Wings Over Scotland

Windows 10

I use/have used iMacs and Macs in general since about the last 20 years without too many probs. Even Apple is not infallible.

I also have a 7 year old Acer 17″ laptop which I use for my business. Some software programmes which I have are not designed or compatible for Macs. Win 7 was pre-installed.

Anyway over Easter after Microsoft pissed me off long enough, I prayed and took the plunge after reading up on Win 10 and getting ALL the back-ups ready.

Apart from one problem it worked better than expected.

I couldn’t get films or Youtube to work properly, things got chopped up. WOS worked…!

My PC doctor (an immigrant from Czech Republic) 🙂 had a look at it and after chatting with Microsoft cleared up the prob.

My Win 10 works as good as 7. Some things are a little different but otherwise no stress.

At my naw bags sis in law just after the ge, Ruthie tank commander on her TV, I like her she is honest says my sis in law, I said she has just told a lie 10 seconds ago. Sis in law says what. I said She just said that the SNP vote had peaked, well they have said my sis in law, I told her that as the SNP had just received over a million votes for the first time that meant that the SNP vote was still rising and had not peaked. Doesn’t matter she is still honest says my sis in law. Some folk are too thick to realise they are being lied too on a daily basis, mind you her mother came from Belfast so that explains a lot..

I went for Linux Mint last time rather than Ubuntu. So far so better.

@TheItalianJob

“Et tu Camus
Et tu Borus
Et tu Govus”

“Et tu Bridies” – Baillie 🙂

Ian Brotherhood says:

“And is it too much to expect our own friends, families and neighbours to use the common sense they were born with and wake the fuck up”

I have used this analogy before but I think it’s apt.

Voting has become like buying a used car from someone you don’t know in a supermarket car park for cash. No returns. No guarantees. No Trading Standards to help.

Enough research, accumulating knowledge, understanding issues, careful judgement, and you stand a good chance of making the right decision for you and your family’s needs.

Alternatively, you might be really impressed with the fluffy pink dice and say, “done deal”.

Too many voters apply the latter logic!

The follow was the result of my first test with ‘speech to text.

‘But still talk about the possibility of a second Scottish independence referendum on the week of the big support definitely have two happens and that’s a bigger depending as it does on the opinion polls as well as the actions so many delegates was again come down to economics so let’s talk to the economists role that dog was the university under the time of sliced charge would you both so what do you see the economic picture for Scotland and in the run-up to repudiate the third NEF two goals first what’

on the week of the big support = in the wake of the Brexit vote

if indeed Indy2 happens and that’s a big if ………………as well as the reaction of the European states

role the dog = Ronald McDonald 🙂

under the time of sliced charge – John McLaren 🙂

I used Express Scribe to slow down the audio in order to
make checking the text easier.

It’s not bad better than typing it all from scratch.
Words like Brexit & IndyRef2 will not be recognisable.

If you notice that Brexit vote is always transcibed as ‘big support’ (which is quite funny – only big support in England) you could just find and replace all instances of ‘big support’ for Brexit vote.

Christ knows why but this UK spaceman Tim is really funny

link to archive.is

Peake said: “I missed a lot of the campaigning, but I’m aware now that it caused divisiveness and some of it was not done in the most positive fashion. We have to put that behind us now and work on unity and moving forwards.”

Peake is involved in several experiments into the effects of weightlessness on the human body. He had barely been back on Earth a week when Britain voted to leave the EU in a marginal referendum that threw the future unity of the UK into doubt and sent the major political parties into crises from which they have yet to recover.

“I have seen some comments on Twitter saying everything was fine until Tim Peake came back to Earth,” he told the Guardian in his first newspaper interview since landing. “That did make me feel rather bad.”

Going back to Chris’s cartoon at the top of this piece, I can see a cartoon of circles of people backstabbing each other. A Tory circle, a Labour circle, maybe even a tiny lib-Dem Circle (not sure about that one – are there enough?).

As far as Green MPs and UKIP MPs go I don’t think singles can form a circle although as they twirl they may be in a world of their own, sort of like Sufi mystics?

The audience? SNP MPs watching in amazement.

So a quick recap of where we seem to be. The SNP have talked about the possibility of Indy Ref 2 because of the EU Leave vote in the UK, but 62% (that’s 62% not 3 out of 5, nor 60%, but 62%) voted Remain in Scotland. They have also talked about it but not of course negotiated with many people in the EU and have received either favourable reactions, or the legal response, which doesn’t say NO to Scotland staying in. But they do say we’d need to be Independent all over the EU and seem to like us.

Meanwhile the Greens seem to be supportive of Indy Ref 2 which is good, because they do have a “consult the people” mandate in their manifesto. But urgent times demand urgent reponses, perhaps.

The LibDems in Scotland have made favourable noises and are pretty quiet, which might mean they’re considering their position while watching carefully what’s going on. It also looks like at the least they won’t block Indy Ref 2 legislation in Holyrood.

The Labour Party in Scotland seem to be a bit split over Indy, but if left alone to talk it over amongst themselves, could at the very least be neutral in Indy Ref 2, and might come over to the YES side if give suitable courtesy and encouragement. It’s open.

And then The Conservatives won’t block Indy Ref 2, and not only that, say that Westminster should not block it either. This is an advance, and a welcome one.

And UKIP are falling apart in Scotland, if they were ever together in the first place.

But apart from all that bad news, everything is going swimmingly for HMS United Kingdom.

I saw an odd thing today at a bootsale inside a hanger there is around 20-30 flags hanging from the roof of all nationalities

every flag was hanging proudly including the Scotland & EU flags except for 2 flags which was the St George cross & the union jack, the St George cross was twisted around it’s hanging wire and the Union jack was folded in 2 across the diagonal quite deliberately by the look of it

there was no mistaking the meaning of the folded Union Jack although the St George Cross could have accidental but if so what a coincidence

was it an omen I wonder

Graeme

It’s very difficult to influence somebodies opinion at the best of times, but don’t forget, you are trying to promote a concept which a No voter might genuinely find alarming or threatening, definitely unsettling, only for them later to relax in the comfort of their homes, curl up with the dog and a nice cuppa and have the good old BBC reassure them everything is peachy just the way it is, and don’t let these nasty, tricksy, heretic nationalists persuade you otherwise.

