Whether you're for or against an independent Scotland, or maybe you're not entirely convinced either way, this film makes the positive case for Scottish independence in a light-hearted, self-effacing fashion.
Forget the historic grudges, the ancient battles and the unjustly romanticized idols, Scottish independence isn't about "us and them", it isn't about anti-Englishness, it isn't about ownership, it isn't even about the SNP!
Written by Jack Foster and Alan Hunter
Precious Few Heroes: The case for Scottish independence from Rough Justice Films on Vimeo.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Apple Scotland - iPhone commercial for Siri
Apple Scotland is having a wee bit of trouble with the accent using Siri.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
A Poem on Scottish Independence
Dear Mr Cameron,we hear what you say
You're happy to take,if we're willing to pay
But we have our ideas,they're much better than yours
So tread your own path,for we're off down oors
Now soon we'll be going,and leaving behind ...
A life that's been hard,not joyous,nor kind
As you strut round the world, stirring everyones pot
You're happy for the haves,to forget the have nots
Well that's not our mindset, we want fairness for all
We may trip on our journey, we might falter, or fall
But the baton will be picked up, by those coming behind
Our life will improve, be more just and more kind
A wee country like ours doesn't need nor want strife
We don't want our young killed, or trained to take life
We've no need for your wars, being fought in our name
No more do we want our heads bowed in shame
We've got folk, who are willing to care for our old
We've got water for all, and we don't want it sold
With the wind and the tide, you'll see our lights shine
No more will it be, what's yours is now mine
Our main riches are people,young, vibrant and strong
Who will look back and wonder. what took us so long
The naysayers and doom mongers, have had their last chance
The wallflowers will be left,while we sing and we dance
So with fire in our bellies and a light in our een
We'll march forward to victory in 2014
written by mato21
You're happy to take,if we're willing to pay
But we have our ideas,they're much better than yours
So tread your own path,for we're off down oors
Now soon we'll be going,and leaving behind ...
A life that's been hard,not joyous,nor kind
As you strut round the world, stirring everyones pot
You're happy for the haves,to forget the have nots
Well that's not our mindset, we want fairness for all
We may trip on our journey, we might falter, or fall
But the baton will be picked up, by those coming behind
Our life will improve, be more just and more kind
A wee country like ours doesn't need nor want strife
We don't want our young killed, or trained to take life
We've no need for your wars, being fought in our name
No more do we want our heads bowed in shame
We've got folk, who are willing to care for our old
We've got water for all, and we don't want it sold
With the wind and the tide, you'll see our lights shine
No more will it be, what's yours is now mine
Our main riches are people,young, vibrant and strong
Who will look back and wonder. what took us so long
The naysayers and doom mongers, have had their last chance
The wallflowers will be left,while we sing and we dance
So with fire in our bellies and a light in our een
We'll march forward to victory in 2014
written by mato21
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Isn’t Westminster already the English parliament?
Well if it's a frequently asked question, I am guessing that there must be a lot of people in England who don't know the difference and don't seem to value Scotland's part in the union anyway!
http://www.thecep.org.uk
English Parliament FAQ’s
Q: Isn’t Westminster already the English parliament?
A: No. Westminster is the parliament of the the United Kingdom. MPs from Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and England sit there. But when they legislate on devolved matters such as Health, Education, Transport and the Environment they are passing legislation that affects only England. Why should Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish MPs have any say on these England only issues?http://www.thecep.org.uk
Perhaps in a funny sort of way, Scotland is more British than England is.
 |
| Looks quite boring without Scotland. |
Can I just state, that my support of Scottish Independence has actually nothing to do with England. I love England, as does Alex Salmond.
My problem is with the inequitable way our United Kingdom is run. Forgive me for saying, but I do think that in the UK, the 'provinces' Wales, Scotland, North East England tend to be worse off than the south of England and why is that?
All being equal, England itself and the south east in particular doesn't actually have much to offer the UK, apart from soaking up investment from all the other parts. Scotland in this case is very poor, yet incredibly rich. We have massive resourcs, yet cannot directly benefit from them due to the London dominated economy.
Certain comparisons to the USA is quite wrong. If the UK was indeed a Federation, then we would probably not have much problems. But we are not, the UK is an 'incorporating' union where ANY junior member will always have a lessened voice. This is of course the democratic way.
