Hope vs fear, round 1
This week, we’ve been wondering just how much of a coincidence it was that Johann Lamont’s dramatic, rushed-sounding policy speech out of nowhere (surely that terrible pinched-from-the-Tories “something for nothing” line can’t have been the result of any extended scrutiny?) happened three days after the first independence rally.
Saturday 22nd September 2012 will go down in history as the moment the starting gun was fired on the referendum campaign for real. The event was a chance to show the public of Scotland that it wasn’t only “weirdy beardies” and “cyber-nuts” who support independence but everyday hard-working people just like the majority of other Scots.
And we can’t help but ponder whether the event put the wind up Scottish Labour a lot more than they spent that weekend frantically trying to pretend.
The march and rally represented an opportunity to show not only that the independence movement is made up of “normal” people, but that they can also mobilise by their thousands to work towards the goal of an independent Scotland. The event was a resounding success and despite some short-lived hardcore-Unionist attempts to cause disruption it went off without a hitch.
Wings Over Scotland’s intrepid reporter on the spot (me) was even lucky enough to catch up with Alex Salmond, Angus Robertson and Green Party youth parliament member Ross Greer. Here’s what they thought of the event:
Angus Robertson
Alex Salmond
Ross Greer
Easy, tiger. But it’s the breadth of support, as much as the numbers, that does seem to have rather unnerved the No camp into a drastic and hasty attempt to seize control of the agenda, and one which has backfired disastrously. If that’s what just 7000 or so people can achieve, goodness knows what sort of panic the next rally might throw the anti-independence coalition into.
But even though the event was mainly about “normalising” the independence referendum for ordinary Scots, don’t worry if you happen to be thinking about voting Yes, sport facial hair and fear you are indeed a “weirdy beardy”, because you’re still more than welcome. And avid Wings over Scotland reader Bill McFadgen has a message from Princes Street Gardens just for you:
There’s a fight coming. Whose side do you want to be on – his or Johann’s?
I think you are right Scott. There definately seems to be a touch of desperation about the Unionists right now. Seeing all that optimism on the streets of Edinburgh must have been a sickener.
I shaved my beard off this spring though. I often grow a beard over the winter, and shave it off in the spring. I might not bother this year. 🙂
Thanks for this article Scott. You are right, it is hope versus fear, and all the Unionists have to offer is fear (plus sackcloth, ashes and austerity). As you suspect, Lamont’s hasty announcement, the alignment with the One-Nation Labour party policy and the mustering of the MSM in support are all a reaction to and part and parcel of the attempt to destroy that hope and to try to make us believe that being miserable and to accept on trust that to be down-trodden and to suffer is all we can look forward to, and is in fact our duty and obligation for there is no other way (allegedly).
It is predictable though how manufactured and biased the media onsllaught has been since her speech. But there are a number of interesting aspects to this.
One issue is that the immediate reaction of the press, before control was exerted, was revulsion, horror and disbelief at Labour’s abandonment of the last few principles they were supposed to have left (pace the 10 or more articles that Rev Stu listed). I think that this was the spontaneous and natural reaction of many (former?) Labour supporting journalists – and their response was published and out there before they could be brought back on message. Even Eddie Barnes wailed that there had been no warning about this – which I understood to mean that he and others hadn’t been briefed beforehand on what to think or write.
Obviously the media campaign now is aimed at getting things back on message and to try to damage the SNP, the Scottish Government and our confidence. But, whereas the press should be discussing the disgraceful abandonment of Labour ‘principles’, instead they have set themselves the hard job of trying to change social attitudes in Scotland by a mixture of denigrating some of those that receive universal benefits and at the same time trying to make us believe that asuterity and expecting a less socially just society and less ‘expensive’ support from the state is normal. Basically the self-interested neo-liberal schtick.
The problem for Labour is that they basically have an impossible job – they have got to convince people to expect less and then get people to vote for the party which will give them less and punish them more (for the good of the One-Nation). Doesn’t make sense to me!
So, despite the attempts to destroy the euphoria of last week arising from the rally and Labour’s incredible volte-face, I think there is still hope and that after they have run out of steam with this latest attempt to weaken SNP support and the YES campaign, Labour will find that the ideas and ammo locker is bare, that they are declining in the polls, and that we will win in the end and that they will lose everything. I’m looking forward to it already.