Seriously folks, for all the flags and knocking on doors, Yes 2 will be one or lost according to whoever wins the propaganda battle in the livingrooms of Scotland, and just like before, we only have access to what comes out our televisions, and precious little say or control about what goes in.

Please, don’t be complacent about having the arguments and proofs to counter the 2014 Project Fear. We haven’t just learned it was all false propaganda, we actually knew that back in 2014 but we had no means to publically discredit the lies. Guess what. Unless any of these No to Yes converts has a spare digital broadcasting network on them, we still don’t.

The BBC can tell us porky pies from now until Christmas and bind us to their agenda as effortlessly as they did in 2014. Unless pro-Indy spokespeople are prepared to contest the propaganda, then the media will run rampant just like it did the last time.

If the Scot Gov has nothing up its sleeve to make a significant and material difference to broadcasting, then get the winter woolies ready because it will be the same debacle as 2014 and we’re going to end up dragged out into the mid Atlantic by our caring sharing friends down South, all courtesy of BBC Goebbels.

I’m sure I’m not alone in being angry at the media attention given (without any challenge) to the recent Centre for Policy Studies (CPS) report which makes comparisons between Scotland and Greece in order to influence the Scottish electorate.

Reading the full report reveals that the authors seek to conflate EU membership with eurozone membership – and they suggest that Scotland is seeking eurozone membership; and having compared Scotland with Greece throughout the report, they actually end up by denying equivalence! This is a propaganda piece pure and simple: and likely to be the first of many as Project Fear ramps up.

The claim that an independent Scotland would be forced to join the Euro as a condition of EU membership gets raised time and time again. It even seems to get some acceptance from posts on this site despite the efforts of others to debunk it. I’m no lawyer but the situation seems pretty clear (with apologies for the length of this!).

If Scotland did have to apply as a NEW member (a big if) then the Commission states that: “Accession criteria are identical for all countries and remain those defined by the 1993 Copenhagen European Council.”
(link to ec.europa.eu)

So what follows would also pertain to Scotland, IF treated as a new accession state – arguably a worst case outcome, at least for pro-EU supporters.

“All Member States of the European Union, except Denmark and the United Kingdom, are required to adopt the euro and join the euro area. To do this they must meet certain conditions known as ‘convergence criteria’.”

But it is also stated that:

“The Treaty does not specify a particular timetable for joining the euro area, but leaves it to Member States to develop their own strategies for meeting the conditions for euro adoption.”
(link to ec.europa.eu)

The eurozone was established in 1999 when most existing EU members joined. Among the others, the UK and Denmark opted out and Sweden chose not to meet the necessary criteria: 17 years later, Sweden is still not a member and seems content to maintain this status.

A necessary precursor to joining the eurozone is participation in the Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM II). Crucially, according to the Commission:

“Participation in ERM II is voluntary although, as one of the convergence criteria for entry to the euro area, a country must participate in the mechanism without severe tensions for at least two years before it can qualify to adopt the euro.” (link to ec.europa.eu )

So, participation in the ERM is a necessary precursor to joining the Eurozone AND participation in the ERM is voluntary. This accounts for Sweden’s longstanding position of choice.

What about other non-eurozone EU members? The list below is of countries that joined the EU post-1999 and shows how long they have existed as EU members without being in the eurozone, and notably without a formal UK-type opt out (link to europa.eu ):

Czech Republic – c.12 years as a non-eurozone EU member (.. and counting?)
Hungary – c.12 years
Poland – c.12 years
Bulgaria – c.9 years
Romania – c.9 years
Croatia – c.3 years.

Some post-1999 EU members who now have chosen to join the eurozone did so only after a substantial period of time e.g. Estonia after c. 7 years; Latvia after c.10 years; Lithuania after c.11 years.

Therefore, it would not be exceptional for Scotland to see two or more parliamentary cycles pass and still not opt in to the (voluntary) ERM. Seeking a mandate from the Scottish electorate to do so may even be a good thing in 15 years!

In contrast to the recurring statements that an independent Scotland in the EU would be forced to join the eurozone, the following are a couple of illustrative extracts from the political and economic discourse in Europe to provide some much needed, additional context.

“Of the seven countries (outside the eurozone but without formal opt outs), Poland is the largest and the most strategic country. Currently it falls short of only two criteria and both are just a matter of little more than political will. The alignment of certain national laws could rapidly be implemented. And the still excessive budget to GDP ratio, resulting also from recent anti-cyclical policies to counter the economic crisis, could also be reined in a few years. But the victory of a Eurosceptic government – and the deeper trends in the Polish society it reflects – postpones membership in the euro to an undefined future, regardless of its Treaty obligations. Some of the other non-euro countries are in a similar situation.” (link to europeanfederalist.blogactiv.eu)

In short, joining the eurozone or not is in reality a political decision for the sovereign government of Poland.

“Sweden is not yet a member of the euro area. The Swedish krona is not yet within the Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM II)”, and there is an acknowledgement that: “Sweden does not have a target date to adopt the euro.” (link to ec.europa.eu)

Once again, joining the eurozone is a decision for Sweden – no ‘forcing’!

Finally, and interestingly, although having a formal opt-out from joining the eurozone, Denmark is a longstanding member of the ERM. And of course, Denmark borders (and trades normally with) one eurozone member, Germany, and one EU member that is not currently in the euro, Sweden, not to mention close proximity and links to Norway that is in neither club. It is also worthwhile remembering that official Nordic co-operation involving Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden as well as the Faroe Islands, Greenland and the Åland Islands claims to be “one of the most comprehensive regional partnerships anywhere in the world” (link to norden.org).

Tony Blair Gordie Brown slithers out from under a rock to deflect any hint of guilt from CHILCOT and cover up the poison of Westminster establishment. Two cheeks of the same arse a the mother of parliaments and its democratic benefits. Makes you proud. God bless HMG and her majesty.

CmonIndy,

Gemma Doyle ex-MP (not MSP) seems to be BBC Scotland’s yoon rent-a-quote du jour.

One of the former “low-flying Jims” now safely decamped to London, and whose ongoing career depends heavily on Westminster.

