Wings Over Scotland

Wonderful – well done to all – remember that holiday after 23 June please – you deserve every penny.

We know you care, so we care.

Tried to pay by paypal twice and failed the form. It just won’t move on.

Don’t know where I’d be without my daily Wings addiction. Totally hooked.

Please never stop from exposing their lies & cabalistic, belittling games, a la jakey’s spanner gang.

You’re on to them. And when you’re on to them, we are all to them.

JK and her MSM sycophants really, really hate that.

That thought fills me with a warm glow. Wings’ body of investigative journalism is a priceless public service to Scotland – in this ‘dark age’ of just a few billionaires controlling MSM and thereby distorting the truth to their own ends, with the complicit support of BBC Scotland.

Dig deep. Where would Scotland and its future be, without Wings to hold them accountable?

“Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?” (“Who watches the watchers”)?

Wings does.

I always say a Wee Silver Book is vital for making inroads in overturning the NO vote among our elder Scots.

I think it needs to be done before IndyRef2:

1. Older people will be bombarded by Project Fear in IndyRef2. But if you can get in first and open their eyes, they might not take kindly to Jackie Bird telling them their pensions are only safe with Boris and Osborne.

2. IndyRef2 might only be called when there IS sufficient support among all age groups, so converting the elder voters is a preliminary to getting another vote.

3. IndyRef2 might be the rubber-stamp on indy, rather than the actual process or event which GIVES us indy.

So let’s be having a Wee Silver Book and we can all get out and deliver them.

Many thanks for all your hard work. Reading ‘Wings’ enlightens and invigorates, even on the darkest days.

Kenny says:

“Wee Silver Book”

… Just realised you meant ‘silver’, as in specifically targeting the elderly. Good idea, because if we can swing the older voter too, then Indy is a done deal!

O/T noticed a discussion on RS about rugby and it’s effect on health. There’s an interesting TED talk by Dr Daniel Amen on brain damage imaging and the effect of mild trauma on mental and physical health. 14 mins.
link to youtube.com

@galamcennalath

The common view I hear held many many elder Tory voters is that we have a something for nothing culture now and that they worked hard all their lives. They completely ignore the fact that quality jobs aren’t there now. “If you work hard you’ll get your reward” is their mantra

Then I point them at the following graphic about ‘something for nothing’

link to google.co.uk

It shows the post war spending as a ratio to GDP. Many ‘jobs for life’ private and public sector were created off the back of this post war spending. Enter Milton Friedman in the 70s and all that changed. ‘The economy is like a household’ is the belief.
The result is this situation we have now.

So the elder Tory argument falls apart.

£57 322 and counting Lovely.

The best way to persuade the over 65’s is – to use Indy supporters from their own generation to educate, inform and debunk the smears and fears BT will regurgitate in the event of Indyref2. A wee silver book would be a very useful tool to help the older generation understand that, armageddon would not occur and their pensions are more likely to be safe if we leave this corrupt union.

My mother who is 80 in a few months. Was a life long labour voter. She has known my pro indy views since I was 16 (4 decades). A year or so before the 2014 referendum (prompted by a friend in her church group), she started asking questions about what would happen if Scotland voted for Independence.

I asked her what was it that had changed her stance, She replied her friend (5 years older) had pointed out the lies and misinformation the EBC where constantly bombarding us with from Pacific Quay. She had started having doubts when she became aware of the incompetence of the previous Labour Westminster government.

So at the age of 78 my mother changed her lifelong held views and embraced independence as the only answer. After the referendum was lost she joined the SNP.

Had no problem paying with ‘card’ option. Also re Silver Book — great idea! However SNP should make a statement that 65 will always be the max retirement age and a guarantee that Scotland will peg pensions at the highest level in the EU. Never have a problem with the elderly vote again!!!!

Capella
Thank for that TED talk. I could say lots but it’s probably best not to, though I reckon I’m living proof that Dr Daniel Amen is bang on the money.

I have serious doubts about whether some people could ever change. Last week I visited two elderly aunts, both originally from Singapore but who held Dutch passports. They were there as children during the Japanese occupation but returned to the UK after the war.

The conversation took an unexpected twist when I mentioned Donald Trump. It transpires they admire him and his views on immigrants and a whole raft of other topics. I listened dumfounded as these two elderly ladies expressed views not uncommon in Mein Kampf. I had never spoken to them before about politics.

I have to admit a degree of sadness at this revelation. They are proper,prim,and have manners which are beyond reproach in everyday life. Behind the facade however
there lurks a very different beast altogether.Funny old world.

@ Bob Mack

Jonnie foreigner…what?? ?

Another Union Dividend says:

“Last November in House of Commons, SNP alone voted to devolve tax credits to Scotland – 56 against 477 as Labour supported Tories ”

They should never be allowed to forget all the amendments which Scotland’s duly elected representatives asked for, but were thrown out by EVSL!

They came staggering back into the chamber without even knowing nor understanding what they were voting for. An undemocratic disgrace.