Looks to me like Lamont has been swotting up on Marg Thatcher for strategy guidance in particular Thatcher’s St Francis of Assini content acceptance speech:
Where there is faith may there be doubt;where there is hope may there be despair;where there is harmony may there be discord.
That is how Lamont interprets Thatcher’s the speech is it not?
Major Bloodnok:
The fact that the initial MSM response was hostile is a fact that I hadn’t considered as the MSM has closed ranks behind Labour.
What has surprised me, even though it shouldn’t have, is how fast and how comprehensively the BBC have swung into action in a damage limitation exercise on Lamont’s speech.
The profligate SNP handing out free goodies to the rich and robbing the poor is the theme of the day on the BBC now.
It was a wonderful day out. Mr Grogans speach was excellent and perhaps that explains the ‘one nation’ caca that’s coming out, Labour a centralist party is terrified of splits. However, how they hope to pull everyone together buy abandoning their core principle is beyond me. Is there such a thing as an intellegent Labour politician? and please don’t refer to the’C’ listers in Holyrood, are we seriously to believe that a) Labour has talented individuals and B) they are in Westminster? Look at where we are all thanks to Labour. The so called towering intellects of Brown, Balls, Darling, Alexander, Murphey etc. Selfish incompetants all.
I have to agree with the ‘Major’ I believe labour have shot their bolt with Lam’bo’s speech and policy change. And after Ed Milibands message to middle England it is obvious that is the direction labour at westminster wants labour in scotland to go to. Scotland is nothing more than a cash machine to the westrminster parties and the shame is, their supporters in Scotland dont see anything wrong in that.
You can pity the traditional Scottish labour supporter who believe in the rights of the working class and in fairness for all. But I won’t pity the elitist, selfserving, careerist bunch of devious toe-rags that are leading them down the tory road of self and party first, and screw Scotland.
And for what lamont did to her own party in Scotland with that policy change I hope the traditional labour supporters see sense and kick her and her type out, and come and join the GOOD guys, the people who put Scotland and its people first before themselfs and their party.
Alba Gu snooker loopy!.
Rev Stew/Scott,
How about this scenario?, Labours Westminsters mob phones up their Joann way
before Labours conference, and effectively says, “Listen you!, we cant have our
conference where we are going to tell the delegates that things are going to have
to be tough,and that it will mean that some of the “freebies” such as bus passes,
care for the elderly ect, ect will have to be cut, or means tested, when Scotland is
continuing with these same benefits,(AND THEY ARE DOING IT DELIBERATELY!!),
so Joann, what we want you to do is to stir up the politics there by a speech
suggesting that the S.N.P. have got it wrong, and that the Scottish people are
being told a pack of lies,(in effect what Westminster Labour wants is to bring Scotland DOWN to the level of England!!)–to continue– dont worry Johann Anas
Sarwar is going to write your speech in BIG type.
Make no mistake Johann,if we dont get this right, the games a boggie,and not
only will we loose Scotland, we loose all our Scottish M.P.s,
If you do not feel up to it, we will send Ian Davidson up,to give you a few pointers
Rev, do you think I am far of the mark?
The only FEAR part belongs to the unionist place men and women which has been so highly illustrated in the past few days. Their fear is definitely not for the good of the people of Scotland but for their self serving selves and their corrupt political party’s which they are embedded in. Notwithstanding their FUD associations, I think there is a very large percentage of the Scottish people (especially the younger generation) whose only respite is HOPE and they have nothing to lose but to opt for an Independent Scotland’s future where they can contribute to the shaping and building a nation and society where they have the democratic right to decide. No more fear in Scotland.
Completely OT, but interesting. A poll of Canadians puts support for Scotland’s independence at 49%.
http://www.nationalpost.com/m/wp/news/canada/blog.html?b=news.nationalpost.com/2012/10/01/quebecers-feel-scotland-better-suited-for-independence-than-their-own-province-poll
The march and rally came at about the right time for me. I was starting to get a bit tired and autumn 2014 seemed like a very long way away.
Not only has it perked up the movement but it’s taken it to a higher level.
I can hardly wait for next year.