She is one of the Labour Unionist bitter-enders who will have no relevance whatever in an independent Scotland (and knows it).

O/T.

link to facebook.com

Welcome to Scotland 2016!

Where, as the cartoon shows, your elected leaders back stab each other – far too busy to actually run things after a disastrous Brexit vote!

Where your vote has no real influence on the outcome of ‘UK’ Westminster governments.

Where your elected MPs are mocked weekly if you chose SNP (BAD!) rather than Labour MPs.

Where you will be ruled by a Tory Party less than 14% of your nation voted for.

Where ‘UK’ government tells you we must pull resources for the good of all, while asset stripping your nation and damaging your economy.

Where you will be expected to bow to a Queen and abide laws influenced or set by unelected Lords.

Where some of your own people betray your nation for some nice ermine and a fancy title.

Where your will pay an unjust TV licence just to be told how rubbish and inferior your nation and your people are on a daily basis, via TV and radio, by those who benefit from said fee.

Where your own media sabotaged your chances of Independence two years ago. Remember – we are wee poor idiots!

Where ‘THE VOW’ and numerous other promises made to Scotland in 2014 turned out to be much like our national animal, pure fantasy. What did it matter? For we are just the people of Scotland – here to be lied to and humiliated while told to eat our porridge.

Where you can wake one morning to find you are to be stripped of European citizenship, because your neighbor to the south says so! (Despite your nation voting 62% to Remain in the EU). Thus linking back to the first point – Scottish votes have no real influence in the UK.

This is the Scotland we are told is ‘Better Together’ with the UK.

NAE MORE! Bring on Indyref2!

HandandShrimp @ 23:13, 02.July:

Andrea Leadsome (nope not a clue) is also a Leave type and is now being touted as possible winner.

“Not a clue” indeed, but applies far more to her, it would seem. She is being quoted as claiming to be the new Mrs. Thatcher.

That should go down just spiffingly here!

Royals really do so much for us

link to archive.is

Ref 2 has clearly kicked off in Pacific Quay but this time, no SNP or YES campaign should engage with the BBC at all. Last time most SNP seemed to deliberately not engage with ranting and raging Lab or BBC gimps in tv debate, so its not that big a step.

BBC Scotland in particular are the clear leading NO campaigners so just let them get on with it now. They all looked mental as anything 2 years ago, this time the whole Europe will be watching BBC madasfuck Project Fearing. They will at least understand how the BBC really does Scotland down, how right wing corrupt they are and relentless anti democratic monstering of Holyrood.

BBC Scotland think they can crush ref2 and there will not be a ref3.

O/T

I’m not sure if it’s already been told here, but, with regards to the Iceland – who will be playing the home nation, France, in the quarter-final of the European Championship tonight – supporters’ now iconic [Clap!] “Huh!” chant/warcry, did you know that it did, indeed, originate in Scotland – Motherwell, no less!

From Icelandmag:

The celebratory “Viking cry” originates from Scotland. Supporters of football team Stjarnan made the chant theirs after being inspired by fans of the Scottish team Motherwell back in 2014.

The Icelandic national team now leads supporters into the Viking “war cry” at the end of a match to show their appreciation for the supporters’ dedication and support.

Is there anything we Scots *haven’t* invented…?! LOL! 🙂

Saw Blair earlier today, on Sky, dishing out ‘advice’ re Labour’s woes.

Surreal

Is this supposed to be some kind of charm offensive?

Here’s one especially for him:

Radiohead, ‘Burn The Witch’ –

link to youtube.com

@heedtracker 6:29pm

Agreed. But the boycott it has to be rigorously upheld by everyone in the SNP and Yes camps. Difficult.

unless the SNP get off their arses and disrupt BBC interviews as soon as the interruptions start TV & Radio directly confront the actor from the bbc because that is what they are actors following a script dont allow them to continue even if it means walking while making the point why make it personal play the man or woman f/k the ball if they are not sure of the reaction they will soon get the message and be removed from their comfort zone .

Resignation demands escalate – now the Telegraph is hoping JC Junker will have to resign – unnamed sources say… Well they never liked him anyway.
Where will all this end?
link to archive.is

New Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Slovakia, led by Robert Fico, took up office on 1st July. But Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, is still in post. It’s all very confusing,. I wonder which President “snubbed” Nicola on 30th June? Donald Tusk, or Mark Rutte who would have been clearing his desk?
link to en.wikipedia.org

Bliar to be impeached?

link to independent.co.uk

Brewer’s and Smith’s programmes are being decommissions. They are being taken off air. No audience. Not enough viewers. They are nonsense and no one views them. They gave takes themselves out of a job. Renton has transferred to Londom. The Labour Mafia staff are gradually closing down BBC talking nonsense. What will arise from the Phoenix and the ashes.

The criminal warmongers are trying to get rid off Corbyn before the Chilcot Report comes out. He is going to impeach Blair. The Blairites and their associates are going to get called out including the criminal Murdoch.

The hysteria will rise. Blair/Brown could get sued and bankrupted. The Ministry of Defence could get sued for £Billions. Murdoch can’t buy Corbyn nor can any of the right wing Press. Corbyn is the only one without blood on his hands. It will be a blood letting. Corbyn is an honourable man.

The only way to end the destruction of the Middle East and the world, is to sanction and punish Blair and the others, for their despicable behaviour. Vulnerable people are still being sanction, and killed at home and abroad. They have caused the migration in Europe.

Brian Doonthetoon,

“Hi Rock.

You typed,
“I thought it was absolutely clear to everyone that the EU absolutely cannot in any way force Article 50.”

I certainly wouldn’t presume to know that anything re Article 50 was “absolutely clear”.

Here are two examples:-

link to europe.newsweek.com

link to publiclawforeveryone.com

It’s pointless to assume that something is a “fact”, if those at the sharp end don’t even know.”

The wording of the treaty has not left any doubt at all.

It is a FACT that only the member state can trigger Article 50.

Everyone in the EU wants Article 50 to be triggered immediately.

But they are being held to ransom by the British establishment and are completely powerless to do anything about it.

@Caledonius

Excellent.

PS:
Ruthie now singing from a different hymn sheet than in the election.

link to archive.is

Just gargling before the footie to be ready for the Icelandic ‘HUH’ or ‘HOOO’ even. Good luck!