Is there a list anywhere of what all was rejected? And by whom, Con or Con+Lab? It would be a handy resource.

Well done Wingers! We just couldn’t do without the Rev.s blog. It keeps me sane and because I don’t watch or listen to State Propaganda TV and radio I can get my news here.

I also share lots of links that Wingers provide and use them in online debates.

I hope Robert Peffers will forgive me for taking a perk this time. I’ve never taken one before. His comments are some of the best and hope that he will get a gold badge too.

Absolutely NOTHING whatsoever to do with the fundraiser. 😀

Our Battle bus has just returned from the graphics shop all “Battled Up!” 🙂

Look out poisoned dwarf and all yer wee Tory mates … WE are coming for YOU! 😀

@Flower of Scotland,

It may well not be your experience,but it is fact. The Union was preserved by the elderly vote.There is no other way round that fact.

As I described about my elderly relatives,they can be delightful company face to face,but may hold very different views in private.

@Flower of Scotland

I know on occasion there have been odd posts that have tarred all over 50’s or 60’s with the same Yoon brush but those are the minority. The vast majority of activists know that there are legions of older folks doing amazing work in the trenches, on blogs and so forth.

But, we have to address the stats, the numbers, at some point in some ways that are useful to the cause. And it’s true we have to be careful not to piss off the people who are on our side, who are fighting the fight, day in day out, who might be in and around retirement age.

But there are a lot of folks who worry about their pensions, who worry we might be attacked by terrorists, or bombed by…I dunno, people with bombs who come from far off lands…or that gaining independence would bring about the end of days; a wheen of catastrophies we’d be ill equipped to deal with.

”
Cameron: SNP should stop talking about grievances and get on with government.” (The Herald)

So, ‘Subsidy Junky Scots’ is not a grievance? (Solution: cut Barnett). West Lothian Question is not a grievance? (Solution: EVEL). The EU is taking over our ‘country’. Solution (have and EU IN/OUT referendum).

Of course these are not grievances because WM has the power to ‘fix it’, to come up with solutions. Scotland just has to accept it.

Well, as far as the present constitutional settlement goes, I, and many like me, asre still waiting for the Yoons to deliver on THEIR pre-referendum promise of The Vow. Put up then–AND ONLY THEN–will we shut up.

Ah’ll give yae grievance, Cameron ya pig-fancying walloper.

Off topic.

Today I was glad of the SNHS. I got straight through on the phone as well.

The mither had a fall today. The ambulance arrived in just 15 minutes and the paramedics took excellent care of her. She is now snoozing off the clatter she got.

I have to say this even though the quizzer probably doesn’t look at this blog. GIRUY Eleanor Bradford!

Oh and I hope those heilan butt and ben holiday hames on Speyside get well tanked by the SNPs proposed progressive Council Tax changes.

link to change.org Off topic Please sign people , we need this , lets see if we can get a better Scottish news program up and running in Scotland instead of the daily drivel we get from our so called journalists .

@Iain More,

Hope your mum is OK mate. I have no doubt she will get good care.

Stu, miss the clink of pounds in a tin. Donated and heres to a wonderful 2016 with wings. Andy

Robert Peffers @3.08
Hi, Robert,
As a fellow oldie (77), I am afraid I have to confirm that in my experience, from canvassing and leafleting, a majority of the 65+ generation are of a Unionist persuasion. (I agree with the polls)
It gets very frustrating talking to them on the merits of independence, but most have a fixed mindset that they are British, won the war, delivered the NHS and so on.
Anything that upsets that long-ingrained pattern is difficult for them to accept, and is often expressed by lashing out verbally as in “I hate that Alex Salmond/ Nicola Sturgeon” without any really sensible reason. It is almost like a fervent religious belief and is equally difficult to change.
However that demographic is dying off and Independence appears inevitable as younger voters are overwhelmingly in favour.
Just hope I don’t die off before then!

@Iain More, Like already said . Hope your mums ok.

Iain More, hope your mum will be fine and well soon.

O/T To all the wingers who helped me out last night with the links to council reserves. Son has calmed doon and read all the links, sends thanks to all. The even better news is the union has reported back after meetings with the cooncil, and he and his workmates will not have to reapply for their own jobs at a lot less money. Result.

Thank you again for all your help folks.

Some EU ammunition here: link to wp.me

@Macart says:
2 March, 2016 at 12:38 pm

Worth reading and worth getting angry about.
———————————————————–
Geez! Your right that’s an appalling series of events.

Tommy Atkins indeed. 🙁

Kenny says:
2 March, 2016 at 11:34 am
I always say a Wee Silver Book is vital for making inroads in overturning the NO vote among our elder Scots.

Aye but without WWII in its title,.it’s doomed.

It escapes too many,
.. that MOST OF THE KEY HISTORICAL ACTS THAT SHAPE US, DIDN’T HAPPEN DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR.

If we have less support among the older generation we’ll have to work harder to convince them.Not girn about them.We’ll not get them all,but we can get more of them.Put in a bit of time and effort.Listen to them.Chat to them.