Just for a wee bit more entertainment, I’ve added some music to a video of the march and uploaded it to youtube. Sorry for the lack of scantily-clad ladies.
i can’t help but ponder what the reaction would have been if our unionist friends, pictured in your article, had been supporters for Independence, with saltires.
DougtheDug
“Damage limitiation”. The good thing is the damage has already been done. When people like McKenna say what he said, you know Labour have dug a massive grave for themselves. The BBC stance becomes as credible as Labours.
I’m convinced that they are shell shocked at the response by certain journalists, unions, charities. Not to mention the public at large. They are continuing to to what Labour do. That is treat the scottish people with contempt. As a consequence, they have created a divide between offering protection and fairness, via Independence and hopelessness by remaining in the Union.
PS it looks ok when I type my comment, but for reasons beyond me it comes
out all misaligned! this new technology!!, sorry folks
Has there ever been another country fighting for independence, where the media has been 100% against? It just seems very wrong, for want of a better word. What is the matter with the media? I can understand the BBC, the clue is in the name, but every single print outlet?
Something stinks.
And who is funding them? Surely it can’t be economic to have plummeting circulations? As for BBC Scotland they seems to just be the propaganda arm of the Labour party – soon they’ll just be talking to themselves (as I think the Labour leadership already is).
Albaman has hit the nail on the head. How could Milliband stand up at a UK Labour conference and say, We are all in deep Shit, we have to it follow lead of the Tories, there is no other way. Yet the Labour party in Scotland was saying there is another way, Scotland can afford all the goodies. Scottish labour can never be seen to say anything different from down south otherwise it adds weight to the independence arguement.
Labour in Scotland can no longer try to present this debate as for what is best for Scotland. No matter which side of the debate someone sits, they will not like local Labour taking one position and being told to change it by London.
“And who is funding them? Surely it can’t be economic to have plummeting circulations?”
The newspaper barons see this as an investment, Major. Once they manage to bring us Scots to our senses and normal order is resumed, the Labour led Scottish Government will implement the grayman’s policies such as free newspapers to all under 25s. The Labour led SG will spend lavish amounts on newspaper advertisements extolling the virtues of everything and anything just so it can repay the huge debt the Unionists are currently running up with the MSM.
At least, that’s the idea.
It was yonks ago that I discovered t’internet.
I have had very friendly relations with all sorts of people from around the world. I tend to believe them before I believe anything in mainstream journalism, or even internet forums. You have to know people for a long while to decide. But a consistent, and accurate tone of voice is finally convincing. None of these people subscribe to a political view that could be described as exclusive. Thay are, generally, people with questions for the state or their religions, that even you even, dear reader would balk at asking. They don’t.
It is people like that that became part of my internationalism. Late in the day I know, but t’internet is a wonderful thing. I would not have known one of these people without it. And my horizons would not have been extended.
___________________________________________________________
I thus became a complete sceptic about the likes of this web site:
http://gatesofvienna.blogspot.co.uk/2006/09/other-september-11th.html
Which I consider drek.
This is ignorant prejudice and has no basis in reality.
More good news:
http://www.yesscotland.net/welcoming_the_scottish_greens_to_the_yes_scotland_campaign
Oh look. STV have it on their web site. The title of the article is “Scottish Green party votes to join pro-independence Yes campaign”. However, just look at the link wording, which I suspect was someone’s original idea for the title.
http://news.stv.tv/scotland/193615-greens-brand-snps-plans-to-remain-in-nato-offensive-at-conference/
Patrick Harvie seems to think that Alex Salmond is trying to arrange to keep Trident. I think it might be more than Patrick Harvie who would be a tad upset if that happened.
Scott , thanks for a great article , cheered me up no end .
The behaviour of SLAB and their friends in the M.S.M , reminds me off a wounded beast that lashes out in all directions . These people know that their time is coming to an end and they are going to lash out in all directions not caring who gets hurt in the process .
Somehow we have to get out to the people of Scotland that there is a better way and that the unionist way of demonising sections of society is the way of the thug and the playground bully . In 2014 we have the choice do we vote for a country that still has a social conscience and believes in social justice or do we vote for the right wing bully that demonises certain sections of society . In 2014 we are fighting for the very soul of Scotland . If we let labour and their allies win then Scotland as a country will cease to exist as the establishment will dismantle everything that makes Scotland unique .