A quick glance at a UK electoral map however will soon show you the democratic division that exists across the UK, you can see the line on it where England ends and Scotland begins. It's as clear as day and yet, we are ruled by a party we did not vote for, and probably will continue to be until indepenence comes to fruition.
I loved the UK, I loved the idea of Unity, that we are all stronger together. Sadly the reality of (British) Unity is quite different.
Scots are lambasted at every opportunity for having no tuition fees and free prescriptions. We are called 'Subsidy Junkies' and told that our banks are useless (even though they all pay tax to London and are regulated by the UK).
Ironically, we in Scotland love many British things and plan to protect them, such as the NHS and Free Education. This type of thing is being eroded in England, but not in Scotland. Perhaps in a funny sort of way, Scotland is more British than England is.
Perhaps we need to break away in order to protect these great British things.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Alex Salmond's address to the London School of Economics.
First Minister Alex Salmond has outlined how Scotland would make best use of its “unparalleled energy resources” under independence.
Speaking to an audience of academics, students and members of the public at the London School of Economics last night, the First Minister said that in the first twenty years of an independent Scotland an energy fund could generate almost £30bn.
Under independence we would make the best use of our unparalleled energy resources. We have 25 per cent of Europe’s tidal power potential, 25 per cent of its offshore wind potential and 10 per cent of its wave power potential – not bad for a nation with less than 1 per cent of Europe’s population.
Scotland has a huge competitive advantage. We will be able to produce energy better and cheaper than anywhere else – and in deeper waters. Reform Scotland estimates that as a result of our renewable electricity target Scotland would export half the electricity generated by 2020 – increasing Scottish exports by two billion pounds a year, equivalent to around 17 per cent of Scottish manufacturing exports to the rest of the UK.
“And while renewables will be the source of Scotland’s reindustrialisation, in value terms there is at least as much oil and gas still to come out as has already been used – at least 40 years of oil and gas reserves.
We still have an opportunity to establish an energy fund.
If Scotland had been independent in 1979, oil revenues could have reduced our public sector debt from 39 per cent of GDP in 1979 to zero per cent by 1983-84, and we would then have continued to run budget surpluses throughout the late 1980s.
If we had had been able to establish a sovereign wealth fund as North Sea oil revenues started to come on stream, then it is likely that Scotland would currently have financial assets worth anything from 87 billion pounds to 117 billion pounds.
The debate about independence is about looking forward and creating a better future for Scotland. With that future in mind, we still have an opportunity to establish an energy fund to benefit future generations.
Even just one billion pounds a year – less than 10 per cent – invested over 20 years, would create a fund for Scotland worth almost 30 billion pounds.
An independent Scotland would pursue policies of ambition and responsibility. We would use Scotland’s natural resources and skilled workforce to build a sustainable economy.
The rest of the UK has much to gain from the emergence of a secure, prosperous ally to its north. An independent Scotland would seek to make a responsible contribution on the European and world stage – and that would benefit all of the nations of these islands.”
From www.holyrood.com
Speaking to an audience of academics, students and members of the public at the London School of Economics last night, the First Minister said that in the first twenty years of an independent Scotland an energy fund could generate almost £30bn.
Under independence we would make the best use of our unparalleled energy resources. We have 25 per cent of Europe’s tidal power potential, 25 per cent of its offshore wind potential and 10 per cent of its wave power potential – not bad for a nation with less than 1 per cent of Europe’s population.
Scotland has a huge competitive advantage. We will be able to produce energy better and cheaper than anywhere else – and in deeper waters. Reform Scotland estimates that as a result of our renewable electricity target Scotland would export half the electricity generated by 2020 – increasing Scottish exports by two billion pounds a year, equivalent to around 17 per cent of Scottish manufacturing exports to the rest of the UK.
“And while renewables will be the source of Scotland’s reindustrialisation, in value terms there is at least as much oil and gas still to come out as has already been used – at least 40 years of oil and gas reserves.
We still have an opportunity to establish an energy fund.
If Scotland had been independent in 1979, oil revenues could have reduced our public sector debt from 39 per cent of GDP in 1979 to zero per cent by 1983-84, and we would then have continued to run budget surpluses throughout the late 1980s.