I came to wings,a few years ago,(not at the beginning),I come everyday now,multiple visits.

The reason ? Apart from the Rev.
I am consistently blown away by the knowledge and passion of the posters.

I rarely leave without learning something,on occasion,get angry,annoyed,pleased,now and again,split my sides with laughter.

Other times,like today I get really,really angry,reading about the atrocious treatment of a young man who’s boots they are not fit to lace,grrr,just makes more determined to leave these sad UKOK users/abusers and their Scottish bagmen/cheerleaders/defenders behind,the UK is NOT OK !

I doff my hat to the older posters,don’t go anywhere,we need you more than ever,not now,we’re nearly there,(you know who you are).

#experience #knowledge #educate #inspire #respect……

Many Many Thanks….a grateful winger 🙂

@ Macart says at 12:38 pm …. ”Worth reading and worth getting angry about.”

link to marksimonfrankland.blogspot.co.uk

What a TRULY heartbreaking story Macart. ‘Angry’ doesn’t even begin to describe how I feel reading this tonight.

I know we’re fund raising for Wings and I’ll be donating again before the months out but couldn’t we all pull together on here and try to do something for this guy?

Bob Mack,

“I have serious doubts about whether some people could ever change.”

Bob Mack,

“It may well not be your experience,but it is fact. The Union was preserved by the elderly vote.There is no other way round that fact.”

The vast majority of the 70% of the elderly who voted No are diehard British nationalists who will never change.

They are a lost cause and not a single penny should be spent on them next time.

The vast majority of the 30% of the elderly who voted Yes are diehard independence supporters.

They were convinced long before many of us were born and don’t need any convincing.

Addendum Greens 1 MP – apologies, Natalie Wood.

@Cuilean –

Kudos for doing that – some stats speak volumes eh?

Regards council tax, the no voting, well offs, will no longer be able to claim that the Scotgov refuse to tax the better off. Lefty Graun readers, friends who say they would be ‘happy to pay more, to pay for services etc’.
Be interesting to know what they are saying now, I do hope they are happy with the rise in their C Tax, seems fair.

@Nana

I was looking at a link earlier from ‘jerry parker’ (thanks) and my eye caught this which I had never seen.

A BBC programme full of old kicked out labour hacks ( too many to name) coming to terms with the GE 2015 and Jackie Bird as a bonus.

Worth a look and I almost (almost) felt sorry for I Gray and with Zezia appearing at the end, little did they know then what we know now,she was going to be another selection failure. 🙂

Give it a go some of you if only to refresh your memory about how awful they all were/are.
———————————————————
The Fall of Scottish Labour – BBC Scotland documentary 22nd June 2015

link to youtube.com‘

@Rock
“The vast majority of the 70% of the elderly who voted No are diehard British nationalists who will never change.”
———–

TNS POLL – Over 65
SNP 34%
Lab 32%
Con 28%
Lib 4 3%

That might be true of the current generation when it comes to independence but on the other hand, going by that latest poll, the SNP are still in the lead (narrowly) when it comes to Holyrood.

The SNP treats pensioners well:

Free personal care at ever increasing costs.
Free bus passes
Free prescriptions – more likely to be used by the elderly.
And now tax relief for low income households staying in a big house – of which a high number are pensioners for whom it is impractical to move.

It’s probably true that some old folks are stuck in their ways, but what I also reckon is that the excessively one-sided positive campaign for independence just didn’t work with them.
Scots pensioners are cynical by nature and like nothing more than a good moan. Especially old women when they get together. They are also far more susceptible to scaremongering and more likely to still get their news from the traditional media.

A more balanced approach is needed for pensioners next time.
Give them something to complain and fear regarding the Tories in Westminster.

@MJT says: 2 March, 2016 at 2:53 pm:

” … But, we have to address the stats, the numbers, at some point in some ways that are useful to the cause.”

And that, MJT, is where you, and they, are probably making a mistake. You believe the stats and the fact is the stats can be, and in my opinion are, misleading.

Here’s how. Who is it that is compiling those stats and from what data are they drawing their conclusions? The answer would seem to be the various pollsters. I could be wrong but I don’t think there is a published complete national database of how each age group actually voted.

The figures would seem to originate with the various polling companies and, if so, they cannot be correct in anything other than in the people they surveyed.

So consider this – some pollsters have a list of signed-up, and some even pay them, polled members. They thus can pick and choose known people to poll.

Others use random telephone contacts – but how many younger folks have phone lines these days? They usually have mobiles glued to their lugs and the companies do not poll mobiles.

Then we have on-line self chosen participants, for example do you imagine the readership of the Daily Mail who volunteer to take a newsprint, or even on-line, Daily Mail survey are unbiased?

Then we have the knock-the door and ask to take survey lot- what age groups are most likely to be at home and who is most likely to be either at work during the day or out of the home of an evening.

The overall picture is that most surveys will have an out of balance age demographic. Not to mention that many older folks might be more inclined to tell them where to stick their survey or tell them what they think they want to hear.