I agree with much of what you say Silvertay. The whole debate over universal benefits has highlighted the different ideologies between Scotland and England. The bottom line is if Scotland votes no then most of what we value in Scottish society will vanish like snow aff a dyke. Lamont and Labour have abandoned ordinary people on the altar of austerity. The choice is vote YES for hope and positivity or no for years of misery and a country which will spend billions on nuclear weapons, foreign wars and Londons sewers while punishing the sick, elderly and young. The fight for independence has never been more important, it is a fight that Scotland cannot afford to lose.
I actually agree with every word that silverytay had to say. If we don’t vote ‘yes’ then we become, by default, Gordon Brown’s North Britons, with no rights left whatsoever. It would become incredibly hard to fight back from thereon in.
Our generation has a chance to free us from this insanity. It will not come around again, not for a hellishly long time.
Hope always wins out over fear in the end. If that was not the case, we’d all be in real trouble.
Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.
Albert Einstein
“…Your old road is rapidly agin’
Please get out of the new one if you can’t lend your hand.
For the times they are a-changin’…”
Labour is in a real tizzy. Milliband delivered a bravura speech completely lacking any mention of policies, socialism, fairness . . anything traditionally Labour in fact. One day he was praising Carwyn Jones in Wales for implementing universal benefits like free prescriptions, and then he was endorsing Lamont for attacking them! Could there be a lacuna where Labour’s soul should be?
Don’t agree that this put the wind up the Brit nats but I do agree that every little helps (let’s not exaggerate though) — Lamont was told what to say by her London bosses — one must include the self-serving Jim Murphy and the intellectually unoriginal carrier pigeon Curran in the voices in Lamont’s head.
It was impressive in that it was organised in the backstreet and alleyways of FB — next year it will be bigger. One hopes that in 2014 the organisers of the march will plan it for August. Earlier, just in case.
Speaking of ‘unoriginal’, Lamont must be the absolute definition of clouded imagination and non-vision and like all Labour politicians seems to be mathematucally challenged with the simplest sums.
To add — Labour was saying all this guff about spending prior to May 2011 in 2010 but was forced to drop it at Xmas 2010 since their bosses there (we’re sure it wqs Murphy) said it would result in electoral disaster. They still kept some of it and tried populist unfunded policies — the famous fag-packet manifesto creation just a few weeks before the May 2011 election then tried to adopt SNP policies.
Losers… yet they still get in at Westminster. That is a problem.
Great photos and what the whole thing was really about — regular people getting out and saying where they stand.
On the Labour thing, first Lamont steals the Tory “something for nothing” slogan and then Miliband steals the Tory “One Nation” slogan from Disraeli. Why don’t they just go ahead and admit they’re “Tory-Lite” and be done with it?
You must have been close to me on the march!
http://tiny.cc/vhrulw
http://tiny.cc/lyuulw
I think this maybe did put the wind up the unionist’s trouser legs.
People compare it to the poll tax marches and the protests on student fees etc. But when you think about what it was actually for, Scottish Independence, I don’t think you can have that level of support for a cause, even have that kind of activity, (and already have the means to achieve it) and not be worried if you’re on the other side (so to speak.)
I don’t think we’ll ever get millions, or even hundred’s of thousands out, but I reckon for every one person marching there will be a fair few sitting at home who support it but just aren’t as demonstrative about it.
It was a march to support Scotland becoming an independent country. In political terms, with the exception of war protests, its about as big & meaningful as it gets, that it even happened is quite extraordinary when you think about it.
Still not going to get all bleary eyed and tearful about it mind, I just want my vote to count in general elections and to see the fruits of the country where I live, doing some good in the country where I live instead of it being pissed up the wall in London.
I am really glad I went on the march. Atmosphere was positive and hopeful. I thought most of the speeches were good. Allan Grogan’s speech put a ‘professional’ politician like Lamont to shame. It is interesting that Ruth Wishart supports independence, given her links with Donald Dewar. Being able to gain the support of people of the calibre of her and Blair Jenkins is significant. Hopefully other prominent people follow their lead as it helps the Yes campaign build credibility and momentum. The fear that anti independence supporters have used, are using and will use to attempt to put voters off independence should never be underestimated. The unionist ideology has been powerful and it has taken a massive effort to get to where we are now.