The Scottish Rebel

Hugh Reed - 'Ye Jacobites by Name'

2011-12-24T13:21:00.001-08:00

SRSM Annual John MacLean Rally 2011

2011-11-07T11:35:00.000-08:00

Assemble 1pm at MacLean's Grave in Eastwood cemetery for oration followed by march from Boydston Road outside cemetry gates to the MacLean Cairn at Pollockshaws shopping centre for Rally with speakers then social nearby. Sunday 27th November All welcome.www.scottishrepublicansocialistmovement.org

Scottish Republican Socialist News

John MacLean a Scottish Revolutionary

2011-11-07T10:50:00.000-08:00

John Maclean, the second youngest of seven children, was born in Pollockshaws, Glasgow in 1879. John did well at school and although his widowed mother was extremely poor, she was determined that he would have a good education. In 1896 he became a pupil-teacher and later entered the Free Church Teacher Training College.

After graduating in 1900, Maclean became a teacher in Glasgow. He also studied part time for an MA at Glasgow University where he met James Maxton. The two men were both committed socialists and over the next few years worked together on numerous campaigns.

Maclean joined the Social Democratic Federation (SDF) and the Glasgow Teacher's Socialist Society and was active in the trade union and co-operative movements. He eventually fell out with H. M. Hyndman, the leader of SDF, who he felt was growing increasingly dictatorial. Later he became one of the leaders of the Socialist Labour Party (SLP), an organization that had been inspired by the writings of Daniel De Leon, the man who helped establish the International Workers of the World (IWW). Other leaders of the SLP included John S. Clarke, Arthur McManus, Willie Paul, James Connally and Tom Bell.

Maclean was totally against Britain's involvement in the First World War. He wrote an article in Justice where he argued: It is our business as Socialists to develop a “class patriotism,” refusing to murder one another for a sordid world capitalism. The absurdity of the present situation is surely apparent when we see British Socialists going out to murder German Socialists with the object of crushing Kaiserism and Prussian militarism. The only real enemy to Kaiserism and Prussian militarism, I assert against the world, was and is German Social-Democracy. Let the propertied class go out, old and young alike, and defend their blessed property. When they have been disposed of, we of the working class will have something to defend, and we shall do it."

In 1915 a group of Scottish socialists, including Maclean, Willie Gallacher, John Muir, David Kirkwood, and John MacLean, formed the Clyde Workers' Committee, an independent organisation of the rank and file. The CWC attempted to confront Government demands over dilution and conscription.

Maclean produced a journal called The Vanguard where he campaigned against the First World War.Maclean and James Maxton were both arrested and charged with sedition under the terms of theDefence of the Realm Act. Found guilty, the men served over a year in prison. The Govan School Board sacked Maclean from his teaching post at Lorne Street School.

Maclean was released from prison in 1916 and returned to work with the Clyde Workers' Committee. Senior members of the CWC, including Willie Gallacher, David Kirkwood and Arthur McManus helped organize production in Beardmore's Mile End Shell Factory. Kirkwood later remarked: "What a team! We organized a bonus system in which everyone benefited by high production... The factory, built for a 12,000 output, produced 24,000. In six weeks, we held the record for output in Great Britain, and we never lost our premier position." Maclean was opposed to this strategy. He wrote: "Lloyd George's purpose is to coax you to relax your Trade Union rules about non-union workers. The dangers... are the weakening of your unions and the lowering of your wages."

McManus had been impressed with the achievements of the Bolshevik Government following theRussian Revolution and in January 1918 Maclean was elected to the chair of the Third All-Russian Congress of Soviets. The following month he was appointed Bolshevik consul in Scotland.

On 15th April 1918, Maclean was arrested for sedition. He was refused bail and his trial fixed for 9th May in Edinburgh. He conducted his own defence. He argued that in his lectures he had "pointed out that as a consequence of the robbery that goes on in all civilised countries today, our respective countries have had to keep armies, and that inevitably our armies must clash together. On that and on other grounds, I consider capitalism the most infamous, bloody and evil system that mankind has ever witnessed.... I wish no harm to any human being, but I, as one man, am going to exercise my freedom of speech. No human being on the face of the earth, no government is going to take from me my right to speak, my right to protest against wrong, my right to do everything that is for the benefit of mankind. I am not here, then, as the accused; I am here as the accuser of capitalism dripping with blood from head to foot."

Maclean was found guilty and sentenced to five years. While in Peterhead Prison Maclean started a hunger strike. His wife wrote to a fellow member of the Socialist Labour Party: "John has been on hunger strike since July. He resisted the forcible feeding for a good while, but submitted to the inevitable. Now he is being fed by a stomach tube twice daily. He has aged very much and has the look of a man who is going through torture... Seemingly anything is law in regard to John. I hope you will make the atrocity public. We must get him out of their clutches. It is nothing but slow murder..."

Following the armistice he was released from prison on 3rd December 1918. Maclean formed theTramp Trust Unlimited in 1919, an organisation that campaigned for a minimum wage, a six-hour day and full wages for the unemployed.

Former comrades in the Socialist Labour Party such as Arthur McManus, Willie Gallacher, Tom Belland Willie Paul, formed the Communist Party of Great Britain. Maclean refused to join as he believed that workers in Scotland could develop into a revolutionary force before those in England and Wales. Maclean instead formed the Scottish Workers Republican Party (SWRP) which combined communism with a belief in Scottish independence.

In the municipal elections held in November 1923, none of the twelve SWRP candidates came anywhere near victory. Even Maclean only polled 623 votes out of a total of 8,190. Weakened by poor health and his spells in prison, John Maclean died on 30th November 1923.

http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/TUmaclean.htm

KERNOW: POVERTY RESPONSE SIMPLY 'BLAND RHETORIC'

2011-09-19T11:57:00.001-07:00

NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE

KERNOW: POVERTY RESPONSE SIMPLY 'BLAND RHETORIC'

A reply has been received from a (UK) Government Department to an enquiry sent to Prime Minister David Cameron by a four year old girl from Cornwall.

The enquiry from four year old Olwen was sent to the Prime Minister earlier this month by her father, who asked Mr Cameron if he could explain to his daughter why there were so many people in the area of Cornwall where they lived who were living below the poverty line and struggling to feed themselves. Olwen's enquiry was referred to the (UK) Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) to deal with in what is perhaps indicative of the way that some political leaders attempt to brush off genuine concern expressed by the public, even if it is an innocent question from a young child about her local community.

Rather than allay the fears expressed by Olwen in a human way, the DWP opted for bland rhetoric and Government strategies, which will have little meaning for a 4 year old who does not want to see pregnant women having to go to a food bank for handouts to survive.

The full text of the letter is set out below.

"Department for Work and Pensions

London

ministers@dwp. gsi.gov.uk

16 Septemeber 2011

Dear Mr/s Tal-e-bot

Thank you for your recent correspondence about child poverty, which you wrote on behalf of your daughter. As an official working in the Child Poverty Unit your correspondence has been referred to me for reply. Government Ministers receive a large volume of correspondence and they are unable to respond personally on every occasion. As your letter falls within the remit of this Department, we have been asked to respond.

The Government shares your and your daughter's frustration at children living in poveryy and agrees that it is simply unacceptable that, in one of the most developed countries in the world, children have their lives blighted by deprivation.

The Government is firmly committed to eradicating child poverty and published its strategy to tackle it on 5 April this year: `A New Approach to Child Poverty: Tackling the Cause of Disadvantage and Transforming Lives', which is available online at:

education.gov. uk/childpovertys trategy.

The strategy underpins the Government's ambition for every child to realise their potential and reflects its belief that reducing poverty is about more than lifting families income above an arbitrary line. It demonstrates that the Government is making a sustained, long term attempt to lift people out of not only income poverty, but poverty of aspiration and poverty of outcomes. At its heart are the principles of work, fairness, responsibility and support for the most vulnerable.

The child poverty strategy sets out how the government will tackle the causes of poverty such as worklessness, educational failure, debt, poor health and family breakdown, thereby raising the life chances of poorer children and breaking the cycle of entrenched intergenerational poverty.

The Government recognises that the most sustainable way to reduce child poverty is through parents working. This is why the Government's Welfare Reform programme will remove disincentives to work from within the tax and benefits system so that those parents who opt for work are rewarded. It will ensure that parents who are currently unemployed will be able to take advantage of a range of new services such as the Work Programme, which will provide them with help to address their own particular needs and overcome their specific barriers to work.

The introduction of Universal Credit to replace existing out of work benefits will simplify the benefits system and make it easier for people to access. It will also improve work incentives by allowing individuals to keep more of their income as they move into work and by introducing a smoother and more transparent reduction of benefits when they increase their earnings.

The child poverty strategy was informed by responses to the Government's consultation and by independent reviews of poverty and life chances and early intervention by Frank Field MP and Graham Allen MP respectively. In response to this the Government has introduced a new overall package of support for disadvantaged children an d young people. The Fairness Premium, worth £7.2 billion, is designed to improve the outcomes and life chance sof pupils during the early years and at every stage of their education. The Government also published `Supporting Families in the Early Years' on 18 July 2011 setting out its vision for the services that should be on offer for parents and families in the foundation years, from pregnancy to five.

The Government has also allocated £2.2 billion (2011 - 12) and £2.3 billion (2012 - 13) in England to fund universal programmes and activities to all children, young people and families via the Early Intervention Grant (EIG) and believes Local Authorities, who have a comprehensive understanding of child poverty in their area, are best placed to determine the most effective use for this money.

The Child Poverty Strategy recognised the drivers of child poverty can be complex and particular to an area, such as rural locations with dispersed population. That is why the Child Poverty Act sets out duties for every Local Authority to publish a local child poverty needs assessment and strategy. Cornwall's child poverty needs assessment can be found at cornwall.gov. uk.

To support local authorities, in meeting their duties under the Child Poverty Act, the Government is working with them to develop ways of pooling budget's and commissioning and delivering services through initiatives such as Community Budgets, Social Return on Investment and Payment by Results. The Child Poverty Unit and those working to support local areas in tackling child poverty, for example, the Local Governance Group, The Centre for Excellence and Outcomes and Save the Children, have also developed a core offer of support to help local areas embed evidence based approaches that work best in eradicating child poverty.

This demonstrates the importance the Government places on tacking child poverty, equipping children to make the most of their potential and addressing some of the problems they face. I hope you can use this information to reassure your daughter that the Government is determined to eradicate child poverty and taking the steps necessary to do so.

Ministers do welcome all views, and I would like to thank you for your comments. Should you wish to find out more about our proposed reforms, or about Government services, information can be found through the internet at www.direct.gov. uk.

Yours sincerely"

For comment or clarification on this news item in the first instance contact:

Rhisiart Tal-e-bot, General Secretary, Celtic League:

Tel: 0044 (0)1209 319912 M: 0044 (0)7787318666

gensec@celticleague .net

The General Secretary will determine the appropriate branch or General Council Officer to respond to your query.