More On BBC Question Time panellists:

Period Jan 14 to April 15

UKIP (1 seat) appeared on 37.5% of all shows
Lib Dems (57 MPs) appeared on 71.7% of all shows

Period May 15 to March 16

UKIP (1 seat) UP TO 40.6% appearances
Third Party SNP 37.5% (half of what Lib Dems got)

They will remain British nationalists to their dying days. Why waste resources trying unsuccessfully to convert them?

Because all the myriad reasons for voting YES apply to every voter and all ages in Scotland Rock.

Cool your jets dude.

@Fireproofjim says: 2 March, 2016 at 6:04 pm:

“As a fellow oldie (77), I am afraid I have to confirm that in my experience, from canvassing and leafleting, a majority of the 65+ generation are of a Unionist persuasion”.

Aw! Cummon! Fireproof Jim, do the sums.

You say those in the 65+ generation claim they won the war. Really?

Anyone who is 65 now would have been born in 1951 and the war in Europe ended in 1945 – before they were born. Now add to that they would have had to be over 18 at the latest in 1945 to have actually fought in the war.

I’m not a kick in the shirt off 80 and I was just two when the war started. I did come under fire as my family went to Hants during part of WWII and we lived in London for a while too. But I also came under fire in Midlothian after we came home. However I was most certainly a non-combatant.

Anyway, as I point out in another comment one very good reason you get a high proportion of the more elderly when knocking doors is quite simple. The younger ones are much more likely to be out not only during normal school/Office/working hours.

The younger ones are more likely to be working, in further education or even seeking work during normal working hours. Not only that but are more likely to be out on sporting or other pleasure/pleasure pursuits of an evening too.

Here’s some proof of what I’m claiming. Stand near a school gate at home-time and observe how many Grand Parents are collecting children for their own grown-up children and ask yourself why are the children’s parents absent?

Rock

Here is a suggestion.

Ditch winter payments, but give all over 65’s a 50% discount on ALL electricity ONLY from renewable energy electricity, ALL year round. Limit free travel to a mileage allowance (to stop big business taking the piss) and introduce a mechanism of 1% plus CPI on pension incremental rises.

Taking care of the elderly is important, affects all our lives, and needs to be taken seriously, despite our politics.

Robert Peffers, you say:*

Here’s some proof of what I’m claiming. Stand near a school gate at home-time and observe how many Grand Parents are collecting children for their own grown-up children and ask yourself why are the children’s parents absent?*

OK, you’re right, and your previous paragraph touches on it (sort of) the younger generation needs a bit of guidance on, well quite frankly, what is important. That said, it is now normal to have both parents working – and household finances are under pressure – the option of ‘five kids or four’ is (for overly concerned poential parents) now, 1 maybe two. Sad. I agree, but a reality. The question you pose is the direction of society, so if that is the case, then just say it!

ahundredthidiot,

“Taking care of the elderly is important, affects all our lives, and needs to be taken seriously, despite our politics.”

I fully agree.

And I don’t wish them an early death either.

What I am pointing out is not a single penny should be spent trying to convince them to vote Yes.

Even if you poured the money saved down the drain, you could at least spend the time saved more productively on trying to convince those who are more likely to be converted to our cause.

Specifically, the folks that RIC reached.

All pensioners must be made responsible for their actions in the Referendum and made to suffer, yes suffer, in some terrible awful way for not doing the right thing

But how do I prove I’m a good pensioner? Oh, it’s OK I’m a party member Phew!! That’s OK then, Oh but I might not be able to produce my card coz It’s in my other wallet or in the drawer

I hope I’ve said enough coz it’s beginning to sound like armbands next,
When ever in anyone’s life has a pensioner in your family ever done what you wanted them to or even told you the truth about what they said or did to whom

The population is what it is, old, young, in the middle, to bang on about ways to deal with folks democratic right to vote any way they want isn’t a good read for this movement
It might be tough but that’s freedom of choice, would you take it away?

Because that would be a different movement altogether

Rock: ‘…no one has heard first hand what happened 20 generations ago.’

Collins Dictionary: ‘Generation: the normal or average time between two such generations of a species: about 35 years for humans.’

Conclusion: Rock is correct, because no-one in Scotland, so far as we know, is over 700 years old.

Well done Rock!

😉

Agree with comments about RIC,they did not get enough recognition of the work they done during the referendum.Persuading people who weren’t even on the voters roll ,to register and vote ,in many cases for the first time.It was no coincidence that the most socially deprived areas in Scotland voted YES,the areas where change was most needed.I believe if organisations like RIC had been given more support and resources,a YES vote would have been a given.Also agree a waste of time trying to engage with British unionist pensioners,if everyone in Scotland was given a million quid and free Irn-Bru on tap,they would still vote No.

Ian Brotherhood,

“Conclusion: Rock is correct, because no-one in Scotland, so far as we know, is over 700 years old.”

You missed the last sentence:

“In contrast, apart from the few remaining dodos in Scotland, no one has heard first hand what happened 20 generations ago.”