Corbyn is now protected by a Police Squad at his front door and plain clothes when he goes out?

Blair is paying to wage a corrupt campaign against Corbyn.

The West are still taking Iraq’s Oil and resources, including by Blair and Associates. They are not using the money to repair the damage doen in Iraq. It is still devastated. An disaster area of poverty, no water, electricity, proper health facilities or sanitation.

The Tories should be put in jail for electoral fraud. There should be up to 29 by-election. If the Tories had not cheated to win by 12 seats. There would not have been a EU Referendum. They could not have created such devastation.

While the Irish media gloat over the opportunities arising from being the only English speaking country in EU and look to grabbing 1000’s of English high-paid jobs, and with Irish politicians polishing their vetos over any hard boarder and making contingency plans go leor for handling currency fluctuations and trade with UK. . . . .

Meanwhile

The S and Corp Scottish media see no benefits for Scotland at all of staying in EU. Steel fences on boarder guarded by troops (available presumably as no boarder with Republic to guard) and the EBC allowing right-wing campaign groups to pick their headlines like “Scottish economy – Greece without the sunshine”

Funny that

call me dave

link to archive.is

Did she say all that on the Gordon Brewer show?

I might have to do a written transcript of that show!

Rock,

Grouse Beater,

“Cock of the Rock: “we in Scotland””

YOU were caught out LYING:

Grouse Beater,

“An EC commissioner states:

“Discussions on transitional arrangements for an indy Scotland to remain in the EU after the UK leaves – are indeed taking place in Brussels.””

Rock,

“Any idea which EU commissioner STATED that?

And the media in which the quoted statement was reported?”

Grouse Beater,

“Yes. But you can do your own homework.”

Rock,

“There is absolutely no way a NAMED EU commissioner would have STATED that.

Prove me wrong by naming the Commissioner who said it and in which media it was reported.”

Grouse Beater,

“No one here is answerable to you, a discredited troll. You know what you can do with your trolling and bullying. Only check first for a dead squirrel blocking it.”

You have been caught out LYING, so you resort to personal abuse.

call me dave wrote: “We have a list.”
link to snp.org

The Rev was looking for this on the WOS Twitter earlier today.
Don’t know if he’s seen it yet, i’m just back online.
Thanks for the link, bookmarked into my armoury.

@Ruby:

Ruthie article mentions Sunday politics but I haven’t watched it yet:
Here’s the link (Scotland)

link to bbc.co.uk

Footie watching

Hmm! With new nappiessons… Mothercare in Iceland. 🙁

@ Brian Doonthetoon – I noticed – fraternal greetings from J-C indeed.
But not for Cameron. He failed to stop Juncker being elected President of the Commission in 2014, 28 votes to 2 (Hungary was his only ally). A “humiliating” defeat said the Guardian. And it is odd how history repeats itself:

“On the eve of Friday’s summit, the mass-readership Bild newspaper compared Cameron in Brussels to Wayne Rooney at the World Cup. “He lines up, he loses, then he flies home,” it said. Instead of wanting to be in the most powerful community of nations in the western world, Bild suggested the UK was sleepwalking towards a disastrous exit as other nations would not meet its demands. “The relevance and influence of Great Britain will fall dramatically,” the paper said.”

Guardian 28thJune 2014 – WW1 commemorations, football matches and UK out of tune with EU.

link to archive.is

From Craig Murray on his Al Jazeera interview:

I think the much more interesting points I made were not used at all. So just for the record, I also made these points:

a) I did not accept the argument that the BBC was biased in the referendum campaign towards Brexit. Indeed especially in the last few days, I thought it was biased towards Remain.
b) However the BBC had been guilty of helping promote Brexit by giving Farage massive and disproportionate publicity for many years, from when UKIP was a negligible electoral force. They were always willing to give right wings views publicity but not left wing views.
c) The right wing print media were indeed a major problem distorting democracy. However the solution to this should be to break up media ownership, not impose government control of content.
d) Project Fear had not succeeded in the Scottish referendum. It had seen a 35 point unionist lead cut to a 10 point lead, making it one of the most disastrous campaigns in history. The question of why Project Fear “succeeded” in Scotland but not the EU referendum was therefore a false one.
e) Media coverage focused on the despised political class rather than the facts.

link to craigmurray.org.uk

Did Ruth the Tory not promise her voters that she would save the Union?

‘However, she put herself on a collision course with the Tory leadership candidates, including Theresa May, by stating that gaining access to the EU single market should be the absolute priority of a post-Brexit trade deal between the EU and the UK even if that means accepting freedom of movement’

All her ‘loyal’ supporters will ditching her in favour of UKIP.

The EU referendum was all about immigration and this freedom of movement problem it seems completely crazy to suggest we brexit and but still have this uncontrolled immigration/freedom of movement that everyone voted against!

Robert Louis,

“Regarding the postponement of article 50. I do not think it will be left postponed, and will indeed be implemented, for the simple reason that a failure to implement may very well break the Tory party.”

The Tory party is under the control of the City of London.

The City of London wants to remain the money laundering capital of the world and thus wants the UK to remain in the EU.

The Tories thought they could blackmail the EU by seeking concessions regarding free movement of people in the single market.

Fortunately, the EU are having none of it: “No notice, no negotiations”.

The Tories are now desperately trying to wriggle out of triggering Article 50.

It would be utter madness for the Scottish Parliament to block Brexit and let Westminster off the hook.

Among the crucial 2014 NO voters were university academics and researchers and the financial sector both of whom face huge job losses as a result of Brexit.

We need to reach out to them with letters and phone ins like

link to businessforscotland.co.uk

Also strange why BBC / MSM have no coverage of this significant EU change of personnel.

link to businessforscotland.co.uk

Robert Graham

France streets ahead of Iceland .. just shows how poor England were.

New Poll:

link to scotgoespop.blogspot.co.uk

Panelbase poll of Westminster voting intentions (Scotland-only) :

SNP 50%
Conservatives 19%
Labour 18%
Liberal Democrats 5%

Apologies if this has been posted before

link to irishtimes.com

Someone with experience of the economy of a small country with close ties to the UK. It’s good to see ScotGov take such decisive action, unlike the shambles at Westminster. I’ve been really proud to be Scottish, this last week, and depressed that I’m going abroad in September with a British passport.