ISSUED BY THE CELTIC LEAGUE INFORMATION SERVICE. 19/09/11

The Celtic League has branches in the six Celtic Countries.

It works to promote cooperation between these countries and campaigns on a broad range of political, cultural and environmental matters. It highlights human rights abuse, monitors all military activity and focuses on socio-economic issues Internet site at:

http://celticleague .net

http://groups. yahoo.com/ group/celtic_ league/

Only three in five Scots have internet at home

2011-09-17T02:20:00.000-07:00

The story below featured in The Scotsman this morning.

The percentages for Scots online are a wee bit disappointing.

I would however very much agree with the view that "pay as you go" services should be

cheaper for Internet services. I am no longer interested in expensive Internet package

so-called deals.

I currently use a dongle stick on Vodafone with the advantage that I can take it with me

wherever I go and plug into any laptop or computer.

I could not tolerate being without the Internet as I can choose what I want to read about independence for Scotland or the Celtic nations. The printed press does not interest me because of the bias associated with it towards the union.

The Internet is also useful to educate Scottish kids and offers unlimited research capabilities for those studying history or current affairs.

However I must say that I would look forward to improved and more economical "pay as you go" Internet services for Scots.

Larry

Only three in five Scots have internet at home

Published Date: 17 September 2011

By Jane Bradley

ONLY 61 per cent of people in Scotland are online - the lowest of all four UK nations and well below the UK average of 74 per cent, according to a new report by Consumer Focus Scotland.

In Glasgow, only 50 per cent of householders have broadband and almost half of households earning less than £11,500 a year do not have the internet, compared with only 4 per cent who earn more than £30,000 a year.

The consumer group is calling on

broadband providers to offer vulnerable consumers cheaper "social" tariffs and for a new range of "pay-as-you-go" products to help connect those who cannot afford digital packages.

"Sadly, people in Scotland lag behind other parts of the UK in connection to digital services and many vulnerable people miss out on the best deals online or find it difficult to access the increasing range of public services that are being delivered via the web," said Annie McGovern, digital policy expert at Consumer Focus Scotland.

"The reasons for this include a lack of IT 'know-how' and availability of good broadband speeds, but cost can still be a huge hurdle for many people."

The report, called Scotland's digital needs - paving the way for wider access to digital communications, claimed that access to the internet helps people to engage with the wider world, improve children's education, enable access to cultural and social activities, such as Facebook, and support democratic participation.

Scottish Independence from a Left Perspective

2011-09-12T09:38:00.000-07:00

After a few years of membership of the Scottish Socialist Party (SSP) then Solidarity I quit to go back to the SNP in which I was a member from 1988 until the early 1990s.

I was surprised I re-joined the SNP again (over a year ago) because the infighting in the SSP over Rupert Murdoch' and Tommy Sheridan' s private life was simply enough to put anyone off party politics.

Thankfully I remained optimistic about the rise in popularity of the SNP and that one day an Independence Referendum would happen which after all is what most Scots want.

And so I am happy to nail my political colours to the mast albeit from a Left perspective.

Forget the idealistic and democratic centralist minority socialists of the Brit left who are little understood by the ordinary Scots or working classes. Their clout at the ballot box amounts to nothing and they have little support amongst the people for their very rigid ideals of Marxism and Leninism.

Instead we must build by practical methods a socialist society post independence from below. In a practical way we need to build and support communities much torn apart in the Thatcher/Major years and over a decade of Blairite New Labour policies. Many in the latter got into positions of power on the backs of the Labour Movement. Independence would allow us to build a New Scotland or New Republic.

However what is necessary is to galvanise support for an independence "Yes" vote come the referendum so we can build a newer, fairer and greener Scotland. A vision of a Scotland where the mainstream parties begin to listen to the electorate, who gave their politicians positions of power in the first place. With independence would come the hard task of rebuilding communities but would and can be possible.

Independence would allow us to get back to building communities socially, community organisations and community politics at grassroots level. Already the SNP in devolved government have managed to listen more to the Scottish people wishes than Westminster has ever done (especially consider) with a Labour or Tory/Lib Dem majority.

So why must there be cutbacks and austerity measures from Westminster London when they spend billions of our money on Trident?

No the Scottish people largely don't want Trident and since May this year there is room for optimism. The SNP now fills the vacuum the Labour Party in Scotland once occupied. The social democratic policies of the SNP Administration are more popular with Scots than right wing Labour who, when in power in London, took us into war in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Not any longer should the Scots accept London centralised decision making. It is not hard to imagine the battles that will arise in the near future between the SNP at Holyrood and Westminster.

But the unionist politicians have brought it on themselves for failing to recognise the different hopes and aspirations of the Scottish people than our neighbours down south. For example it is unlikely that us Scots will ever accept any tampering and privatisation brought into the Scottish health service. And we very much support and rely on our public services. And most Scots reject Trident nuclear weapons system based here in Scotland.

Hopefully in 2014 (likely time for referendum) Scots voters will realise that only through independence can politicians more fairly represent us in our communities.

Perhaps in a New Scotland new parties or thinking will emerge that better reflect our aspirations.

Larry

ABC Moscow

2011-09-11T05:22:00.000-07:00

I have added a new feed today in which you can find below Russia Today news. I take it you guessed it is the Anarchist Black Cross or ABC Moscow http://avtonom.org/en

The Anarchist Black Cross are brilliant people for supporting political prisoners across the globe and deserve a mention.

I am pleased they ABC have a presence in Moscow and so have put an English language feed to their site on this weblog.

Anyone interested in linking to this Scottish Rebel weblog should email me at redlarry1962@googlemail.com

News & Views on Russia Today

2011-09-10T05:43:00.000-07:00

I have added to this weblog a feed today for Russia Today News. Why? Because it is excellent for world news without the bias of the BBC or American media.

The channel on cable or satellite TV is also quite good also however I don't watch television lately because I grudge paying the TV license fee.

At least the Russians have a different view to the West about the current business of the United Nations. And they are not afraid to broadcast criticism of the UK or America when it comes to their policy on war, occupation and human rights abuses.

For example the propaganda in the UK is to say nothing or silence over human rights abuses in jails and police custody. Particularly Irish prisoners in jails in the north of Ireland suffer abuse at the hands of the British. Yet the media here broadcast plenty criticism of Iran and now Libya but seldom address their own shortcomings.

That is why I believe in socialism to create a society that regularly checks itself for needed improvements and welfare of workers and citizens in general.

No society is perfect but efforts are made in countries such as Cuba and Venezuela to improve governance for the people.

And before anyone on the streets begins to tell me to go and live in these countries the answer is No! I was born Scottish and I have a right as anyone else to live here and struggle on for change and a democratic society in the Scottish nation.

Life under British rule is getting frustrating and tedious as London or Westminster seldom listens to Scottish opinion or our concerns. That is why we need a democratic independent Scotland and one where we can campaign and struggle for a socialist republic.

For instance the tampering with the NHS and introduction of some private practices in it's operation in England is alien to what Scottish opinion would want or tolerate up here.

Scots also treasure our public services and do not have the mindset that supports nuclear weapons or never ending wars of occupation. We were used as cannon fodder during the British empire and subsequent world wars.

And so I am selective in the news I choose to watch, read or listen too and I feel better for it.

The saber-rattling Brits and their bias media can continue their nonsense in Afghanistan and now Libya under the cloak of NATO but don't include me in your adventures. Not in my name.

Slainte

Larry

Alcohol consumption in Scotland

2011-09-02T07:30:00.000-07:00

The Scottish Government produced a report by NHS Health Scotland regarding alcohol consumption on Wednesday. The results naturally don't look good.

And some shops are selling drink above 4% volume at knock down prices. For instance a 3 litre bottle of 7% vol white cider at £3.30 at one of my local stores.

What we must do as Scots is to change our uneasy relationship with alcohol and be more self-critical about how much we drink in the evening.

And I am as guilty as most folk with my drinking patterns.

However I have finally, albeit reluctantly, decided to support the Scottish Government initiative on minimum pricing.

It will certainly reduce my alcohol consumption if prices are raised.

And so I take my hat off to the SNP Administration on this one.

Cheers

Larry

See Below

Alcohol sales at all time high

31/08/2011

Alcohol sales are now 23 per cent higher in Scotland than in England and Wales, the biggest difference ever recorded during the 17 years measured since 1994.

The new figure is contained in a report published today by NHS Health Scotland.

The publication shows that on average 2.2 more litres of pure alcohol per adult were sold in Scotland than in England in 2010 - 11.8 litres versus 9.6 litres.

This equates to 22.8 units of alcohol per adult per week in Scotland, above the recommended upper weekly limit of 21 units for men.

In addition almost 2.5 times more vodka was sold per adult in Scotland through off-sales than in England and Wales

Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing Nicola Sturgeon said:

"For too long Scotland's unhealthy relationship with alcohol has gone unaddressed. These shock statistics show that the difference between alcohol consumption in Scotland and England and Wales is now at its highest rate for 17 years. This is a situation that must be tackled head on.

"The impact of excessive consumption is estimated to cost Scots £3.56 billion each year. That's £900 for every adult.

"We have already taken bold action against this most pressing of problems. Our Alcohol Framework outlines a package of over 40 measures to reduce alcohol related harm.

"In addition we have banned quantity discounts and restricted promotions in off-sales, measures which will take effect from October this year.

"However, these figures published today alongside the three per cent increase in alcohol related deaths reported earlier this month, make it clear to me that further action is needed still. Evidence shows us that minimum pricing is the most efficient and effective way of reducing alcohol consumption and alcohol related harms. That is why we will introduce a Minimum Pricing Bill as a priority in the Autumn.

"Minimum pricing can and will help us to redress the balance when it comes to our unhealthy relationship with alcohol."

Independence and the Scottish Left

2011-08-28T12:52:00.000-07:00

It will be around three years until we get an Independence Referendum in Scotland. Before this happens we all need to prepare to get the Yes vote out in plenty of time. The Scottish Independence Convention have a vital roll to play in this matter.

In the time that is left the SNP majority Scottish Government have 69 seats in the Scottish Parliament to continue on the path of improving the lives of ordinary Scots through radical ideas and competent legislation. In short the SNP can prove once again that they are fit to govern.

A swift move to Scottish Independence is vital to address the problems of social inequality, poverty and class division throughout Scottish society. Anything short of a socialist revolution will mean the social ills that bedevil Scotland can only be sorted in the longer term.

Post-independence it is unclear whether the SNP will split itself out of existence leaving members to join another, perhaps new party, of the social democratic left.

The challenge for the left is to ensure we get full independence in social, political and economic terms. However these are arguments for the future in other words we need to win a referendum vote for independence first.

Our main concern at present should be to support the Scottish Government in the fight against public service cuts and austerity measures brought forward from the ruling ConDem clique in London.

Already there has been no shortage of critics from the fragmented Scottish left. Particularly from the Scottish Socialist Party (SSP) who gain to benefit from a break up of the British state. Perhaps despite their dismal failure at the May elections this year,we may consider they are secretly pleased at the SNP results.