There are definitely a few who still remember the days when “sovereign” Scots used to get rid of monarchs they didn’t like.

Nowadays, “sovereign” us cannot even get rid of Carmichael, let alone the purring queen.

Still Positive,

“The war means nothing to me although my father fought in India and Burma and my mother nursed injured soldiers and airmen.”

It doesn’t to the admirable 30% but it means everything to the British nationalist 70%.

Ian B

You are right. That kind of did happen. But RP did respond to him since. So. My advice, for what it’s worth, is, to not do that. You don’t have to agree with Rock, but let’s not light the torches.

Open forum and all that.

I have been S.N.P
since 1959

OT
I see Lesley Riddoch is having a go at the SNP for being dull and unimaginative with its council tax reform, and various others are as well.

Is it just me, or are people being so hasty to find any excuse to down the SNP, they can’t even see beyond their own keyboard rather than sit and think about it for a while?

I think its “evolutionary” as a guy from Heriot-Watt said, a safe starting step in a fairly long process. Rates go back to, well, 1739 or earlier (county rate / poor tax), apparently, by which time valuations were already 100 years out of date. It’s not going to get reformed in half-an-hour at someone’s article-overworked keyboard!

@Yesindyref2

No and yes in that order. 😀

The SNP are gradualists, they work slowly and cautiously through consensus. They are also politically astute and take small steps where others would stride.

Sometimes folk just need reminded that those small steps are all in the one direction and rarely falter or waver. Sometimes they even break into one of those strides. 😉

The SNP are doing

what they can in the circumstances because people voted NO. Once they have more power in Holyrood May 2016, they will be able to do even more. YES voters who say they want Independence are just scoring an own goal by slagging off the SNP all the time. They have a grudge against the SNP and constantly slagging them off they damage the Independence movement. The SNP Gov hands are tied because people voted NO and Scotland still doesn’t have the full levers to control the economy. They should stop slagging off the SNP and wait until people vote YES (very soon) and then start slagging off the SNP.

The Greens have a problem with the SNP and it clouds their judgement. They would rather collude with Unionists in Scotland to get power and betray their own policies. Renege on them and damage the Independence movement. Say they support Independence to get votes and then when they get power renege on their own policies. A double whammy. Money which should be going to essential services is instead going to grotesque projects the majority do not want. They keep on slagging off the SNP for policies they know are imposed by Westminster. Non devolved powers.

Ie Fracking. They are against fracking in Scotland but Scotland are using fracked gas from other countries (Unionist policy). The Councils (Unionist/Green) should be reigned in for overspending on grotesque unnecessary projects the majority do not want. The Greens want the councils to have more power.

Scotland has lost over £20Billion in the last 6 years because of the Westminster (Unionist) policies on Oil taxation, which would have paid for essential services. Or investment in Green policies. Electric cars are four times cheaper to run. The Westminster gov is illegally taxing the Oil sector at 60%, (collecting less tax) and then importing Oil (with no alternatives) putting up the balance of payments and the debt.

Emmissions are reducing in Scotland with the investment in Renewables. A balance.

The Green land taxation proposals by the Green make no sense and could be a damaging tax on the whole Scottish economy. The Greens critise the Scottish Gov (damaging the Independence movement) for not implementing it. There is no mandate for it from the voters. They know the right to own property is enshrined in the Human rights Act which give Scotland Devolution and protects the rights of all Scottish citizens in the EU. There is no mandate for their Land tax from the voters.

Anyone can buy a bit of land in Scotland but they can’t put a hut on it because of Scottish planning Laws. The Greens would be the first ones complaining if people tried to build a hut on a bit of land. Scotland has a ‘right to roam’ which give people the right to roam over most of Scotland for very little cost. Cheaper than the upkeep of a hut.

They collude with Landowners against bringing land back into public use on many developments to improve the economy, at every opportunity. They want to bring in their proposals for Land tax which possible would have a detrimental affect on the Scottish economy – unforeseen consequences. They should put it in a manifesto and lobby for it. Instead of constantly critising the SNP for not implementing their Land tax which could have an adverse effect on the Scottish economy. The Scottish Gov does not have the power to do so because of Devolution/rules tied up with the Human Rights Act. No Scottish Gov could implement the Green land tax without more powers -FFA/Home rule/Independence.It could have an adverse effect on the Scottish economy. Unforseen consequences. Ie Putting up the cost of food, housing etc which could be a bigger burden on those in most need, damage farming and the production ofbfood and exports. Not a progressive, equal fair tax but a blanket tax. The Greens have to wait for more powers/Independence to campaign/lobby for their Land Tax and get a mandate for it.

They collude with Unionists and renege on their own policies putting a burden on those in most need. Squandering public money left right and centre, putting up taxes on grotesque
schemes the majority do not want. Ruining City centres and damaging the economy without a mandate. .Neither the SNP or the Greens have a mandate for a Land tax but the Greens want the SNP to imposed their Land tax illegally, damaging the Independence movement. The Greens typically cut off their nose to spite their face and have a hissy fit when they don’t get what they want. Unconstitutional.