Article 50 process on Brexit faces legal challenge to ensure parliamentary involvement

link to archive.is

I believe these are the establishment lawyers

Can someone please explain to those Leave voters who are rabidly against the EU because they fear TTIP that there is a far far far greater chance of TTIP happening if the UK negotiates trade deals directly with the USA? They will witness the privatization of everything (including their granny) when that happens. No one does neo-liberal politics like our North American friends and that “special relationship” will only strengthen once the EU buffer has been removed. If Scotland becomes an independent country in the EU we can veto any TTIP proposals. And if we don’t do it there’s 27 other chances for it to be vetoed.

Oh, and remember also to explain to them that the EU may ask us to commit to adopting the big scary bogey man that is the Euro but that commitment is worthless because we get to choose when to adopt it (ref. Sweden).

All this bullying of EU nationals by UK politicians currently is absolutely DISGUSTING! Why won’t they commit to safeguarding their status here? Are they afraid there will be a last minute rush to get into the UK before it leaves the EU? Is it beyond the wit of the politicians to devise a way to prevent that – some kind of registration scheme for those currently resident for example? Or are they just callous vindictive xenophobic bastards? They are skating around some very dangerous ideas in London just now and the whole boiling is liable to explode in their face. You cannot treat human beings as bargaing chips in a negotiation. They won’t be able to do it anyway because the other EU countries will retaliate by expelling UK nationals from their countries! So who benefits from their rhetoric? I honestly can’t work that one out. It truly is wicked. As you know I have a pretty low opinion of the UK. I didn’t think it could get any lower. It just did.

And so it begins. The ‘Economic Bulletin’ written by Daniel Mahoney and Tim Knox on behalf of the Centre for Policy Studies is designed to paint as bleak a picture of Scotland’s economic position post- independence and it does so. The starting gun has been fired for this new phase of the media attack on Scottish Independence.

That this should come just over a week since the UK shot itself if not in the head then perhaps in the kneecap by voting to leave the EU is interesting.

We are witnessing the most recent and the most significant example of our economy being not merely influenced but controlled by outside of Scotland. I could write at length on all the examples of neglect, of the devastation of key industries but the point remains- Scotland’s economic position is down to decisions made in Westminster for the last 310 years. There are other factors of course- the skills of the workforce, our geographic position and resources.

How can the authors of the piece make an argument against an Independent Scotland on the basis of the alleged poor state of our economy, our deficit and the fact that we clearly export more to the rest of the UK than we do to the EU one week after England and Wales have initiated (what I believe to be) the single worst economic change imaginable by removing Scotland from the Single Market?

It highlights how ridiculous it is to judge Scotland’s economic performance or GDP to deficit ratio or her over-reliance on trade with the rest of the UK in such simplistic terms. I wonder- do the report’s authors imagine we are inferior genetically or take longer lunch breaks or type slower? You are damning UK economic policy every time you talk about budget deficits and “challenging public finances”.

Scotland doesn’t have the infrastructure of a country that has extracted 40 billion barrels of oil from under the North Sea. London does. It wasn’t in Holyrood’s “competence” to rip the heart, liver, lungs and entrails from Scotland’s manufacturing base in the 1980s. It wasn’t Scotland’s decision to throw so many on the scrap heap and it is not on Scotland that so many communities have never truly recovered. And it wasn’t Scotland’s decision to (if we are talking about exports) remove us from the Single Market which counted for £11.56 billion worth of exports in 2014.

How can you judge Scotland’s economy when it has been controlled by Westminster? A more logical conclusion to take would be that Scotland’s economy has been robust and ultimately more resilient in withstanding control from Westminster than other parts of the UK.

Despite the pantomime at Westminster which acts (by design or not) to distract us from the wide reaching implications of the decision to leave the EU, we can see clearly that the dominating country of this United Kingdom is in a very bad way. Confident, united, forward-thinking countries do not make collective decisions like this- they do not harm relations with their neighbours and allies. They do not destroy their credibility in the wider world. They do not risk cutting themselves off from the massive trading bloc on their doorstep. They do not alienate and scare a large minority of their workforce and population in this way.

How Scotland reacts to this will tell us how confident, how united and how forward thinking WE are.

For all the infuriating articles, reports, opinion pieces and discussions we see in the weeks and months ahead telling us again and again that we cannot be an Independent country we have a straightforward and honest response: how can we afford to leave those capable of such madness in charge?

Whilst I condemn this shambolic, introverted, selfish and non-functioning internecine Conservative government and the previous decades of mismanagement of our future we stand condemned if we allow ourselves to be swept into a wee spare room on the edge of Europe- if we allow ourselves to be this beaten former nation and source of derision.

There are risks and difficulties in the path to Independence ahead and we will not wake up blinking the morning after with a shiny new infrastructure and nae chuddy on the pavements. It will take time and hard work, and there will be compromises required of us in our ambitions I am sure. We must do it my friends- and not in a generation, or in 2020 but very, very soon.

The alternative (that is to say it is not a viable alternative) is for us to slink off into the corner, get back in the box and leave all our fates in the hands of some really evil and some really stupid people who have managed 1 year into their new majority to bring us to a situation where they have jeopardised a market worth over £200 billion to the UK.

Now that is something to cringe over if it comes to pass.

@Kevin Evans

Your mate doesn’t happen to enjoy a good game of Rangers does he,remember half the retired Dutch national team played for Rangers at one time or another and maybe being from Holland might be a clue
Have you checked his spare room for a drum and flute

I say, those 20 miles of HS2 rail tunnels look fascinating on their own. How much not Scots oil and gas will pay for the “UK’s high-speed railway network”, that goes nowhere near Scotland?

link to dezeen.com

“…worse than TTIP -”

is what I meant, of course.

Thank you to stoner for the link to all those broken promises. Should be through every letter box and on every billboard. The EU referendum just shows how powerless and irrelevant Scottish votes are to the UK government. The SNP can win virtually every Scottish seat in Westminster elections, be the biggest party in Holyrood and still be completely ignored. Perhaps this very weakness might be a strength if people realise that there’s a way to change this otherwise Scotland will always be sacrificed to the wishes of rUK.