What is clear is that since the jailing of Tommy Sheridan the wounds from the internal feud have not healed and both Solidarity and the SSP are like sinking ships in the night.

Yet still the SSP hope that they can fill a void on the nationalist left with radical policies almost identical to rivals Solidarity. In reality neither party is strong or influential enough to break the mould.

It is here that I argue it is best to support the SNP in their dual approach of winning arguments for independence and pursuing in Government social democratic policies of change.

Furthermore we should also campaign as part of the wider pro-independence movement for freedom and against public service cuts and job losses.

One group of individuals with a democratic voice that deserves to be heard is the Democratic Green Socialists.

Another issue that disturbs me is not only the state of party politics and the left in Scotland, but the failure of some on the left to recognise the inextricable link between national liberation and socialism. In short to free Palestine is a worthy cause but to free Scotland is equally essential firstly, especially if you want a socialist republic.

And so party politics is only part of the wider struggle to end inequality and class division in Scotland. What is also equally important is to tap into the cultural awakening taking place in Scottish society and to renew our minds and thinking. Fundamentally when considering our self-identity as Scots and our confidence to stand alone in the world.

Instead of waiting for the Independence Referendum to come we should put our thinking caps on now and find new inventive ways to spread the message of independence and the benefits of it to all the Scottish masses.
Larry

NATO WAR CRIMES

2011-08-26T06:09:00.000-07:00

This is interesting from Qaddafi he seems to be predicting the end of governments towards armageddon. Perhaps the first government to fall would hopefully be the sychophants in Westminster an evil institution. Also wicked are NATO and brothers and sisters when Scottish Independence comes we must ditch NATO or roast in hell.

My Revolution is Red not green but I am not too pleased that the Brits get involved in what would end up being is a puppet government to the USA/CIA.

Real leaders were Nasser for his brand of Arab socialism and Castro and Che Guevara, and today Hugo Chavez.

All these great leaders as patriots protected the independence of their countries.

However I take it from that speech by Qaddafi because I do not read his green book or have his religion I am doomed amongst the rest of the devils in the West.

Anyway I post his speech here for your reading and despite his rants I would rather he was to remain leader. After all his type chased the Brits out of North Africa and overthrew a despicable monarchy in Libya.
Larry

Muammar Qaddafi –
Leader of the Green Committees Movement
Addresses the World

From the international liaison office of the Green Committees Movement

Oppressed peoples around the world, the battle has begun. Do not despair, help is nigh. Do you realize that this is the Night of Power? What is the Night of Power? It is better than thousands of other nights, it is the destiny, when the heavens are open to receive your prayers thousands fold.

Watch what is happening now in America. Did we hit them with our missiles? No, they came and struck us, 64 hits on Bab Al-Aziziya which is now destroyed, and finally I had to leave my home, where they killed many innocents. But I will never leave Libya and in this fight, it is either victory or death.

Those of you in the United States of America, I am not your leader. If you are in that failed state you should be preparing to leave. Go to Venezuela. If you remain, you must follow my deputy, spiritual leader Minister Louis Farrakhan. Listen to him. He will tell you all you need to know about what is unfolding.

Those of you in Europe, you too should prepare to be drowned in events and calumny. Not enough of you have risen up. You will have to accept the consequences. The good among you should head to Africa. Go to West Africa. North Africa is not safe now that the region is all a battle field. In West Africa you will find homes and good work.

Those of you in Serbia, true friends of Libya, you are with me. Do not despair of the rat flag on only one house out of one million. All of you can cut pieces of green cloth, measured exactly two by one in dimension; that is your flag, the flag of people's power, of hope, of truth, of the future.

All you in the world who support truth, freedom, Jamahiriya, hang it on millions of homes and cars. The green flag is yours and belongs to all the masses of the world. With the dawn of people's authority and the end of governments, we chose the green flag and made its colour and dimension easy for all. Choose any green. Cut it one by two, exactly, and hang it everywhere, carry it with you.

Soon the green flag will fly all over the world, as governments collapse. They failed their people; I alone did more than all of them. They served different masters. They did not intend to serve the people, never. They are owned by others. They do nothing for you. Ignore them and they are gone. Prepare yourselves by forming committees, openly or in secret, set up your local mathabas to meet and share. Chart the way forward. The green flag belongs to you all.

The future is the Jamahiriya, everywhere. The masses self-governing societies. Basic popular congresses and people's committees. Green committees to guide, defend, expose, call, show the way forward to people's power. It's all there in The Green Book, read it, copy it, share it. Use your own communication systems, don't rely on the enemy. Make your own communications. Take back your resources to your hands, do not be afraid of power - possess it. It is your power, wealth and arms that the governments, banks and militaries stole from you.

You cannot ask others to represent you. You cannot entrust thieves with your wealth. You cannot ask others to fight and die on your behalf, to defend you. This is your human responsibility. When you do this, the world will be free, organized, a jamahiri system, freedom and happiness, abundance of wealth for all.

The era of the governments is coming to an end and they are fighting their last gasp. They are desperate. But they are bankrupt, not only financially speaking, they are bankrupt in morals, religion, education, intellect, ideas, they have no way forward. They are on the stage of collapse. That collapse is good for the world peoples who are suffering because they are not free.

O all good people of the world, know that Islam is not what is being put to you by the ignorant who make a public show of prayer but in reality are serving the devil. Islam is submission to the will of Allah, the One God of all humanity. This is the night of prayer. Your prayers are being answered. You are the Muslims, all those who pray and do not associate partners with Allah.

People of Bosnia, many of you are misguided, Arabs, the useless and weak. The people of Serbia who are Christians and others would be closer to God. There is only one God. That God is with the truth wherever it is found. Read the Qur'an to know the truth, do not listen to those who would mislead you. If God is with you, who can be against you?

What Sharia are you looking for other than the one which we have, since I was the first to bring Quran as the Law of Society in the Jamahiriya. Is it the Sharia of injustice? Oppression? Cowardice? Murder? Insanity? Drugs? Is it the Sharia that elevates the rat with his gun that allows torture, rape and theft? No! That is not the Sharia, ignoring all that is in the Qur’an.

Prayers are being answered. More than forty armies have gone against me, only because I spoke the truth, because I would not let the thieves pass me into Africa. I have promised Africa I will not betray you. I promise the world, the millions who have me in your hearts, that I am fighting to the finish.

Do not believe their trumpets. Whoever listens to the trumpets is making a mistake. You have your own mathabas to go to for information and to meet and deliberate. Pay no heed to them. By now this should be clear to you. Fire is water, water is fire. Know that the future is yours, governments are finished, a new era of the masses is coming, as predicted in The Green Book.

I hear you. Many of your messages reach to me. I cannot answer you individually but I feel your pain. Some of you were so affected by the lies in the recent days that you even contemplated suicide. No! Never. Suicide is not an option when we are in front of great victory. The costs will be high but we must not waver.

I see you Africans around the world, even in Australia, your pictures reach me. I see you collecting money to help East Africa. It is the whites who brought these problems and cut us off from helping our brothers and sisters. Thank you for your prayers. But keep your money. Instead use it to fight those oppressors.

Form among you green committees, meet in secret or in open. Proclaim your allegiance to the Green Charter. Study The Green Book. Register your people's conferences, provide encouragement to others around the world, prepare for a future world congress on crimes against humanity, you have six months to prepare.

March next year can be the biggest congress of the people, you can make it happen. Prepare already. Make a web site so all the crimes can be registered. While we fight to defend our nation, you fight on the battle field of truth, for the pen is mightier than the sword.

Some of you arrived to our western border, but had to return. You have families to take care of. Now the way is clear, but NATO will not allow for peace. They fear the example of the Great Jamahiriya. They can destroy our physical achievements but they cannot destroy the truth. The more they try the more we will be victorious. Victory is with the people, never with the oppressors.

Thousands of you are waiting at various stations. I see you in Tanzania, in Congo, Ghana, Nigeria, and many other parts of Africa. How will you cross the deserts to Libya? Instead group yourselves where you are. The fight if it is not won in Libya will be coming to you. Prepare for it. Prepare traps for the invaders. You must defend your corners.

African governments are not strong. They control only a few centers of cities. They often provide no services and the people live without them. They will not stand in your way when the time comes. They are poor. They have been robbed by the racists, the colonialists, the white thieves from the north. Oppose them only if they oppose you. Be prepared. Build your mathaba. Defend your continent.

They can attack with their bombs, but we defend with truth. They can never fight us man to man. They are only cowards, sick, demented, hiding behind machines. They can never face the African one to one. African children can defeat any white mercenary - that is why they hide and destroy with hatred from far.

Do not let them use you. Be united. Build your defenses for they are coming if they manage to pass Libya. If they destroy Libya then attack them from behind.

Avoid fighting if you can. The enemy wishes us all to be bogged down on their battlefields; they want to engage us all in war. Afghanistan is now with us, Iraq is with us, Venezuela is with us. We want peace. We want justice. Work for conferences on crimes against humanity, use your mathaba networks, the mathaba is the headquarters of the green committees, go forth, victory is ours!

Muammar Qaddafi
Libya
August 2011

Amy Winehouse Found Dead At Home

2011-07-23T11:09:00.000-07:00

Amy Winehouse dies at age 27

Very sad news and a waste of talent. However she lived on the fast road with excesses of drink and drugs.

Better to remember her for the better times she sometimes had.

Fife Council invest in new kitchens

2011-07-17T04:12:00.000-07:00

The two pictures above are of my recently refurbished kitchen which was the excellent work of Fife Council and their Contractors in the Forth View Esplanade area of Kirkcaldy . The worktops are in the style of granite and storage space is plentiful. Electrical work was carried out including new extractor fan and new sink with the units.

Kitchen is where I always head for in the morning where I make a pot of tea.

Money well spent by Fife Council which has a significant SNP presence in my local authority region.

The workmanship was of high quality and the workmen were polite and organised.

I was a council tenant in Dundee for twenty five years and have been under secure tenancy in KIrkcaldy for just over two years.

I would never see the need to buy a council house and am opposed to the sale of the public sector housing stock in principle.

Back to my pot of tea.
Cheers
Larry

Hugh Cornwell & The Stranglers

2011-07-11T23:34:00.000-07:00

The Stranglers were at their best when with Hugh Cornwell however the former lead singer from the group has made a successful go at being a solo artist which is testament to his unchanging musical talent.

One thing certain when we get Scottish independence we will still welcome talented English bands to tour in this country. Music is food for the soul and can brighten up the dullest of days.

And I still find the time to sing karaoke whether I am in Kirkcaldy or Dundee.

Reading is also a pleasure and Hugh Cornwell's autobiography A Multitude of Sins is worth a read where he describes how demeaning it was when he spent a short time in prison.

Check out his albums, tours and source of reading as he is an inspiration for up and coming artists on the rock or punk scene.

Vote SNP tomorrow to look after Scotland's interests

2011-05-04T01:44:00.000-07:00

I will be voting for an SNP Government tomorrow.