The value of land is related to what is built in it. Planning permission puts up the value of the land. The biggest problem is tax evasion which could be avoided by enforcing the (UK) Tax Laws. Fairer to all. A Scottish Gov can’t do because they don’t have the tax powers. It is a reserved matter.

The Scottish Gov doesn’t have the power to reduce the Oil tax, with Oil prices falling (with no alternatives) Losing Scotland thousands of jobs and £Billions which could be used to reduce poverty. There would be less poverty and better essential services if Osbourne was not using UK tax powers to (deliberately) damage the Scottish economy.

Many people in the UK (Greens) want fracking banned but are using fracked Gas from other countries. The Tories have banned coal production (no CCS). Coal is being imported (without CCS) from other countries (higher emmissions). Putting up the balance of payments deficit and the debt. The UK Gov does not raise enough taxes in the rest of the UK to reduce the debt. Tax evasion by Westminster members and their associates. Scotland has to pay £Billions on debt repayments on money not borrowed or spent in Scotland.

The Tories are spending £25Billion++ (borrowed money) building a nuclear power station by the sea. Nuclear is the most dangerous and can be the most damaging for the Environment. The problems of storing the waste. Exporting it to other countries is not a solution and is totally unsafe. Renewables would be far cheaper. The have banned (on shore?) wind turbines in England. The Tories are spending £Billions on nuclear weapons which are unnecessary and unsafe, especially for Scotland. 6 rusting redundant, damaged submarines are sitting at Rosyth. If they want nuclear weapons base them on the Thames. The Tories (in Westminster) don’t what them based near them. They described (Hammond) Faslane as a ‘wasteland’. 30 mins from Glasgow one of Scottand’s biggest, important City and the beautiful West coast. The Clyde can’t be developed as an industrial base because of the nuclear weapons base. It will be a wasteland if the Tories/Unionists have their way.

Rock makes some valid points.

O/T
Why is Michael Fallon saying on tv “we ARE renewing these boats NOW”
anyone remember there being a vote to renew trident?
I was about to say it’s ALMOST as if the other parties opinion doesn’t matter to them but then realized how redundant the word “almost ” was!

ACC majority Unionist/Green. Their leader wanted to create a new by-Law to put homeless beggars in jail. Criminalising them. They are wasting £Millions of taxpayers money on grotesque projects the majority do not want, damaging the local economy.

There is no overnight provision in the City for vulnerable homeless people (with health problems). They are sleeping in open shelters down at the beach in subzero temperatures. The majority of citizens (voters) are extremely concerned about them. It is an absolute disgrace and makes people extremely angry. People are having to sleep in bins because Unionist policies are sanctioning people and starving vulnerable people to death. Cold, vulnerable, worried, hungry people can’t sleep, get sick. They risk developing mental health problems Die younger and can commit suicide.

The Grampian Health Authorities are the only Health Authority in Scotland who do not fund primary care for drink/drug addiction (poison) problems. Or proper, total abstinence, counselling. Leading to other health, social problems and issues which require increased funding.

O/T links

Greg Hands fiscal committee 9am
link to twitter.com

link to theferret.scot

link to holyrood.com

Trident-replacement-programme-get-640m-additional-funding-
link to archive.is

O/T links

uk-britain-eu-scotland
link to archive.is

Open access to official stats
link to statistics.gov.scot

link to zerohedge.com
-former-bank-england-head-european-depression-was-deliberate-act

link to rt.com

O/T links

link to uk.investing.com

Disgusting UK where the wealthy can do whatever they like…
link to trollexposure.wordpress.com

link to sott.net

link to worldoil.com

The former bank of England chief is lying. He is more responsible for the ‘European’ world banking depression – crash than anybody. Trying to pass the buck. A complete pack of lies. UK/US deregulation of banking rules (worldwide) and levage of capital reserves from 25% to 13% caused the recession/depression. Brown and Blair should be out in jail. It was UK/US banking crooks caused the crash. They and their associates are still causing the problems, the UK/US governments. Greedy pig face suckers.

@call me dave 10.35

Gings, that was like an old Hammer house of horror movie [remember them?] Stuff of nightmares seeing those sleekit useless people again.

We are well rid of them.

Rock,
you seem to be determined to try to turn OUR independence movement into YOUR class war.I think that’s a bad idea.I think we need to nurture support wherever we find it.Its a national movement for everyone living in Scotland.Thats our biggest strength.We’re everywhere.In the schools.In the kirks.In every kind of profession.In hospitals and factories and fields.It scare the living day lights out of those who want to keep us under London rule.

I do a lot of canvassing.Over recent months I’ve noticed a number of older people are now giving their age as their main reason for not supporting the SNP.Almost like an excuse.An apology.I see it as a little chink of light.