Radio 5 if you want to listen to more lies and excuses.

‘Referendum promises, like moneys all to NHS, don’t count’
‘Referendum only advisory’
‘After the Scottish referendum people came together’ ??

and so it goes… 🙂

Phones lighting up.

This is what toryboy England’s become after Brexit, wishing the EU’s destruction. Bankster City fraudster nearly destroyed the world economy, Bomber Bliar and Crash Gordo’s red tories have destroyed the middle east and created 20 million refugees, now its the EU’s turn.

link to msn.com

The obnoxious Cock of the Rock is back – yet again.

He’s reposted his crapology from the last but one topic to enrage here. He knows absolutely nothing about anything, but is certain to rail at any advance the SNP makes.

Only a Ukip troll would demand to know who said talks are underway in Brussels to keep Scotland in the frame till we know we can secure independence. The idiot can’t even keep his intentions guarded for a minute.

I’ll leave him to Ian.

Here’s to next week .. you never know, Corbyn might do the right thing at last and punch Benn’s lights out, Theresa May admit an affair with Boris – British politics is a madhouse these days.

Chilcot:

“Mr Salmond do you want Tony Blair ‘ex Prime Minister’ to be brought to court” asks Steven Nolan presenter radio 5.

“I think he should be made to account” says Salmond and some labour MPs support me.

Sound clip of Tony, who’s had the report for a week, when asked to apologise for Iraq says “Can’t comment but will make a statement later”

If you encounter anyone, in the next few days, claiming that Iraq is better off than it would’ve been without our ‘intervention’, just send them this link:

link to iraqbodycount.org

Look here I am busy I need to post quickly and I would be obliged if you could get your finger out and upload my post a bit quicker!

Thank you!

@Ruby

Lol that will be from the guy upgrading the Rev’s server. Check the Revs twitter feed.

@Lizg –

I was never in regular contact with Rose, but I’m sure we’ll see a lot of her, Reg Keays, and other bereaved parents over the next few days.

Here’s hoping Jeremy Corbyn can hang on, at least until Thursday – it’s become pretty clear that his continued presence is a major headache for those who’d like the whole Iraq/Blair tragedy to be swept under the carpet as mere ‘history’.

@Tam Jardine

Good post Tam.

Agreed, Macart.

Good post Tam!

@Valerie –

We’ve had so many surprises, upsets and coupon-busters lately, who knows what might happen on Wednesday?

I know what I would like to see happening, and there must be millions of people (well, at least as many as marched in London, Glasgow and elsewhere on that Saturday in Feb 2003) who feel likewise.

We don’t have long to wait to find out. The very fact that Blair is still, apparently, in the UK, doesn’t bode well. If the verdict was at all damning then he’d be comfortably tucked-up in a Texas bolthole by now.

Boris Johnston gets £1/2Million a year for writing his newspaper column. Plus other earning and expenses. Many of the crooks – banks etc – give vast donations to the Tory Party for favours and policy decisions.

The SNP is funded by it’s members. It give the Officials, politicians the freedom to endorse policies which benefit Scotland, without favours,

Davidson is just telling lies and trying to con people for support. There is no way she can support Independence. She is a member of a Party that is totally against it. Scotland can have a Ref anytime it likes. If they give a manifesto commitment and people vote for it. The people in Scotland are sovereign under the Law in Scotland under UK/EU Law. Self determination, That is why Cameron could not stop Indy1 and lied to try and stop YES. The VOW and promises of full FFA/Home rule/Federalism. All reneged upon. False promises.

@ Tam Jardine at 9:42pm ….

Great post Tam …. as usual.

…………………………………..

@ Glamaig says at 9:14 pm …. ”Apologies if this has been posted before. Someone with experience of the economy of a small country with close ties to the UK. It’s good to see ScotGov take such decisive action, unlike the shambles at Westminster. I’ve been really proud to be Scottish, this last week, and depressed that I’m going abroad in September with a British passport.”

……………………………………….

Going abroad with a British passport Glamaig, as I will be doing next week too. Not for long, imo. In fact I’m looking forward to seeing what Scotland’s passport will look like. Plastered with the Saltire? Roll on the day.

Really interesting link Glamaig. Nobel prize winners Mirrlees and Stiglitz still supporting Scotland. Great. Professor Ruane stating that the advisory panel will look at the economic implications of Brexit for Scotland and will additionally consider Scotlands trade with the rest of the UK.

Let’s hope that when their report is released their findings will put paid to the ‘Scotland as poor as Greece’ myth. More than anything shut Rooth the Mooth up.

………………………………

”Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon has appointed a prominent Irish economist to a panel of experts to advise the government in Edinburgh on the implications of the Brexit referendum result.

Frances Ruane, Honorary Professor of Economics at Trinity College Dublin and a former director of the Economic, Social and Research Institute (ESRI), will join a number of Scottish and international experts on the panel, which is expected to begin its work in the coming weeks……

Prof Ruane has for the past six years been a member of the Scottish administration’s Council of Economic Advisers, which advises ministers on how best to improve Scotland’s competitiveness and tackle inequality in the country. The council’s members, drawn from academia, business and public sector, include the Nobel prize winners Sir James Mirrlees and Joseph Stiglitz ….

Prof Ruane said she expected the advisory panel to look at the economic implications of Brexit for Scotland and at how Scotland could remain in the EU even if the UK left …..

But we’ll also be looking at the implications [OF BREXIT] for Scotland, including its trade with the rest of the EU,” Prof Ruane said.”

link to irishtimes.com

Great article by Wee Ginger Dug: ‘Project Fear’s poverty porn.”

”We’re just one week after the UK’s decision to nuke itself in the foot with Brexit, the Scottish Government hasn’t made any decisions about how Scotland is going to respond, but already the British establishment is mounting Project Fear Mark III in an attempt to prevent any possibility of Scotland going independent. They seem even more terrified of Scottish independence than they do of the UK leaving the EU, from which we can only conclude that despite the scare stories, Scottish independence is going to cost them dear …..

