As more horrific experiences from survivors of rape torture gangs surface from across the UK, we must focus not on knee-jerk political posturing but on the root cause that led to the failure of these children by our society.
Political inaction has now opened the door to inevitable political mileage, nurtured from stoking vengeance in a rightly-angered public. Those only interested in creating cultural conflicts no more support justice for survivors than those who allowed this abomination to fester by looking away or worse, covering up the problem.
For any functioning society, inflicting unimaginable pain on children on an alarming scale seems unimaginable. Yet, the evidence has been in front of us for years – so why has immediate action to ensure the safeguarding of children – and vulnerable adults – not been a pressing priority?
Any rational assessment of Scottish (or indeed UK or world) politics at the moment tends to be negative and depressing, so since it’s a new year we thought we’d make an extra-special effort at writing something positive.
Unfortunately that does require us to enter the realm of fantasy. But hey, everybody needs a little holiday from time to time, right?
Look, we know that mocking front pages on The National is low-hanging fruit, and this particular example could hardly be any more of a self-parody if it tried.
But just for the sheer mental exercise in that stone-dead last week of December when nobody even knows what day it is, let’s imagine if it came true.
As a lifelong political geek and former SNP and Alba Party member, I’ve spent years supporting Scotland’s independence movement. However, over the last few years, I’ve watched the campaign (as opposed to support for independence) wither away. Being a Scottish nationalist has become increasingly disheartening, like watching someone you love succumb to a slow, debilitating illness. In frustration, I switched off from my homeland and turned my focus to the drama of US politics.
Over the last three years I immersed myself in it, watching both left and right-wing outlets. I became so hooked and invested that I jumped on a plane to Washington DC for the 2024 election. I canvassed with DC Democrats in rural Pennsylvania (that’s me third from the left in the pic below), attended Kamala Harris’s concession rally, and went to Trump’s only watch party in DC.
My journey led me to believe that Scotland’s independence campaign could learn a great deal from Trump’s victory and the Democrats’ failure.
We’ll give you three guesses as to the highly controversial and extravagantly taxpayer-funded organisation that has its rainbow fingerprints all over this story, readers.
Jay on A crisis of democracy: “There is something in common between Starmer and Trump.” Jan 14, 22:32
Jay on A crisis of democracy: “Yes, and as Rev Stu mentioned earlier, much depends on the design of the P.R. system used, it can put…” Jan 14, 22:25
gregor on A crisis of democracy: “Scotland doesn’t get the message, huh ? I don’t believe you… “Message: 1. a communication, usually brief, from one person…” Jan 14, 22:17
PacMan on A crisis of democracy: “That is based on the assumption that all of these appointees and members of both houses are totally loyal to…” Jan 14, 22:17
Jay on A crisis of democracy: “That summarises the threat. There is further threat from oligarchs undermining the ‘4th estate’, either buying formerly reputable titles or…” Jan 14, 22:15
Dave Hansell on A crisis of democracy: “Nope. Not even Wikipedia has a page on “The Sherman Plan” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search?go=Go&search=The+Sherman+Plan&ns0=1 The search engine lists the 1787 Roger Sherman…” Jan 14, 22:03
Derek on A crisis of democracy: ““the government is opposed by four out of every five voters” isn’t really true though. Plenty of people who voted…” Jan 14, 21:58
gregor on A crisis of democracy: “COPFS @COPFS: reposted: “Disrupting serious organised crime is a priority for @ScotGov and partners on the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce…”:…” Jan 14, 21:29
willi on A crisis of democracy: “Can’t but help think what friendship the Donald John is saving up for the hapless Sir Keir Starmer who actively…” Jan 14, 21:22
Marie on A crisis of democracy: “If you say so Chatham House. Hilarious” Jan 14, 21:21
Dave Hansell on A crisis of democracy: “Surely the SNP have not done that much damage? Otherwise, we’ed have seen the official D-notice.” Jan 14, 21:20
Humza Who? on A crisis of democracy: “A promise from that amoral grifter Farage is even less reliable than one from the SNP or the Labour Party’s…” Jan 14, 21:07
gregor on A crisis of democracy: “Back To The Future: I have rejoined the SNP: “…in case anyone else is thinking it’s time to work for…” Jan 14, 21:05
Humza Who? on A crisis of democracy: “There should be enough checks and balances in the US system. That isn’t the case these days. The Republican Party…” Jan 14, 21:01
gregor on A crisis of democracy: “Operation Branchform latest (2025): Police ‘fed up’ of being blamed for length of SNP finance probe: “The Crown Office has…” Jan 14, 20:44
robertkknight on A crisis of democracy: “What’s the difference? 46 seats to pro-Devolution parties and Scotland gets shafted in any event. The nu-SNP achieved the square…” Jan 14, 20:37
agent X on A crisis of democracy: “Labour won 35.3% of the vote in Scotland = 37 seats. SNP won 30% of the vote in Scotland =…” Jan 14, 20:13
gregor on A crisis of democracy: “Chatham House: The importance of democracy: Why is democracy important to the world and how does it help maintain a…” Jan 14, 19:48
robertkknight on A crisis of democracy: “I hear Govan is lovely at this time of year…” Jan 14, 19:44
gregor on A crisis of democracy: “No worries, here (yawn)… #HappyScotlandForever” Jan 14, 19:39
gregor on Eyes Full Of Beams: “@X Trending: Tulip Siddiq Steps Down Amid Corruption Claims: “Tulip Siddiq, who served as both the Anti-Corruption Minister and Treasury…” Jan 14, 19:10
PacMan on Nicola’s Non-Truths: “Firstly, I had typed the message on autopilot. I had meant she is photogenic which seems to be liked by…” Jan 14, 19:04
PacMan on A crisis of democracy: “America is a Republic, not a Democracy. There is enough checks and balances to stop that from happening. Even if…” Jan 14, 18:58
Rev. Stuart Campbell on A crisis of democracy: “44 comments and nobody’s mentioned you-know-where yet. Maybe the message is finally getting through.” Jan 14, 18:51
gregor on Nicola’s Non-Truths: “@PeteWishart has blocked you: “Just had a look at Alba Twitter. I’ve never seen such hate on any social media…” Jan 14, 18:28
Graf Midgehunter on A crisis of democracy: “Humza …..! Ha ha ha :-)))” Jan 14, 18:25