DONALD TRUMPTON
Skew,
Spew,
Barmy Hairdo,
Cut-throat,
Bigot,
and Smug.
credit to Brian Bilston on
twitter

@Ken 500

I hear what you’re saying Ken, but I’m not prepared to write the SNP a blank cheque. Perhaps if they hadn’t shirked their obligations to me personally I might feel different, but I am still left to deal with the consequences of their abdication of responsibility while these gutless wonders strut the stage as would-be saviours of Scotland. And before you continue about the sacrifices we all have to bear, you might consider the sacrifices I already do bear by staying silent and NOT hauling these indolent Buck passers before a standards committee.

Why don’t I stay silent? I try, I bloody well do. But my confidence in the SNP is borderline. Most recently, we were marched up the hill holding Westminster to account for their failure to deliver the Vow; a tailor made anvil to pound Westminster for their duplicity. Then Swinney makes a deal, and we are suddenly expected to celebrate a money deal when it was political capital to further the chances of Scottish Independence which most of us wanted to see. I try not to think of it, but bought and sold for English gold springs to mind. But I say nothing. If the despicable Vow is not the fulcrum for the struggle, then what event is going to do it? Something even more blatant perhaps? I shake my head at the opportunity lost.

You see the dilemma I have is that the SNP is the only show in town, but I have the gravest reservations about the quality of the performance. I’ve said it before, it worries me that the powers behind closed doors in Westminster will pull the legs off our pedestrian SNP government like a schoolboy tormenting a spider.

The SNP present the May elections as the next stage in the process, but then leave me hanging. Let’s suppose the SNP clobbers everyone as expected, and has a bigger outright majority in Holyrood. Just how, in practical terms, does anything change? There is already an outright majority, and logically, those obstacles which obstruct progress now are manifestly not surmountable by democratic majority. So what are we actually achieving? Are we just pursuing a headline? What ACTUALLY changes?

Then we come to the BBC, the “gooks” inside our perimeter. The SNP seems to have no idea how to hold the BBC to account. While we all of us know what is happening, there is still no formal protest or demands for an inquiry into the BBC’s misconduct and collusion with the Unionist cause. In the aftermath, we lost Scotland, our country, and yet not one hostile reporter, journalist, or straight up propagandist has suffered so much as a blemish on their record. They are all still in place, and spouting their acrid pish about us separatists. We have seen what happens next. Yet on we sail on the same course. When I raise the issue; “shut up! Shut up! You’re rocking the boat. We have a secret plan”.

I repeat. My faith in the SNP is borderline. This Wings website, an online blog by one man supported by public subscription has done more to hold the BBC and Unionist news rags to account than ANYTHING the SNP has done, and yet for the strangest reason, I get the undeniable feeling the SNP prefers to keep Wings at arms length. I hate to say it, but it smells like fear.

I’m also not buying this argument that suddenly hordes of No voters woke up to their stupidity, and turned into Yes voters for the next time. I hope your right, but I don’t share your optimism. Failure to deliver a YES vote was a body blow, but I get no feeling that we have built anything over and above the pre-referendum expectation. We need to see the SNP doing something.

The only sense I can make of the SNP’s strategy is to build up a dossier of injustice and failures of democratic process and make political capital from Westminter’s dominance and incompatibility with Scottish objectives. Is that it? You are planning for failure and then appealing to the Scottish electorate to agree it’s unfair?

Well, that wouldn’t be my strategy. And heads up, if that is your strategy, then the Unionist media is already lining up one ambush after another on your chosen route to freedom. They can see you coming.

I am an ardent supporter of Independence. I will back and vote for the SNP because I want Independence. But before we are in the white hot temperatures of the furnace, I will challenge, no I will implore, the SNP to raise its game for all our sakes and forge a much more effective, and much less niaive strategy for dealing with Westminster’s skullduggery. It seems to me it is sorely needed. You, the SNP, has not won your present status, Scotland has leant you the power. We, all of us, expect you to do something with it.

Ken500 says:
3 March, 2016 at 7:41 am
ACC majority Unionist/Green.

UKOK yoon culture WTF, from Aberdeen and ACC, currently owned by SLabour. High controversy £100 million city centre construction contract, massive local opposition, public excluded/ignored, contract pops up the day before it goes to a council vote. And that’s how you get things done in ACC.

From Facebook, the local Marischal Square Development protest. Check the number of questions these people have but are totally ignored by ACC, in 2016.

Latest FOI response –
The Council have admitted that they don’t have a hard copy or electronic copy of the form which is required to be submitted if documents are submitted late for a council meeting……..

In May 2013, the Muse proposal document was submitted only 24 hours prior to the vote by full council.

This was crucial as until this point Councillors not on the adhoc committee, thought that the council was simply selling the land. However, Muse and Aviva Investors had persuaded ACC to enter into a joint venture.

This effectively resulted in a procurement situation, which should have been advertised in a European Procurement journal. With only 24 hours to go until the Council decision on the tender, Councillors learnt that there would be a ‘complex and unique contract’ (according to Steven Whyte, ACC Financial Director).

How many understood the implications of this contract, in the short time allotted to its review?