Over the last four years the SNP’s council tax freeze, the abolition of prescription charges, increases in nursery education and new and improved school buildings have all improved the quality of life for young families.

And it is our only opportunity in years to elect a Government that can bring forward a Referendum for Scottish Independence and Constitutional change in Scotland.

Alex Salmond is also a respected and intelligent viable First Minister in Scotland.

Many people in Scotland see the London government as remote and not properly representing our interests.

I therefore urge readers to use their votes to vote for a newer, greener, safer Scotland.
Larry

Newsnet Scotland growing in strength

2011-01-26T10:34:00.000-08:00

Good to see the improved website for Newsnet Scotland http://www.newsnetscotland.com

And by way of Newsfeeds it links to STV News and most importantly Bella Caledonia.
http://www.newsnetscotland.com/newsfeeds/bella-caledonia

This is the media we need for the future. Publications that are pro-independence and allows Scottish written talent and sincere journalism to shine through.

This is as good as it gets on the web for a news information source.

This weblog welcomes the efforts of the folks behind the scenes of Newsnet Scotland that have produced this informative news source.

A great start to what will be a year that brings Scottish elections to the people in May.

I have had enough of the London centrists and narrow minded quislings in our culture. It is time for Scottish people to stand proud and be a nation once again.

The independent efforts and fresh thinking of Newsnet Scotland and Bella Caledonia are to be welcomed as a sign of the times that the alternative news mediums are here to stay.

This weblog is proud to be linked to Bella Caledonia also.

If you want to get involved in the Newsnet Scotland initiative then read below:

Get involved with Newsnet Scotland!

Newsnet Scotland is radically different from the mainstream Scottish media in two fundamental ways. Firstly we are pro-independence, that alone would make us distinctive and a unique voice in the Scottish media. But we are also different in another, perhaps even more important way, unlike the BBC and the print media in Scotland, we do not impose an agenda on our readership. We are not the haughty voice from on-high talking down to 'little' Scots who are too poor, too wee and too stupid to think for ourselves. We really are the voice of Scotland, the voices of ordinary Scots men and women who want our country back.

For the past few weeks a small group of us have been feverishly working behind the scenes in order to bring you the smart and professional looking new site you see today. We're doing this without pay, devoting our spare time and energies to a project we are all deeply committed to. We'll continue to work away in order to bring news and stories, many of which are ignored or marginalised by the pro-Unionist media, to the attention of the wider Scottish public. We'll continue to provide a platform for pro-Scottish voices. But in order for Newsnet to have long term success, we need you.

We are seeking volunteers to help out in all aspects of Newsnet Scotland's production and publication. Everyone is welcome and everyone can help, especially if there are areas where you might have some special skills or knowledge. It's all very well complaining about media bias and the anti-Scottish slant of the BBC, now you can do something about it. Remember what your mammy told you, "If you want something done you need to do it yourself." The BBC and the Scottish print media won't change just because we complain about them, we need to build an alternative.

Don't worry if you have no previous experience writing for publication. We will help you to ensure that your pieces are of a professional standard. We want Newsnet Scotland to be a great success, but we want you to look good too. But we're not just seeking people who can write for publication, there are lots of behind the scenes jobs that are vital to the success of a venture like Newsnet.

* News and current affairs correspondents. We always need more writers, especially those willing to contribute articles and stories on a regular basis.

* Local correspondents. We want local correspondents from all areas of Scotland so we can provide full coverage of the activities of our local authorities. The reason the Unionist parties get away with so much local malpractice is because our mainstream media will not publicise it.

* Overseas correspondents. Are you a diaspora Scot? You can still help and contribute. We need reporters who can tell us what's going on in their part of the world, especially if the story is relevant to Scotland. We'd also like to hear more from people living in other stateless nations where there is an active campaign for self determination.

* Health, education, environment, disabilities, energy, minority issues etc. If you have knowledge and expertise in any of these areas, get in touch! Your knowledge and skills can educate the Scottish public. We are looking for people who can contribute occasional or regular pieces devoted to specialised subjects which are of interest to the wider public and relevant to the campaign for Scottish self-determination.

* Photography and graphics. We need to build up our own image bank of photographs which can be used to illustrate articles. We don't just need photos of people in the news, we also need photos of places in the news. Any graphic artists out there would be an invaluable help in preparing graphs, maps, tables and other useful graphic information to accompany our pieces.

* Scots and Gaelic. We are keen to encourage the use of Scots and Gaelic. Contact us if you are willing to contribute regular or occasional articles in either language, or if you are interested in helping out with proof-reading and editing Scots and Gaelic articles.

* Behind the scenes. Websites require maintenance, publications require proof readers and fact checkers, media and legal advisors, book-keepers and accountants. If you have an interest in any of these areas please get involved. Without those of us who are willing to do the grunt work behind the scenes, nothing is possible.

* Mediawatch. The only way in which we can force a change to media regulation in Scotland is to document, quantify and log the bias present in our existing media, especially the BBC. This project is at a very early stage of development, if you are interested in getting involved from the very beginning get in touch now.

* Donations. Although we work for free, there are always costs involved. Servers must be paid for, and sometimes we need to pay for professional work or services in order to run the site properly. Donations are always welcome and can easily be made through our Paypal account using the "Donate" button.

Contact us at the following email address :

submissions@newsnetscotland.com

Please mention 'volunteering' in the subject field of your email.

Radio Scotland Celtic Zone on Burns

2011-01-25T07:42:00.000-08:00

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00grrw6/Celtic_Zone_Robert_Burns/

Eddi Reader presents a special edition of the Celtic Zone dedicated to the life and work of our treasured national bard, Robert Burns

Available until Feb 1st.

Sorry bbc iplayer is not available for US listeners but available in the disunited kingdom

Slainte
Larry

Joe Strummer: "The Future Is Unwritten"

2011-01-11T11:05:00.000-08:00

The time passes quickly now eight years since the untimely death of Joe Strummer. He was an artist, a political lyricist, socialist and socialite and man for humanity.

His name lives on with Strummerville a registered charity that aims to create new opportunities for aspiring musicians.

http://www.strummerville.com

I post here in remembrance what is written in Wikipedia about him

John Graham Mellor (21 August 1952 – 22 December 2002), best remembered by his stage name Joe Strummer, was the co-founder, lyricist, rhythm guitarist and lead vocalist of the critically acclaimed British rock band The Clash. His musical experience included his membership in The 101ers, Latino Rockabilly War, The Mescaleros and The Pogues, in addition to his own solo music career. Strummer's work as a musician allowed him to explore other interests, which included acting, creating film scores for television and movies, songwriting, radio broadcasting, and a position as a radio host.

Joe Strummer and The Clash were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in January 2003. In his remembrance, Strummer's friends and family have established the Strummerville Foundation for the promotion of new music, and each year there are many festivals and both organized and spontaneous ceremonies worldwide to celebrate his memory.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Strummer

Kevin at the helm of Bella Caledonia

2011-01-06T13:18:00.000-08:00

Some developments are taking place over at Bella Caledonia. The need for an alternative unbiased press is greater than ever. Too often the press in Scotland promote the union and present the failing aspects of devolution as normal. We Scottish Republicans beg to differ. The situation of a lack of Scottish Democracy can never be acceptable to the people of this nation. Many foolishly think that to revolt against the London centralist government it is necessary to vote Labour. However faith in Labour throughout the years has failed Scotland. Instead we should vote and campaign for real change that is Independence.

Firstly here is a short article from inspirational and talented Scottish writer Kevin Williamson recently posted on Bella Caledonia. We should look forward to more of this in 2011. In order for this to happen I also post here a support appeal for Bella Caledonia.
Larry

2011 is a big year

Sometimes it takes a jolt to the system to realise that you can’t take someone’s consistent, innovative unsung work for granted. When Bella Caledonia was set up in 2007 myself and Mike tried to shoulder the workload evenly but more recently it’s mainly been Mike putting his shoulder to the wheel with regards to the important strategic planning, editing and regular writing. This was unsustainable. I think we all realise how important Mike is to this project. He deals in the most important currency we have: ideas.

2011 is a big year. The London government is hellbent on destroying our much-needed frontline public services as well as penalising those least able to defend themselves. We need to keep reminding people that the banking crisis and widening budget deficit was entirely of London’s making. It doesn’t need to be this way. Especially as we consider that the Scottish economy is currently operating in surplus not in deficit.

The Tory posh boys at Number 10 and their LibDem accomplices know the DisUnited Kingdom is on the road to economic ruin and instead or making those most able to stump up they’re using what Naomi Klein correctly described as opportunistic Shock Doctrine tactics to asset strip the poorest. This is a neo-liberal smash-and-grab operation and the barbarians really are at the gate. We know it. They know it. But the unionist/mainstream media sings from a very different song book.

Here in Scotland a crucial election looms large with Independence creeping back up the agenda following a rocky period of disorientation following the banking crisis and bail outs of 2008. There is everything to play for.

All of this is bringing home the need for what Pat Kane calls ‘Thoughtland’ to make its voice heard in a calm and considered manner. Bella Caledonia, along with the vitally important Newsnet Scotland, and the rest of pro-independence blogosphere, considers itself a small cog in the greater whole that is Thoughtland. Our objective is not just helping towards Scotland’s much-needed national independence but to engage and constantly re-evaluate ideas such as ‘democracy’, ‘progress’ ‘cultural engagement’ ‘fiscal autonomy’ ‘environmentalism’ and ‘economic growth’. Clear innovative ideas are vital to counter disillusionment, apathy or plain old confusion.

With that in mind I’m taking over the helm at Bella while Mike has a breather to recharge his batteries. He’ll be back soon enough. All the suggestions and offers of help have given us both a lot of heart and will be responded to. I’ve got a few ideas up my sleeve too. The Vote Independence AV referendum campaign announced on St Andrew’s Day is right at the top of the agenda for May 2011.

Keep the suggestions coming and spread the word.

Kevin Williamson
http://bellacaledonia.org.uk/2011/01/05/2011-is-a-big-year/

Support

Thanks to the great many of you who emailed us in support of an alternative press in Scotland. We’ve added a Support us page here with details of how you can donate and lend a hand. We are building a stronger base of contributors for the site and are setting a up a fund to help build and sustain the project.

If you – or anyone you know of wishes to support the project please send them this link.

At the moment we are looking for one-off donations to build up a fighting-fund. All donations gratefully received. Let us know if you would like to be acknowledged or would prefer to be anonymous. Thanks!
Bella Caledonia
http://bellacaledonia.org.uk

The end of the road for Bella Caledonia?

2011-01-04T14:20:00.000-08:00

The following message has been posted on the Bella Caledonia website see below

Ending

"This project is now finished. Thanks to everyone for their support and interest over the last three years, particularly all the contributors. But it’s not possible to continue. All content will be available till the end of the month." Mike

http://bellacaledonia.org.uk/2011/01/04/ending/#comments

Judging by the comments nobody wants to see it go least of all me. For the past three years Bella Caledonia has provided writers that are libertarian and have an insight into Scottish politics and culture. Also with alternative views and opinions but nevertheless pro-independence.

