandered are eye watering, counted in terms of numbers of laptops, bikes, school uniforms and school meals which could have otherwise been funded. Meantime fuel bills rocket, food bills scare, drugs and alcohol deaths continue to increase and mental health provisions, including rehab services, are sorely lacking. No wonder there’s talk of infiltration and bad faith.

Scotland doesn’t need persuaded to support independence; Scotland cannot afford the alternative.

Scotland needs a government of inspired, inspirational, driven leaders, visionaries in tune with the needs and aspirations of our people. Not fools captured by dangerous ill conceived practice.

It is clear to all that despite setbacks and poor governance support for our country’s independence remains at least at 50%; this is why there is unremitting diversion of offshore resources south, manipulation of statistics by GERS, blatant purloining via the instability arising from the Freeports fiasco and the refusal to consider for Scotland the provisions gained for Northern Ireland following Brexit. It is why the British presence in our cities increases. It is why there is ridicule of Scottish efforts to create and maintain international connections and friendships.

Scotland’s problem is that elected independence supporting politicians mainly currently fear, suspect or do not understand the process of converting clamour for the cause into delivery of the objective. Exceptions do apply, but self interest and party political issues  cloud judgement. There the people can help and politicians who wish to reflect their views must listen or haud their wheesht.

 Westminster maintains its imperial control over Scotland because we are ill-served by representatives able and willing to challenge this. We ought no longer to give consent to government by Westminster and should demand that our political candidates represent our wishes and interest – that will come with a campaign providing for one independence supporting candidate in every constituency. With that, Independence supporting victors will be in the majority as will be the popular vote. That’s internationally recognised as a mandate justifying negotiations on the independence settlement, the divorce if you like.  Recognition that regaining independence will come from all efforts, cross party and no party, is fundamental. 

I hear that many around Scotland fear that politicians may suffer from self-interest; apparently there are moves afoot to create a citizens’ party, a scheme rebellion, involving mass voter registration. Door chapping and street stalls by the ordinary people of this country, not the elite – just the majority who have been silent for too long; the folk who answer appeals online for donations to baby banks, food banks, school clothing banks or a whip-round for an electric blanket or a sleeping bag for a pensioner sitting shivering in her house in Fife within sight of a windfarm but too feart to turn on the heating.

That movement populated by those with the most to gain from our country’s freedom, linked with a national surge, a petition, declaring our intention to become a free country once more, supported by political parties united in their determination to deliver that independent status – that is how Scotland will take her place between Saudi Arabia and Senegal – and not a moment too soon. 

Butterflies signify hope, reincarnation and the tender aspirations of something indescribably precious. The women, the men and the children of Scotland deserve those aspirations and thought. Their dreams and values have been fractured but with common cause and purpose can heal, thrive and overcome. Those wings can fly again. Let’s make it happen.