The UK Unionist media likes to make out that it will be little Scotland with its 5 million people up against the might of rUK with its 60 million. They don’t want Scotland to remember that as a part of the EU we will have 500 million friends. In trade negotiations between rUK and iScotland, it will be iScotland which has the upper hand ….

Here Scotland is in a quiet and stable corner of the globe, we’re blessed with an embarrassment of natural resources, a highly educated population, four of the world’s top universities, more oil, gas, coal, and renewable energy supplies than we know what to do with, almost self-sufficient in food supplies, fresh water that falls out the skies in annoyingly enormous amounts. If you wanted a recipe for a stable, prosperous, democratic, independent state, you’d list Scotland’s ingredients ….

But the Unionists who make these claims never pause to think who is responsible for this sorry state of affairs. Because the only answer possible is that it’s the Unionist establishment which has run Scotland’s economy for the past 300 years ….

So Unionists, do yourselves a favour, stop embarrassing yourselves with the Project Fear poverty porn. No one is listening any more. If you want to make a case against independence, try making a positive case for the Union instead of blaming Scotland for your own failures.”

link to weegingerdug.wordpress.com

‘Your Next Prime Minister.’

”I have decided – reluctantly but firmly – that this is hilarious. The Tory right, having sabotaged Britain for their bitter ideology are now destroying their own party. Oh sweet karma. Alpha Oaf Boris has zip-wired into such chaos that even a battery of ridiculous photo opportunities can’t save him, and we the Great British People are left with a cluster of candidates so loathsome and useless to stretch credulity. One of this staggering brood will lead this party into electoral demise.

We can only speculate about the real reasons behind Boris Johnson’s decision to withdraw from the Tory leadership contest, though the very closeness between Sarah Vine, the Daily Mail and Rupert Murdoch should give us a clue. In England in 2016 that’s what Taking Back Control really looks like.

As Flashman staggers about Europe looking like a broken man, the chaos of his monumental misjudgement unfolds. Here are the candidates …”

link to bellacaledonia.org.uk

‘Scotland is my home.’

”It felt like the sun had broken through the heavy clouds of an unexpected storm when Nicola Sturgeon made her statement the morning after the Brexit referendum.

As a New Scot and EU migrant, her direct message to us brought a tear to my eye – and I know many Scots, old and new, felt the same. It was such a contrast to the UK politicians and media that didn’t seem to care about us ….

Back in 2014, I know many EU citizens felt that voting No was the safe option because it guaranteed continued EU membership, and some also misunderstood the nature of Scottish nationalism, mistakenly believing it was similar to far-right movements in their home countries. I was passionately pro-Yes, but opinion polls showed that EU citizens were almost evenly split, just like the rest of Scotland.

If Indyref 2 gets called soon, all of this will have changed. All EU citizens will know that voting Yes will be the best way to ensure their adopted home remains within the EU. And Nicola’s fantastic speeches and European diplomacy have shown the whole world that Scottish nationalism is an outwards-looking, civic nationalism that welcomes foreigners.

This means that EU citizens in Scotland are almost certain to vote Yes enthusiastically and in great numbers to help bring about an independent Scotland within the EU.”

link to bellacaledonia.org.uk

@Petra

“This means that EU citizens in Scotland are almost certain to vote Yes enthusiastically and in great numbers to help bring about an independent Scotland within the EU.”
———

You would assume that, but I imagine the percentage of EU citizens living here who don’t vote is higher than average. Especially if they only see themselves as here for a few years.

I think a huge campaign to encourage postal voting could be helpful this time. If it isn’t practical to restrict it, we should embrace it. Instead of chasing up votes on the day, chase up potential pro-YES postal votes including EU nationals, young voters, and everyone who has ever shown interest at a street stall etc

@Kevin Evans
The reason your workmate can work he is because he is an EU citizen and the UK including Scotland is in the EU, so there’s freedom of movement. When the UK Brexits, the UK won’t be in the EU so that freedom of movement will probably go, so your workmate will have to quit his job and go home.

But if it’s a YES vote and Scotland gets Independence, it’s looking very probable Scotland will stay in the EU, so your workmate will be able to stay in Scotland and keep his job.

If he votes NO on the other hand he’s voting to give himself the sack.

I don’t quite see how Brexit will see existing migrants repatriated where they have lives in a “foreign” country. I see how it will affect new migrants trying to come here, and some businesses which are affected by trade, but isn’t it likely that European citizens already living or studying in the UK would have their circumstances looked upon sympathetically?
That assumes of course that muppets like Farage don’t compell people to leave and suffer the same fate upon Brits living abroad.

We are so close to Independence… but I feel there will be no respite for us until its in the back of the net. I fear nothing, except the media. I think it is safe to say we underestimated its impact in 2014 and paid the price. It is a solid breakwater against which many correct and proper YES arguments floundered and will flounder second time around too.

I don’t know whether it would be creating just another evil empire swamped with propaganda, probably so, but maybe not, but just imagine how much stronger our hand would be if Europe had its own pan European news network broadcasting European news and current affairs, and breaking the BBC’s monopoly. Suppose member states weren’t obliged to carry it, but it was heavily recommended.

Perhaps if the UK as a whole had not been drip fed poison about all things European by the BBC but had access to wider and more balanced perspectives from a European news channel, then UKIP and the Eurosceptics would still be an embarrasing side show of cranks and bigotted eccentrics.

I’m not sure. How would you feel if Scotland was to trailblaze its way into Europe carrying a torch for a EuroTV broadcasting station and news network? If anybody can make the case for one its surely Scotland isn’t it? The opportunites it presented could be mind blowing. Imagine too, if EuroTV was to be established and headquartered here in Scotland…

Premier jobs for our language students, a vital node for European integration and Scotland having a platform for the broadcast of sanity in an ever changing world.

Stage 1 as ever… get the Indy ball into the damned net.

Gideon Osborne is now filling the pockets of his Corporate friends by reducing UK Corporation Tax?

You may recall that when the Scottish Government proposed a
cut, they were shot down by Osborne for giving the rich a
Tax cut in a time of austerity?

This was sending Scotland on a race to the bottom apparently!

What make this all the more insane was Gideon’s Scaremongering before the EU referendum when he clearly told us that a Brexit vote would Tax rises for us all.