It comes at a time of collaboration by Bella Caledonia with Newsnet Scotland http://newsnetscotland.com

Therefore the sudden news that it is going to end is sad and disappointing.

I am sure the Bella Caledonia writers can go onto other projects.

Their writers have a clear vision that is not idealistic or dogmatic.

The future must bring us hope to aspire for better things.
Larry

The BBC film on Tommy Sheridan case

2010-12-28T11:44:00.000-08:00

There are two days remaining on bbc iplayer to view the bbc programme about the rise and fall of Tommy Sheridan here is a link http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00xp4ps

Many questions remain unanswered. For example the George McNeilage, tape that was to provide vital evidence against Tommy, was it a fake? It is likely it was and earned McNeilage two hundred grand from the News Of The World.

Also why did the SSP meeting in which Tommy was believed to admit to his mistakes, was recorded in writing? Everything should have been done off the record.

Instead factions like the United Left in the Scottish Socialist Party became known as "Tommy Haters."

I hope those who have spoken to the media, or colluded with the NOTW enjoy their pieces of silver, Aye Right! the former comrades who testified against Tommy deserve to be held to account. They are a disgrace to the campaign for a Socialist Republic.

The future of Scottish Socialism may be seen in doubt, but instead those of us Scottish Republicans who believe firstly we must secure Scottish Independence, represent the best hope for a Workers Republic in future times.

Egos and jealously that have surrounded the actions of former comrades in the SSP will be their ultimate undoing.
Larry

Vote for change and Scottish Democracy

2010-12-17T09:15:00.000-08:00

Received this X-mas e-card from the SNP instead of a printed one in which savings can be directed to the SNP 2011 election appeal.

As we are approaching the end of the year thoughts turn to a better new year. In 2011 we will get the opportunity to vote the SNP back into Government here in Scotland.

The election campaign will be very important for the SNP as we have to persuade Scots that there is no point voting Labour since we end up getting English Tory rule from Westminster. What should be central to our thoughts is the only way to change the short comings of Devolution is to vote for Independence. Also on May 5th 2011 we can turn the AV referendum into an Independence Referendum. http://bellacaledonia.org.uk/2010/11/30/important-announcement-an-independence-referendum-will-take-place-on-5th-may-2011/

Devolution or the Calman proposals fail to allow Scotland to build our economy and have full fiscal powers.

At New Year I will probably have a whisky while being conscience of the fact that taxation of our national drink goes down to London and into the uk treasury.

We have to get our message across to the people and fight back against unionist propaganda that we are not able to look after ourselves like other smaller nations.

The coming months will be interesting and can be a time for change. The need for Scottish Democracy is more apparent today than at any time in modern history.

I look forward to the challenges that us Nationalists have before us.

Pressure politics and direct action

2010-12-07T10:21:00.000-08:00

Mike Small freelance writer and co-editor of Bella Caledonia has a very good article on OurKingdom website today so named Scottish independence campaign aims to hijack AV referendum

Also interesting is that Bella Caledonia and the nationalist news service Newsnet Scotland are going to be collaborating in the run-up to the May Holyrood election. I have always argued that the Internet in terms of weblogs and websites beats the printed press in Scotland for news and views.

Mike writes: The campaign appears to be resonating with people. Older activists remember the days when the campaign for a Scottish Assembly was a hut and a fire on Calton Hill, or equate the anti-Trident direct actions with self-determination and the Committee of 100. Others remember the civil disobedience Poll Tax Movement as a force that helped to topple Thatcher or recall SCRAM (the Scottish Campaign to Resist the Atomic Menace). Democracy and direct action are intimately linked and any movement for change works better when it has action to feed off. Time will tell whether it will work.

This is interesting, progressive thinkers and writers see the need to link the desire for Democracy and Self Determination with the tools of Direct Action. You don't need to be a Scottish Socialist or Nationalist to understand that the British state cannot easily be reformed.

And to dismiss the Scottish Press and a blogger such as Ian Dale, Mike Small writes: Today, participative media in Scotland is stronger than ever - with a surge of high quality online content in the last year.

The above is true we can choose our own media and opinions on the net.

And so Mike writes: This campaign not only demonstrates the powerful voice of new media. It is about democracy conceived as something better than that handed down every five years.

The campaign has been described as simple populist agitation. It’s true that there is no substitute for a real independence referendum. But what is important is that the widest 'we' owns this and builds this - beyond any one party. One supporter of the citizens-referendum is Ian Hamilton QC – the man who liberated the ‘Stone of Destiny’ in 1954. He wrote: “There are times when our country needs troublemakers. This is one.”

I very much agree as I am a supporter of direct action. However securing the support of the SNP and the wider Independence Movement would be worthwhile. And I believe we must go beyond the converted and bring the message to the wider Scottish public. Not an easy task without access to the Scottish media.

As an SNP member I defend the party political actions but would have preferred if they had allowed the unionists to vote down the Independence Referendum Bill. It was a missed opportunity with little explanation about the decision.

Where we are ready to launch non party political campaigns moves to direct action it is vital that communication with many takes place. Support from all the pro-independence parties would also be worthwhile. Revolutions are best fought with a determined small minority. Scottish people when given a voice are crying out for change. Professional politicians are often disappointing even in Scotland. Scottish elections are significant but when we talk of real change I prefer pressure politics. To hell with the unionists and their defence of their brand of representative democracy.

And so it is worth appealing to readers on my weblogs to get behind the Bella Caledonia Independence / AV campaign.
http://www.opendemocracy.net/ourkingdom/mike-small/scottish-independence-campaign-aims-to-hijack-av-referendum
Larry

Preserve oor mither tongue

2010-12-02T04:23:00.000-08:00

I am pleased to be following the Scots Language Centre on Twitter
http://twitter.com/scotslanguage

The excellent website can be found at http://www.scotslanguage.com

You know dialectics are living languages and Scots is no exception. As someone who used to study Scottish Gaelic I know the importance of going on the defensive and being proud of our languages and culture. whether it is Scots, Gaelic or more regional such as Doric.

When I did International Voluntary Work in Ireland during the 1990s students from other countries could more easily understand the Irish speaking English rather than my Scots lingo that we all speak in Scotland. Yet the 26 Counties of Ireland was independent of England and we in Scotland were not. No wonder I was offended when asked by foreign students to speak the Queen's English?

At home I have a Scots dictionary which is good, but I can still write some Scots but not all of it. There are some talented Scots writers, and on the web I like reading a weblog by Sophia "Shootin fae the Shin" http://shootinfaetheshin.blogspot.com Guid auld Scots and some Embra culture fae Leith.

So be proud of your mother tongue and written Scots, it is a living language like any other that needs preserving.
Larry

Support the Dot Scot campaign

2010-11-30T05:36:00.000-08:00

Happy St Andrews Day and well done to Google for flying the flag for Scotland on their webpage http://www.google.co.uk

Anyway check out the Dot Scot campaign as covered in the excellent weblog below:

Dot Scot is the campaign to get Scotland its own domain name on the internet. It shouldn't really be too difficult, with the proliferation of .nets and .orgs.

Catalonia already has its own, which is great for business, culture and tourism. It's a big world wide web out there and the more distinctive you are the better. It's also a great way of uniting the Scottish diaspora, linking a world wide family with affinity to the country.
If the campaign is successful then this site's url could be www.golassiego.scot
That would be a particular boon to me as the .com version of golassiego has been snapped up by an Irish tourism initiative. (the site's current url is www.joanmcalpine.com)

To celebrate St Andrew's Day the campaign Dot Scot Registry has launched a new website to track support. The site also answers the most frequently asked questions about '.scot'.

The site can be found at http://www.dotscot.net/ .

The more supporters they can sign up the better so please do register...and send the link on to your friends and encourage them to support '.scot'.
http://joanmcalpine.typepad.com/joan_mcalpine/2010/11/its-a-big-world-wide-web-out-there-so-lets-support-dotscot-on-st-andrews-day.html

http://joanmcalpine.typepad.com

SRSM Merchandise

2010-11-29T06:14:00.000-08:00

The weather in the North East of Scotland and Fife is terrible here. Well done to those who travelled and braved the cold at yesterday's SRSM organised John MacLean Commemoration in Glasgow

Also note the SRSM have a shop on their website where you can buy T-shirts, books or fridge magnets.

I still wear T-shirts in the winter but I make sure and put on a fleece.

Slainte
Larry

Our class, our life

2010-11-17T12:10:00.000-08:00

The engagement of Prince William and Kate Middleton and discussions over a Royal wedding in Spring or Summer should seem irrelevant to the Scottish poor. The English media will no doubt not stop talking and speculating about it.

However true patriots of Scotland need only understand that London is quite a distance away and matters that affect us closer to home are very much more important.

As the cuts to public services impact on our lives the working class will have thoughts of resistance and getting even.

Let us not forget the poor and remember that Scottish Independence could right many wrongs even within the limitations of Scottish capitalism. Forces of democracy would thrive better in an Independent Scotland.

William and Kate seem a nice couple but live in a world different to us. The difference is class and the poor should only understand class struggle.

The phoenix will rise again in Scotland it is only a matter of time and we can decide then if we wish a socialist republic I sincerely hope we do.
Larry

Kirkcaldy Esplanade

2010-10-30T11:15:00.000-07:00

Was out walking this morning and here are some of the photos I had taken

North East Scotland target of govt welfare reforms

2010-10-11T06:42:00.001-07:00

Talk about using Scotland as a testing ground as happened with the Poll Tax.

Except this is the North East region of Scotland that is the target of the British government which will affect claimants in Aberdeen, Banff, Peterhead and Fraserburgh.

The BBC report is below or click here to read it in full.

Incapacity benefit claimants in north-east Scotland and Burnley in Lancashire are to be the first to be reassessed ahead of UK-wide welfare reform.

Those deemed fit enough to work, using a points-based system, will be moved to the jobseeker's allowance.

Mental health and disability charities have already questioned the effectiveness of the test, claiming that it does not "distinguish accurately" between those able to work and those who cannot

"We believe that this test is fundamentally flawed," Richard Hawkes, chief executive of Scope, said.

"It asks people to do things like pick up a coin off the floor or can they take their pen out of their top pocket. The test does not ask people what previous work they have done, it doesn't ask people what support they might require in the work place."

There are already concerns about the way incapacity benefit tests are being conducted.

The Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) has reported a 57% increase in the number of people challenging the outcomes of their tests and mental health charity Mind says that, in 40% of cases, initial verdicts are being overturned at appeal.

"From all the claimants I have met, I believe the vast majority have been genuine," CAB's Paul Hogarth, who has supported 60 people at tribunals in Burnley over the past year and won in 85% of cases, told Today.

"It comes back to the fact 'is the pressure on the medical professionals to fail the vast majority of these claimants or is it going to be a genuine assessment?"