If we had had been able to establish a sovereign wealth fund as North Sea oil revenues started to come on stream, then it is likely that Scotland would currently have financial assets worth anything from 87 billion pounds to 117 billion pounds.
The debate about independence is about looking forward and creating a better future for Scotland. With that future in mind, we still have an opportunity to establish an energy fund to benefit future generations.
Even just one billion pounds a year – less than 10 per cent – invested over 20 years, would create a fund for Scotland worth almost 30 billion pounds.
An independent Scotland would pursue policies of ambition and responsibility. We would use Scotland’s natural resources and skilled workforce to build a sustainable economy.
The rest of the UK has much to gain from the emergence of a secure, prosperous ally to its north. An independent Scotland would seek to make a responsible contribution on the European and world stage – and that would benefit all of the nations of these islands.”
From www.holyrood.com
Sunday, February 19, 2012
A-Z of Unionist scare stories, myths and misinformation on Scottish Independence
 |
| Poor Wee Scared Baby Scotland. |
(I hope you don't mind me using and spreading this....)
Ever since the independence referendum was announced, Scotland has witnessed an outpouring of bile, negativity, scare mongering and bitterness from the anti-independence parties. The positive case for the Union and Cameron's repect agenda have cleared off as quick as a Catholic bishop who's blundered into a Gay Pride march.
The Unionist tactic is clear enough, throw enough mud and hopefully some will stick. This wee list of scare stories and myths is not comprehensive, there's not enough time in the day for that. Feel free to suggest others in the comments along with a rebuttal. I'll keep adding myths and scare stories to this list.
Non-commercial use of this article is positively encouraged. Feel free to copy, quote or share. You can also download a print ready PDF - click here to download. Thanks to BigRedRock for the PDF and download link.
Abandoning the English: We'd abandon the English to decades of Tory rule.
The Stewart Lee argument, the rightful role of Scotland is to act as an airbag to help protect non-Tory voters in England from the car crash of the Conservatives. For Scotland it's a bit like being asked to be a fireman who's constantly called upon to put out the flames in an arsonist's house. Even if every single Scot voted Labour, we still couldn't prevent people in Buckinghamshire from playing with matches. We tried that all the way through the 80s, and a fat lot of good it did anyone then, it was arson a go-go with Maggie Thatcher.
Under the FPTP system beloved by Westminster, Labour, the supposed alternative which is meant to protect us against the Tories, finds that the only way it can get elected is to offer Daily Mail readers free matches and a bonus can of petrol. After 18 years of Thatcher and Major, we got Tony Blair with his American zippo lighter that left Iraq in flames. Tories whatever way you look at it.
However Scotland votes, the electorate in England will still have their Tory car-crashes and a pyromaniac Labour party. Scotland's chances of getting the government we want get exploded like an airbag across Stewart Lee's mug. The best way for Scots to help our anti-Tory English friends is to offer them a concrete example of social-democratic government in action. We can only do that with independence.
Alex Salmond: Alex Salmond stirs up divisions.
I'm sure he has his moments, it's only human to occasionally imagine seeing those who annoy you deep-fried in lard and served up on a platter along with a Mars Bar, and His Eckness has been the object of a concerted campaign of vilification in the Unionist media. But Alex Salmond is not personally responsible for the desire for Scottish independence. This isn't his show, this show belongs to 5 million of us. Alex Salmond didn't get to become First Minister of a majority administration because he voted for himself.
The focus on Alex Salmond is insulting to the intelligence of the Scottish electorate. The implication is that we're too stupid to realise we're being taken in by a snake-oil salesman. However Scots have already realised we've been taken in by snake-oil salesmen - the problem for the Unionist case is that they're all in the Westminster parties.
Read the rest at NewsnetScotland >>
Saturday, February 18, 2012
'Scotland subsidising rest of UK'
"A leading Professor of Economics, Andrew Hughes Hallett, has sensationally confirmed that Scotland has been subsidising the UK treasury in London for years and that the Calman Commission recommendations are unworkable and potentially damaging."
http://newsnetscotland.com/index.php/scottish-economy/861-world-renowned-economist-says-scotland-subsidising-rest-of-uk
http://newsnetscotland.com/index.php/scottish-economy/861-world-renowned-economist-says-scotland-subsidising-rest-of-uk
Friday, February 17, 2012
David Cameron on Scottish Respect.