I wonder if the Hundred Political Broadcasters at the BBC
will challenge him on this? No me neither.

UK Corporations already have a pot of £700 Billion in profits that they are not re-investing so this cut will do nothing for the ordinary tax payer who will have to pay
for their windfall.

Farage has already insulted the EU, and this too will seem like an act of aggression as it is an attempt to attract business away from the EU members, before any possible friendly exit negotiations could begin.

Scotland must remove itself from self destruct Westminster ASAP!

Links

For anyone who missed this yesterday
link to broadcastingscotland.net

link to indyref2.scot

link to todayinscotland.com

I don’t have time to translate this, anyone got time?

Profile of Nicola published in French weekly
link to lesinrocks.com

Here you are Nana.

link to translate.google.com

Breeks says:

“If Scotland was to become a BBC free zone, there would be a vacuum needing filled”

We need a Scottish public broadcaster with a charter which legally forces impartiality. We need broadcasting which tells the good news as well as the bad, and promotes no political party. It should be the voice of the people, not the state.

When UK assets are divied up, Scotland will take over all BBC presence here. Keep the technical and admin staff. Sack all the presenters and ‘correspondents’. They can re-apply for jobs, if their CVs are clean.

As far as drama, entertainment, etc. some can be sourced from abroad, popular BBC shows for instance, but I do hope more is produced here. Look at the amazing dramas small Nordic countries can produce.

Thank you Rev Stu – Wings and all who contribute. Thanks a Billion for helping to keep people sane. When a Tory Gov is making people ill and sick with worry, damaging people’s lives.

Thanks a Billion Nicola, Alex and Co for all you do, to try and help people’s lives. Thanks for ever. Honourable people.

May Thatcher another Cruella de Ville. Courtesy of the vile criminal Murdoch and the tax evading associates who are lying, cheating murderers. A conspiracy of low lives. Most of them should be put in jail.

As Chilcot has been mentioned further up the thread here is the 2nd part of the Chilcot guide by James Cusick.

link to byline.com

Call Kaye, she is pushing the Brexit idea big time, propaganda to keep the uppity Scots in line. EU no good at trade deals, other countries make better deals outside the EU…. blah blah.

All to keep us in place, yet again. BBC a F…ing disgrace.
Scotland will be sooo much better out of the UK and in the EU.
We would have to pay around 10% of our income into it, but would get a chunk of that back.

Compare it with what we get back by the UK sharing system, which is heavily biased towards England. Thus it has always been, the EU for us, is a no brainer.

Breeks; “We need a public broadcaster with a charter which legally forces impartiality.”

To the contrary, Breeks –
We desire a broadcaster that is 100% devoted to Scotland and Scottish life here and abroad. Impartiality is a fool’s paradise.

End of (As they say.)

A very interesting read, Nana. But while this may be the future of technology, Alliance Steel seem to have overlooked the people of the future? Is the insane desire for ever greater wealth and power by the 1% going to increase unchecked until every society on earth is completely mired in austerity and poverty ?

Until this generation addresses and then moderates the consequences of the correlation between the love of money and evil, I suspect the future may not turn out as Alliance Steel Trading expects.

Nana @ 9:14

Those predictions are inspiring, but there is always a price to pay. Our motor skills and cultures as people, such as painting, drawing, carpentry, stonemasonry, blacksmithing, driving,… the list is endless, but the skills which evolved over centuries will be lost in one generation.

Nowadays we can watch Ray Mears running about UK forests surviving on fieldcraft and knowledge that kept people from starving for a thousand years but hasn’t been mainstream for centuries or important enough to be remembered. I have big trouble letting go of knowledge on the grounds of it being obsolete, but maybe thats just me being obsolete myself.

I like the part about the space station that can 3d print its own spares and save weight, but I’ve also heard of the same technology in US aircraft carriers 3d printing drones and cruise missiles.

All we need are 3d printers that make 3d printers and we can all put our feet up, kick back and watch the stars go by.

But I’m not so sure. When you take the time to visit a medieval cathedral, sticks and stones essentially, but there is something inspiring and exquisitely beautiful about they way it is all put together that still touches the soul of an ardent athiest. All of it achieved with human imagination, dexterity, and committed application.

It’s difficult to put into words; sometimes you wonder just who it is that’s living in the dark ages.

If I was a Martian coming to Earth, I wouldn’t say take me to your leader. I’d say take me to whoever it was built that cathedral over there. And that’s the obvious problem…

” call Kaye” , new theme today ” EC baad”

@manandboy

I believe progressive governments are looking to provide a living wage. I think the Scotgov are looking into this. There was a vote recently in Switzerland which sadly the people did not support.

Let us hope when and if our government take this idea forward people will be more open and inclined to consider the future.

If governments are not open to the needs of the people I dread to think what will happen. Just recently this

link to nextshark.com

@Capella
Thanks for that link.

During the IndyRef when Alex Salmond was accused of lying about EU membership and the UK Gov refused to approach the EC for a definitive answer and instead hired a couple of lawyers costing tax payers £millions (undisclosed) to tell us that Scotland ceased to exist and become lesser England in 1707 did Alex Salmond not tell us that ‘Scotland would be held in a transistional holding pen to avoid the absurd out and then in process” or something like that?

Barrosso’s predictions seemed to be way off the mark I just wonder if he like the two lawyers who told us Scotland was extinguished in 1707 was perhaps also paid a good few £million.

Anyone heard anything about Labour’s Catherine Stihler she seems to have gone very quiet!

marydoll says:
4 July, 2016 at 10:42 am

heedtracker

I’ve just read the article by Euan Mccolm – its a disgraceful article and now I know the Scotsman can get no lower.
Get us out of this UK

Ruby replies

I got a quick glance of a David Torrance article in the Herald with comments closed and decided to put David Torrance on my ‘Barbara Cartland’ list. Had there been comments I might have read them. The comments on The Herald are not totally like The Scotsman’s comments yet but they are getting close so perhaps comments being closed is no great loss.

FYI My ‘Barbara Cartland’ list consists of authors/journalists/posters I do not read.

I lot of these British journalists are on my BC list I find I’m drawn more to the non fiction foreign authors.

I’m off to read the French/Spanish press.

Hasta luego!
à tout à l’heure