The full extent of the welfare cuts will be announced in the comprehensive spending review later this month.

Petition calls for Inquiry into Lockerbie Trial Verdict

2010-10-09T07:50:00.000-07:00

A campaign group that includes UK relatives of the victims of Pan Am 103 have launched a petition with the Scottish Parliament calling for an independent inquiry into the conviction of the man known as 'The Lockerbie Bomber' - Abdelbaset Al Megrahi.

The group, Justice For Megrahi (JFM), believe that a miscarriage of justice may have taken place in 2001 at Camp Zeist in the Netherlands and are seeking a review of the verdict reached.

To sign the petition Justice for Megrahi click below:
http://epetitions.scottish.parliament.uk/view_petition.asp?PetitionID=417

And read the article on Newsnet Scotland.

Tories in a state of confusion

2010-10-05T21:53:00.000-07:00

PM in referendum challenge to SNP I found was a headline on yesterday's BBC News Scotland online page.

Well the Tories in Scotland have said they would not support the Independence Referendum Bill.

In response to the PM's call, the SNP's Alasdair Allan said: "The confusion between David Cameron and (Scottish Tory leader) Annabel Goldie continues. Do they even talk to each other?

"The truth is the Tories - like all the London parties - have consistently refused to support the people of Scotland's right to choose."

Their Scottish wing and London partners are in a state of confusion about where each of them stand on fundamental issues.

And so I still believe the SNP should of put the legislation to the Scottish Parliament just before the Scottish elections in May 2011. In my mind the SNP have missed a golden opportunity to expose the hypocrisy of the unionists.

Anyway I am not going to cry in my beer but continue my support for the SNP as a member of the party.

Constitutional change is much needed for Scotland especially as we will feel the pressure with the cut public services from Westminster more than the rest of the disunited kingdom.

The London based parties can bleat all they like, the arguments we nationalists present for independence will not go away in bankrupt Britain.
Larry

The Sheridans up against the Establishment

2010-10-04T02:01:00.000-07:00

The perjury trial of former Scottish Socialist Party leader Tommy Sheridan and his wife Gail is due to start today. Sheridans to face perjury trial report by the BBC.

As a Republican Socialist I can see no other way but to show my support here for the Sheridans. Best wishes can be left by clicking here. Tommy was a great MSP and fighter against the Poll Tax during the Thatcher years. A good article about the fight against Murdoch is on the online edition of Socialist Worker. Messages of support for Tommy & Gail Sheridan can also be left by visiting the Solidarity website.

This weblog will await the trial with interest as Tommy and Gail find themselves up against the Establishment.
Larry

Kirkcaldy Esplanade

2010-09-19T05:11:00.000-07:00

Was down at the Esplanade in Kirkcaldy last week taking photos. It can get very stormy down there sometimes but is often nice during the summer for a walk. Kirkcaldy Esplanade and the seawall were constructed in the 1920s as an unemployment relief scheme.
Larry

Annual John Maclean Rally

2010-09-12T03:58:00.001-07:00

Sunday November 28.
1 pm at Eastwood Cemetery to graveside for commemoration.
March leaves 1.30 pm, across from cemetery, at Boydstone Rd
to John MacLean Cairn at Shawbridge Arcade, nr, shopping Centre.
Post Code for sat navvies G43 1QN.
Then to Shawbridge Bar across at Shawbridge High flats, next to Police Station for speeches and scoriach.
Ted Christopher and Albannach.
Admission £5.

Very little religious tolerance in the world

2010-09-11T01:44:00.000-07:00

The US is marking nine years since 9/11 amid controversy over plans for an Islamic centre near Ground Zero. Coupled with this a Florida pastor who is threatening to to burn the Koran. Click here for the BBC report.

Religion unfortunately is responsible for great unrest and strife on this planet. Life is too short to argue with our brothers and sisters about our own interpretation of who is God and how we should behave in the name of religion. The end game is that we cannot agree.

I have a certain respect for "religious freedom" but not when it is used as an excuse to impinge on the freedom of others. Religion can only operate without controversy if there is tolerance of others present. Unfortunately the reality is there seldom is.

Burning books and symbols of hate is nothing new in America. Beatles records were burnt after remarks made by John Lennon, about the group being bigger than Christ, and it upset Christian right fundamentalists in the US. The Ku Klux Klan burn crosses when expressing their hatred which has Scottish origins. In Scotland, the fiery cross, known as the Crann Tara, was used as a declaration of war.

Religion is responsible for too much sectarianism in the world and is used by Imperialists to divide and rule in particularly in their colonies. Ireland is an example. And in the West coast of Scotland differences between Catholic and Protestant or Celtic and Rangers keeps the working class masses occupied, instead of them questioning authority or thinking about socialism, peace or independence.

Life is too short to fight over an ideal unless it promises practical benefits such as socialism. Ultimately International Socialism should bring tolerance, harmony and love for our fellow brothers and sisters.

Unfortunately to change so much hate in the world into societies of peace, socialism and understanding and tolerance involves sacrifice. That is why I follow the teachings of John Maclean and James Connolly. They offered hope through their own sacrifice and that still applies today.

If the US pastor carries out his threat to burn the Koran it will simply stir up more hatred in the world. Perhaps it is time to reflect on the need for love in the world. That can only happen if we set out to destroy hatred and greed. Then perhaps we can afford the luxury to ponder about an after life or god which does not impinge on our freedoms on planet earth. We cannot allow ourselves to think otherwise.
Larry

Too much stress is bad

2010-09-07T00:40:00.000-07:00

I am evidence to the fact that too much stress can be bad as can the consequences I apply which is copious amounts of booze or coffee and a great deal of fags.

The amount of stress we suffer can be attributed to our personality and how we cope with stress.

However the world would be a boring place without some stress to motivate us to get out of bed in the morning.

When stress becomes a problem we experience 'distress' that being when there's too much or too little. A lack of stress means your body is understimulated, leaving you feeling bored and isolated. Thus we look for stimulants such as alcohol or drugs.

Too much stress can result in a range of health problems including headaches, stomach upsets, high blood pressure and even stroke or heart disease. It can also cause feelings of distrust, anger, anxiety and fear, which in turn can destroy relationships at home and at work.

People often feel over-stressed as a result of some event or trigger. This doesn't have to be negative (such as the death of a loved one, redundancy or divorce); it can also be seemingly positive (a new partner, new job or going on holiday). Such feelings can also be acute (as the result of a death or loss of a job) or chronic (coping with long-term unemployment or being in a bad relationship).
Information source BBC Health.

I am helping my girlfriend's parents move into another house which is a stressful event for them.

So we have to know how to apply coping mechanisms for stress. From the library I discovered a book by Dr Hilary Jones "I'm too busy to be stressed." Well worth a read on how to recognise and relieve the symptoms of stress.

Indeed if you can recognise what major factors might cause you to be "over stressed" then you can find the best way of coping with your stress. I like to travel a great deal back and forward from Kirkcaldy to Dundee over 30 miles on the bus so I like to read during my journey. When I cannot sleep I listen to the radio. In short you need to find out what works best for you whether it is diet or exercise or relaxation techniques.

Everyone is different and the world would be a dull place if we weren't.
Larry

Joe Strummer: "The Future Is Unwritten"

2010-08-31T02:21:00.000-07:00

I heard it on the radio announcing the death of punk hero Joe Strummer. It was 2002 and three days before Christmas. I was shocked as he was a young 50 year old and I was enthusiastic about his band the Mescaleros. I liked their music and had decided to go see them live but that dream was cut short with the passing of Joe. He will never be forgotten from punk hero to his brilliant brand of world music with the Mescaleros his memory lives on with the charity Strummerville http://www.strummerville.com.

I also thought Joe was a terrific song writer with his social and political leaning lyrics. Socialite or Socialist it does not matter I liked the songs that had a political theme to them.

There is a few websites dedicated to the memory of him http://www.joestrummer.org and Strummer News are two I came across.

Also check out the documentary "The Future Is Unwritten"

And what more can I say? Joe had the charisma to appeal to the ordinary man on the street or on the dole was immense. Check out Johnny Cash & Joe Strummer - Redemption Song I also like probably his best album with his band Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros - Global A Go-Go pure world music slant there is everything here from Reggae to even Celtic sounds. Check out the album.

Joe also never sold out or forgot his punk and rock'n'roll roots his band covered hits by The Clash from London Calling to Rock The Casbah

Let us not forget Joe Strummer and check out the movie http://www.joestrummerthemovie.com

Joe Strummer RIP: John Graham Mellor (21 August 1952 – 22 December 2002.)

Larry

Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros - Global A Go -Go

2010-08-30T11:53:00.000-07:00

Sun Is Shining - Bob Marley

2010-08-30T11:48:00.000-07:00

Alex Salmond Exclusive in the Express

2010-08-29T04:24:00.000-07:00

Checking the newspapers today to find an exclusive by Alex Salmond in the Scottish Sunday Express. And he rightly concedes that the Referendum Bill is “likely” to be defeated at Holyrood.

Well I cannot blame him for wanting to build for the Scottish elections May 2011. All the SNP need to do now is anticipate public anger at the Opposition for preventing the people a say in their constitutional future. Coupled with the arguments that an independent Scotland could reduce its share of the UK debt without the need for swingeing cuts, the SNP should be able to strike a chord with the Scottish people and have a second term in office.

The First Minister stands by his plans to press ahead with the controversial Referendum Bill next month, with a possible polling date of March 31 next year, even though Labour, the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats plan to vote it down.

But he told the Sunday Express: “I’ve always said that if the other parties don’t pass the bill – and that doesn’t look likely now, does it? – the people will have their say as to whether they want that opportunity in the election next year.
“People can take the decision to force the issue.

In view of the above I feel it necessary to say that if you want independence and prevent the hardship from the UK cuts then you have to vote SNP. This applies to everyone in the independence left also.

We must fight back at the lack of democracy that comes from the Unionist parties. The only way is to defeat them at the ballot box next May. Clearly the Unionists are running scared of an Independence Referendum and the SNP can only point out the reality of the situation. The only matter in hand is for the SNP to press ahead next month with the Referendum Bill and see what happens or what is inevitable.

I am disappointed but not with my party the SNP, but with the intransigence of the Unionists when faced with the progressive thinking and actions of the minority SNP Government.

A second term in Government would be good for the SNP and Scotland.
Larry

Rebel With a Cause

2010-08-28T13:14:00.000-07:00

I recently ordered a couple of T-shirts from the Scottish Republican Socialist Movement (SRSM) and received them on Tuesday. Also pictured below is an SRSM keyring. I have been wearing the shirts in Kirkcaldy during the week. It is quite a good feeling to be a rebel and wear such shirts in Gordon Brown's constituency.

What makes the Kirkcaldy folk vote Labour is beyond me. However I note a sense of discontent among the folks, but they can only blame themselves for voting Labour and getting a Tory led government. Well the Lib Dems are very much the junior partner in Westminster scene.