For this decision, one which according to the tender documents would be controversial for Aberdonians, why did they rush through the vote?

What reasons were given on the form for late document submission? Was the form ever submitted?

We may never know as for some reason the evidence cannot be found.

The governance for this development has left a lot to be desired, and this is but one development.”

Found this: Hope it doesn’t make Wingers melancholy – it strengthens resolve for me:

link to wp.me

@Breeks,

I agree with much of what you wrote and perhaps the only difference is that I am prepared to temper my own desire for independence here and now, by playing the longer game,difficult though that may be.

Labour ,like so many other political organisations have found to their cost that the opinion of the public is fickle.Todays hero is tomorrow’s villain. The SNP are ,I feel, on a mission to prove their competence in Government. The majority of Scots must believe they can put their absolute trust in the decisions of their government before having enough confidence to take that final step. We have already made the transition,but others have still to follow.

Remember we have been a Nation cowed by centuries of being made to feel inadequate and dependant on a neighbour to survive.

Then perhaps we can be as brave and forthright as you and I desire.

Mention to Morag (again) this morning on ‘Your Call’ tore other callers to shreds on the council tax and explained that not all property rich income poor would necessarily pay the rates for the higher bands.
“An excuse for labour and the rest to have a pot shot at the SG” she said. Well done Morag (not our other Morag from the borders)

James Kelly MSP had a wee cameo performance but, as usual, did not impress, my partner enquired “who’s that reading from a script” nuff said!

We’ll see what their plans are in their manifesto. Aye right!

Yesindyref 2

Are you proposing “Hug a granny” or grandpa?

Actually this might work better than demonizing them as NO voters, they get statistically more news from newspaper and TV than younger voters.

We need a 5% swing and its game over, that’s why we now have the propaganda war on social media, notice how extremist the Unionist have become, like a fatally wounded animal backed into a corner all snarling teeth and snot.

Also as was evidenced during the referendum, those who pro port to have enhanced political acumen, as is befits their position in the party, should understand we can see the well timed “slips” of provocative language for what they truly are, word of warning to the wise, you now have our attention.

Lastly I did have a laugh this morning when listening to the “Minister of Truth” broadcasts on my car stereo, “this intervention by BMW raises the questions that were raised during the Scottish referendum, as to the place of businesses in political debates”

Correct me if I am wrong but I don’t remember the hand-wringing and cries of “unfair” from media when we had to listen to that crap, I remember the broadcasters serious warnings of dire calamity.

But wait till we get troops on the border, Oh sorry that was the next item, but we still have to hear, financial institutions will leave our capital, what’s that BBC, Paris the new London??? FFS this is a carbon copy!

So that’s why we had a referendum, just like the pool tax it was a dry run for a conservative PM.

I really should proof read before I post!
Pool tax was Greece!

Capella says:

“State Broadcaster angry about us all watching the iPlayer without a licence.”

Have they thought that one through? The TV license allows you to watch live TV, NOT specifically the BBC. Even if you only watch satellite TV from Poland, you are required by law to pay the TV Tax.

If they insist on taxing non live streamed content, where does that leave Netfilx, Lovefilm, or even YouTube?

Or, do they plan to explicitly couple the BBC to the TV Tax? If so, then surely that should apply to live broadcasts? The TV Tax would then be explicitly for the BBC and nothing else.

Typical Tory mouth first, brain second approach to proposed legislation!

Did anyone else see Bailey gurning and smirking with sly looks at Greg Hands. She’s a thoroughly nasty individual. We are paying these unionists to look down on our parliament and Scotland as a whole. Makes me angry to say the least.

From committee room 2
I noted Greg Hands does not want to publish papers re fiscal framework agreement. Chair of the committee and the msp next to him were getting rather annoyed and no wonder.

@Andrew Mclean
Hug a wrinklie!

Yes, sounds good. One of the great things about YES was that it was happy and funny, and happy does win over negative, it takes time.

Call me Dave: “My partner enquired “Who’s that reading from a script?””

Neat observation, and an attuned ear!

yesindyref2 says:12:37

Happy and funny, yes because fundamentally, we are better people, not bitter little drum beaters!
That’s why we are winning, the sad little guys thought they won the war, they didn’t realise it was just the opening salvo in the latest battle, some do that’s why they keep mentioning the referendum result, they want the world to stop, to crystallize the debate in 2014, well its 2016 and in May its SNPx2 and another step forward in the journey.
The march of time is on our side.
O/T
link to loc.gov

Look how easily what would be considered an atrocity or war crime today, is mentioned in this British officers report. The only time in the past the Westminster government has left a colony is when it was too risky to stay. Thank god all they can do today is twitter insult like little children in a strop!

If a robot is carrying out duties, after the initial investment They do not get a wage. They do not eat. It leaves more resources/profits produced for everyone else. To be taxed and equally distributed.

They didn’t want nuclear weapons at Greenham Common, Berkshire, 55 miles west of London. It was closed in 1993. Fallon would better reconsider his undemocratic position .