Fellow Scots, in the wake of David Cameron's visit to Edinburgh and his impassioned speech to inspire Scot's to stay in the United Kingdom, please take a moment to watch this 55 second clip.
The Prime Minister has spoken at length about how the UK is stronger together and even admitted that Scotland could of course govern itself if it chose to do so.
The Prime Minister also has spoken about the so called 'respect' agenda.
I would love to know your viewpoint on his respect agenda after you see this very offensive piece on why Scotland could not be capable to defend itself without the ever so generous protective umbrella of the UK entire.
This is the man and the party that rules our nation. This is the man and the party we did not vote for.
Enjoy.
The Prime Minister has spoken at length about how the UK is stronger together and even admitted that Scotland could of course govern itself if it chose to do so.
The Prime Minister also has spoken about the so called 'respect' agenda.
I would love to know your viewpoint on his respect agenda after you see this very offensive piece on why Scotland could not be capable to defend itself without the ever so generous protective umbrella of the UK entire.
This is the man and the party that rules our nation. This is the man and the party we did not vote for.
Enjoy.
Scottish independance, as an Englishman I love this idea!!
This is a very good example of the type of viewpoint that many English people have in relation to a potentially Independent Scotland. he is certainly not being nasty, but definitely fails to grasp the issues in a UK wide context. This gentleman certainly see's the UK as 'England', wheras Scotland appears to be a bit of an add-on, rather than a founding member.
Obviously things like the subsidy myth and the bank bail outs made their usual appearance, with no mention of the fact that the banks are acually British and pay all taxes to the UK, and that the so called 'subsidy' is a complete lie.
Obviously things like the subsidy myth and the bank bail outs made their usual appearance, with no mention of the fact that the banks are acually British and pay all taxes to the UK, and that the so called 'subsidy' is a complete lie.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Monday, February 13, 2012
Friday, February 10, 2012
Alex Salmond, First Ministers Questions 02/02/12
The Unionist parties hypocrisy and terrible Scottish track record is once again highlighted with a clear and logical debate with the First Minister, Alex Salmond.
Tuesday, February 07, 2012
Russia Today: Scottish Independence, Socialism, UK History and all that other stuff.....
Can Scotland survive without UK support? Or do burdensome UK policies mean it will be better off on its own? Can Scotland's oil resources guarantee the welfare of the Scottish people? Should the Scots vote for independence -- and if so, which currency will they use, and will they be able to afford their own army? CrossTalking with Kenneth Gibson, William Bain and David Kopel on Feb. 6.
If Scotland really is a drain on resources....
Do you really believe that Cameron and the rest of the Tories would be so Desperate to hold onto is?
Think about it.
Vote Independence.org
Scottish Army?
Read the rest at BellaCaledonia >>
Monday, February 06, 2012
Market Forces in New Zealand do NOT exist.
I guess overall you could say it’s a reflection of the different marketplace for beer pricing. It will be a whole lot of factors… Some of it will be tax, some of it will be making sure the pricing is in line with the other beers that it competes with in the marketplace….Even after the tax element is removed, it seems, it still leaves the beer costing double the price in New Zealand, than elsewhere. Meaning: business will screw the consumer here because it can, but won’t do it over there because it can’t get away with it. Why, in New Zealand, do free market forces more often look like price fixing........Read more New Zealand Price Fixing and Predator Society
Wednesday, February 01, 2012
Take the Axe to Devo-Max!
For example:
The UN would have no reason to help a devolved Scotland claim her fair share of the UK EEZ (with all the green energy, oil, gas fishing etc). After all, if we were still a 'part' of the UK and not a fully sovereign and Independent Nation State, how could we claim it?
Trident would still remain under the umbrella of the UK defence ministry and how could we 'force' the removal of Trident if (again) we are not a fully fledged Independent Nation State?
These two things would be very powerful ammunition under Full Independence, but with Full Fiscal Autonomy or 'Devo-Max' surely these items would become unavailable to bargain with.
In addition, David Cameron has said 'no' to Devo-max, probably knowing that a knee-jerk reaction from most Scot's will be to vote for it out of spite and therefore turning attention from the real goal. Full Sovereign and Independent Nation State status within the UN and Commonwealth.
Personally I think Full Independence is the only way, Devo max could be Derail-max to the ultimate goal.
Hmmmmm.
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