Anyway the T-shirts cost me £5 each with 50p for P&P and the keyring was only a £1.00.

The T-shirts can be got from the SRSM why not join the SRSM forum. Or you can visit the SRSM shop on their website.
Larry

Chasing up Job Centre Plus

2010-08-23T08:20:00.000-07:00

After I got out of bed this morning I had a coffee and checked my emails and the news, or rather Twitter where I follow BBC Scotland and STV. Actually STV followed me on Twitter first but I cannot think why?

I then phoned Kirkcaldy Job Centre Plus who could not give me a number for Argyle House in Edinburgh. So I do my own searching on the Internet. The number I phoned was not recognised for Argyle House. Eventually after phoning a different number I was given the Job Centre Plus number that deals with Fife.

Well I was enquiring that my questionnaire form had successfully reached it's destination. I was told it had not. Lost in the post? Would it mean I have to fill out another form to see if I have to go for a medical to determine whether I am fit for work? I was told they would phone me back within three hours.

Indeed they phoned back but within the hour to say they had received my questionnaire form on the 17th August and that they wanted to know my doctor's contact details. I thought I wrote that information on the form? Never mind I was able to give the name and exact address of my doctor. The woman was unable to tell me how long they would take to process the form and when or if I have to attend a medical.

The whole process is stressing the sick and disabled people, this abolishing Incapacity Benefit and change to Employment Support Allowance. If you fail the medical you are put on Job Seekers Allowance and receive very little money as you are made available for work. Two thirds of incapacity claimants fail the medical and must look for work. I have not worked since 1996.

Anyway I will keep readers of The Rebel Scot updated about how I get on and what the medical entails. It was New Labour that brought forward the legislation in a Welfare Bill that Work and Pensions Secretary James Purnell published a white paper on UK-wide welfare reform away back in December 2008. It meant that most people would be taken off Incapacity and have to look for work.

The medicals will be carried out by Atos Healthcare which this private company also uses the trading name Atos Origin.

And now with the ConDem coalition wanting to cut the welfare costs to the government while also spending billions on Trident nuclear missiles the future for us sick or disabled looks bleak.

Yours for Scotland
Larry

The need for fair government

2010-08-22T07:40:00.000-07:00

Ordered a another couple of T-shirts from SRSM today. The picture above is of me wearing a Scotland shirt I bought in Dundee on Wednesday. Unlike most unionists I believe if you are going to campaign as an Internationalist you must always firstly be willing to stand up for Scotland.

On another subject I bought four cans of cider last week at a £1.00 each. It was 5.3% strength so I understand why the SNP is concerned about the availability in shops corner and supermarkets of cut price strong booze. If we can improve the health of the nation while cutting down on crime then legislation to curb Scotland's drinking culture is required.

Another concern of mine is the number of money lenders selling pay day loans on the net and elsewhere. The huge interest these unscrupulous companies are charging is daylight robbery. I hope Westminster does something about the money lenders they would never be tolerated under a socialist government.

Which leads me onto the topic of socialism in an Independent Scotland. If the people hopefully one day want it then fine but I will still campaign for it before and after independence. Socialism is more likely to happen in a Scottish Republic which I am hoping we get after independence. The Scottish people are fair and adapt well being represented by a social democratic type government like the SNP. A step forward would be a state that is socialist but not authoritarian. In the meantime I support the campaign by some for a Scottish Workers Republic as envisaged by Red Clydesider John MacLean in Scottish history.

Anyway make sure you are registered to vote by the May 2011 Scottish elections and give your vote to the SNP.

Yours for Scotland
Larry

From welfare to job seekers for many

2010-08-16T23:01:00.000-07:00

Being on long term Disability I never like getting mail from the DWP. The UK government over the years are always changing the Benefits system making it more complex and difficult to understand and implement properly. My recent post included a questionnaire form to asses if I am fit for work. Well they are having a laugh I haven't been fit for work since 1996. The London government want to scrap Incapacity Benefit putting sick and disabled people on Employment Support Allowance by October this year. Those who fail the medical test will have to apply for job seekers allowance. If I am called in for a medical it will be carried out by private firm Atos Healthcare.

However sick and disabled people are being 'pressurised to return to work' according to Citizens Advice Scotland.

Citizens Advice Scotland is calling for an independent review of the new Employment and Support Allowance system. Employment Support Allowance (ESA) was introduced 18 months ago to replace incapacity benefit. This was the result of New Labour's Welfare Bill in 2007.

But its new medical assessment has led to allegations by Citizens Advice Scotland that it targets the most vulnerable. A BBC Scotland investigation found that under ESA, more than two thirds of claimants are being found fit to work, almost 20% more than the government had planned.

It is now the most commonly appealed benefit, with 8,000 tribunals heard every month across the UK - and 40% of decisions are being reversed. So far, only those claiming after 2008 have undergone the medical, but longer-term claimants are due to be transferred to ESA in October.

Citizens Advice Scotland said that the system was unfit for purpose and called for an urgent review. ESA's controversial medical assessment is based on a points system. Those scoring 15 or more are entitled to extra money, and support back into employment.Those scoring less than 15 have to apply for jobseekers allowance, or find work.

I will keep readers updated as to how I get on and if or when I am pulled in for a medical.
Larry

Scottish Labour opportunist over minimum pricing

2010-08-14T21:50:00.000-07:00

I got up very early this morning to check my emails and the news. Recently I joined Twitter and I have found it to be useful for following the Scottish news. If you are on Twitter you can follow me @ http://twitter.com/republicansoc Anyway drinking plenty coffee and checking out sites such as Newsnet Scotland where I can get news that is more balanced and not blatant unionist propaganda like the Scotsman is. I read the Scots Independent on the train yesterday and my journey seemed not so long or boring.

I also bought some cans of beer at the supermarket at a very affordable price. Then this morning when checking the SNP website for news I noticed that the SNP have welcomed reports that the Labour coalition partners in the Welsh Assembly Government are seeking devolution of licensing powers to Wales in order to introduce a minimum price for alcohol. Seemingly the Welsh Assembly Government intends to make a formal approach to the UK government for the devolution of powers in relation to alcohol licensing. And it is the case that the coalition is united in Wales on introducing minimum pricing on Alcohol. The SNP have said that "The Welsh Assembly Government joins a chorus of expert voices in health, public order and the licensed trade who believe that the selling of alcohol at rock-bottom prices is one of the biggest problems facing our society and that we have to take action to stop it now." Well this is in sharp contrast to Scottish Labour who have opposed the SNP initiative on alcohol pricing and put party politics above health.

SNP MSP Michael Matheson, a member of the Scottish Parliament's Health Committee has said that "the SNP's minimum pricing plan will save lives, cut crime and help re-balance Scotland’s damaging relationship with alcohol, and I call again for Scots politicians of all parties to stop playing politics with the nation's health and get behind these proposals."

And you can read this in full on the SNP website if you click here.

So far so good apart from the fact that Labour in Scotland seem determined to oppose minimum pricing. My knowledge on the Alcohol Bill is limited I have not read it but what I think is the case is that minimum pricing will affect the cost of a unit of alcohol. To me a unit measurement of alcohol is equivalent to half a pint of beer. And if minimum pricing is the best way to tackle Scotland's alcohol abuse then so be it. I trust the Scottish Government know what they are doing so I am slowly accepting the fact that the Alcohol Bill is in everbody's interests in Scotland, for it to get passed.

OK that is enough on my diary today so until I post again.

Yours For Scotland
Larry

The Left and National Liberation

2010-08-12T05:22:00.000-07:00

After the recent censorship preventing me from posting on the Socialist Unity website I will happily put forward my arguments for independence and a Workers Republic here.

Firstly the comments on the Socialist Unity website were appalling. These so-called socialists of the Brit left comment about dividing the working class in Britain because we support the right to Self-Determination and National Liberation. However I would be inclined to agree with SRSM in which it is stated on their website:

That there is "no British nation and therefore no British working-class. Any unity between the national components of these islands has been forced from the top down, and does not represent unity in the internationalist sense. Until the achievement of National Independence, without which there can be neither Republic nor Socialism, the chief work of the SRSM shall be to engage in the struggle for National Self-Determination."

The conditions and our national culture are different in Scotland although we share a love of fish and chips with our English working class comrades but little else.

I am sure comrades in the Scottish Socialist Party doubt the existence of a viable British working class? However that does not stop comments being post on the SU site like:

"It could have been different- the current that became the SSP could have used the relative strength of the socialist left in Scotland to help build an internally democratic british wide socialist party. They choose instead to jump on the SNP bandwagon and abandon socialist politics and principles"

The above comment is nonsense the strength of the SSP was through winning votes from the SNP and Greens which they subsequently lost by 2007. And still today the SNP is a target of much criticism from the SSP. However this is a failure of the SSP to recognise the need for all pro-independence parties to show a united front under one banner going even beyond the Scottish Independence Convention in this critical stage of Scottish history. Also wrong about the above comments to claim the SSP have abandoned socialist politics and principles. Take a look at their website and see the number of working class campaigns they are involved with. Independence and Republicanism has been relegated to near the bottom of the page. But the SSP fail to realise as a seemingly pro-independence party that independence and republicanism should be their main feature on their website.

Other comments on the SU site complained about the SNP being pro-capitalist or anti-working class. Yet these Brit socialists ignore the fact that the SNP is selling a fair and social democratic programme to voters in Scotland. Further more the liberation for the Scottish working class is dependant on complete independence from the neo liberal imperialist British state as a first step to a Republic and the chance to struggle towards a Workers Republic in Scotland.

A more sensible contribution was:

"An independent Scotland would give the Scottish people the sovereign right to determine what type of economic policies would be their preference through their democratic will. It certainly wont be anything as right wing neo-liberal as the preference in England."

The above is true and the Scottish people would vote in the New Scotland for parties who deliver a social democratic or socialist programme. It would not be a Workers Republic or genuine National Liberation but it would allow a start to get rid of the English Brit Imperialist yolk. The SRSM correctly mention genuine National Liberation on their website:

National Liberation

"We believe the struggles for National Liberation and Socialism to be inseparable, that is that one is not possible without the other. The question of National Liberation is not merely about the ending of British political rule in Scotland but about the ending of all economic, political and cultural Imperialism in Scotland. The National Liberation struggle will not be won until the workers of Scotland exercise complete control over the material resources, economy and political administration of Scotland."

"This brings to the fore competing class issues in Scottish society. The interests of the Capitalist class are tied to and subservient to the interests of Imperialism. They will always seek to preserve their own position and therefore constantly undermine the struggle for genuine National Liberation."

"The National Liberation struggle has to be fought by those whose interests are not tied to Imperialism. That is it has to come from the majority of the Scottish people – the working class. It is about the complete transfer of the wealth and resources of Scotland into the hands of those who use these resources to create the wealth. It is, in short, the building of a Socialist society; a Scottish Workers’ Republic, and it must be the working class that leads the struggle for National Liberation. Such a demand meets Scotland’s aspirations as a nation with the workers aspirations as a class."

And the struggle at present is in it's early stages. Scots of all classes need to be involved in the struggle for Democracy something that is very infantile under the present Devolution set up. We need to take all classes with us on the road to independence. However after independence the important struggle takes place for a Republic which could be by being offered a referendum on the issue. I am confident the Scottish people will prefer a republic when they get a real taste of freedom. That sort of freedom I have felt when visiting the Irish Free State or Dublin. Yet Eire and it's people are very much under the thumb of the European Community.

The struggle of our class should be tied to the struggle for National Liberation. But first we must support the SNP while building the Independence Movement. Already changes are taking place in Scotland. Since Devolution and the 2007 victory result for the SNP to form the minority Government, the self confidence of many Scots has grown. Marches for independence have been previously held in the capital Edinburgh.
A new march is planned by March for your future a group dedicated to raising awareness and support for the independence of Scotland, in April 2011 they will be marching through the streets of Edinburgh to do just this.

Their website writes

"The aim of March for your future is to promote and progress the independence of Scotland through complete devolution from the United Kingdom. With the end goal of complete independence for the nation of Scotland."

There exists some interesting times from now until the 2011 May Scottish elections. In the meantime a unified pro-independence movement will be required to organise and plan for the future. How soon we get independence will be determined by the Scottish people. The direction will be shown by the SNP and Independence Movement.
Larry

Brief Thoughts on Scottish Independence

2010-08-11T06:02:00.000-07:00

Brief Thoughts on Scottish Independence Aug 2010

By Steve Arnott. Steve is the Editorial Co-ordinator of Democratic Green Socialist

1. The lessons of history are hard learned and hard earned. In some cases they are burned into the soul. For over two generations now – the biggest part of an adult lifetime – the political landscape of Scotland has been shaped, not by the free will of its own people, but the outlook, attitudes, media and voting patterns of the UK state as dominated and defined by London and the South of England; an area which has historically soaked up the wealth of Empire and post – consensus neo-liberalism like a sponge, and whose political ideologues wasted a generation of young people, and billions of barrels of valuable North Sea oil, in smashing public ownership and manufacturing industry, driving down wages and expectations using mass unemployment as a weapon, and creating a speculation and consumption driven, debt fuelled economy.

2. Voting patterns based on a post war period of rising prosperity in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s and the division between unionist Presbyterianism and a catholic minority supported Labour party that allowed significant numbers of Tory MPs to be elected in Scotland have gone – permanently, thank goodness, though some unpleasant cultural and political remnants remain. For the last 4 decades Scotland has voted in huge numbers for social democratic parties either of the unionist (Labour) or independence (SNP) types. In an era of capitalist counter reform and retrenchment Scottish people have voted for these parties in the belief or hope that they would protect themselves from the ravages of Thatcherism and her ideological successors. What they got instead was right wing Tory government from 1979-1997 and from 2010 the current Con Dem coalition carrying out nothing less than an all out ideological assault against the state and the public sector. Sandwiched in-between, the Blair-Brown Government of New Labour had so adjusted itself to the memes of middle England and worship of the market that it became in effect, capitalism’s second eleven. In a final act of political bankruptcy in the crisis of 2007-2009 it mortgaged the future services and jobs of working class families throughout the UK to save British capitalism.

3. The granting of a Scottish Parliament with limited devolved powers in 1999 was both a step forward for democracy and a concession on behalf of unionism and the ruling class who mistakenly thought it would put independence on the back burner for a generation. But far from acting as a safety valve for the democratic and social democratic aspirations of the Scottish people, the existence of a Scottish Government – even in ‘wee pretendy Parliament’ form – has shifted the axis of debate to one between independence and a Scottish Parliament with enhanced powers including and up to full fiscal autonomy in what would effectively become a federal UK.

4. The barbarians with Eton accents are once again at the gate, however. Plans to reduce the structural deficit caused by New Labour’s bailout of the banks and obsession with PPP/PFI are partly ideologically driven but no less real. Along with working class people and ordinary families throughout the rest of the UK, Scots face a decimation of public services, capital projects and jobs that will scar this country for a generation. And this in a country with just one Tory MP and where less than 1 in 10 of the populace voted Tory. Of course, a similar proportion voted Lib-Dem, blissfully unaware that they were, in effect, voting for a Tory government. ‘No mandate’ and ‘democratic deficit’ are, in this context, understated terms.

5. A mass popular campaign against the cuts is necessary – but we also have to learn the painful lesson of history. Any notion of a genuine socialist labour government at a UK level is surely a pipe dream at the present time, as is the idea of the unions or union leaders – with a few honourable exceptions – breaking with Labour and creating a new mass working class party. Even the election of a left leaning Labour government would not be a guarantee against the election of a future Tory government further down the line. The conclusion is simple – the only way now for the majority of Scots to get the stable left of centre social democratic government they consistently vote for is through independence.

6. Independence in the modern era takes the form therefore of a principled democratic demand rather than being driven by notions of national exceptionalism.

7. Socialists will want to move an independent Scotland beyond the mixed economy social democratic model that Scotland will inevitably vote for initially, given its freedom. We will want see out major industries and financial institutions taken into democratic public ownership. We will want to see huge public investment in developing a renewables economy and building social housing. We will want to re-establish a genuine comprehensive National Health Service and a Higher education service free at the point of need. We will want to create an irreversible shift in wealth and power in favour of the millions rather than the millionaires. But the point is this: on the first day of an independent capitalist Scotland the struggle for socialism in Scotland begins anew with renewed and increased vigour, with the intellectual obstacles of unionism and Westminster politics removed, and the real possibility of meaningful mass realignment in Scottish politics.

8. Consequently, for the left, independence is not only the correct and principled democratic demand, but the best strategic way to progress its own political agenda.

9. Some on the left should stop obsessing and worrying over problems that are largely their own mental creation with no basis in reality, in particular, that to support independence unconditionally without framing it in terms of an ‘independent socialist Scotland’ or whatever the current shibboleth is, is to run the danger of sowing ‘illusions’ in a capitalist independent Scotland, or that the SNP can solve all the problems facing the working class. Where is the evidence that such illusions exist? Perhaps the Scottish working class is a little more pragmatic than some of its would be ‘vanguard’ imagines.

10. Similiarly, sections of the left should stop echoing the New Labour/unionist mantra that, in this or that poll, only 25% or 33% of Scots support independence, therefore the conclusion should be drawn that people aren’t really interested, and that independence is somehow ‘not a priority’, or ‘secondary’ to class questions, as if the class questions themselves have not been fundamentally decided by the ‘national question’ of the existence of the British state over the last 40 years! Such arguments are self-defeating. No socialist would seriously argue that because socialists aren’t doing well in the polls right now we should conclude that people don’t want or need socialism. We would rightly point out the role of the media and all the political apparatus of state in normalising capitalism and skewing the political debate to the right, and argue that socialists have to sometimes swim against the tide for what they believe in. Instead of making such banal non-points, socialists have a duty to point to the continued domination of Scottish politics by a unionist Westminster agenda and in particular the shameful role of the opportunist Labour party in Scotland and its nepotistic relationship with an SNP/independence hating media, particularly the mass circulation Daily Record. Even if a multi-option referendum were held tomorrow, fiscal autonomy would win with independence second, and the status quo third. This hardly indicates a lack of desire for change, and in conditions of narrative
and media fairness, or conditions of desperation as the Con-Dem cuts begin to
bite, or both, an independence referendum could certainly be won.

11. Independence is not principally a strategic or tactical question, though there may be good strategic or tactical arguments for it. It is in itself a ‘good’ that progressives should fight for. Scotland is a nation, albeit one whose identity has been consciously merged/submerged into a British identity by the British ruling class over hundreds of years. It has a right, even a duty, as a modern nation to run and be responsible for its own affairs as it sees fit.

12. A huge welcome by product and side benefit of independence would be the acceleration of the development of socialist ideas in Scotland.

13. A huge welcome by product and side benefit of Scottish independence internationally would be the break up of the British state.

14. So, what are we waiting for? Come all ye at hame wi’ freedom.

My Response to “Brief Thoughts on Scottish Independence Aug 2010”

August 11, 2010 at 1:57 pm

Good article Steve yes without independence we cannot put right the democratic deficit and so be ruled by neo liberal government that Scots never voted for. Scotland is heavily dependant on public services so the cuts will hurt and damage the economy. The only answer is for the Scottish people to recognise the need for change. You see under the union history repeats itself and now we have the Con-Dems which Scots did not vote for.

A mass fight back against the cuts should be tied to the fight for Scottish independence. An independent Scotland with a social democratic government would be ideal for socialists to campaign for a republic and struggle for a Socialist Republic. In order for this to happen Scottish independence has to be top of the political agenda of the Scottish left. The DGS are putting forward the correct analyse and arguments in favour of independence It just require some action from the pro-independence parties and instead of standing candidates against the SNP they should be entering talks with them, about not standing candidates in the Scottish election next year, and a united front against cuts, how to work together against the unionists and unionist media and presenting the Scottish people a real alternative. And the campaigning for a referendum with a Yes vote which will require being practicle, and a united front between both the Nationalists and the Scottish left. The trust would have to be built and this would require some real effort. After all the pro-independence parties are linked with the Scottish Independence Convention.
Larry

Need for responsible drinking

2010-08-09T00:53:00.000-07:00

The Scottish government has pledged to consider "any workable alternatives" to a minimum price for a unit of alcohol.

The move came after an all-party meeting at Holyrood aimed at tackling Scotland's drink problem. That is what the bbc Scotland website said with the headline Scottish parties gather for alcohol summit.

And so minimum unit pricing may not win the day for the Scottish Government. Perhaps by the time the Alcohol (Scotland) Bill passes through the Scots Parliament we will have to settle for a floor price. This is what the opposition parties want and for Holyrood to work with the UK government.

What is clear there needs to be an end to the culture of drinking cheap booze such as strong drink like some ciders being on sale in the shops and supermarkets. Many of us in Scotland have an unhealthy relationship with drink. I know from experience that if the cost of alcoholic drink goes up then I will buy less. And so there is a link between consumption and price of that I am convinced. However I mainly buy lower strength beers in supermarkets because it suits my budget and you don't get drunk on it so easily. But like many folk on a budget I drink at home because of the cost of a night out at the pub. Perhaps I am no different to others and we all need to re educate ourselves about alcoholic drink in Scotland. After all it should be easier at home to reduce consumption of drink and remain a moderate drinker.

Slainte
Larry

Republican Socialist and in the SNP

2010-08-08T13:08:00.000-07:00

On April this year I rejoined the Scottish National Party (SNP) after a number of years in the Scottish Socialist Party (SSP)and Solidarity Scotland's Socialist Movement. Nothing has changed I still remain a republican socialist since the mid 1980s.

The SNP is not a republican party but is Scotland's leading party of Independence. The SNP of course does have republicans, republican socialists within it. In view of this I can enjoy meeting Left Nationalists like myself in the party or share the same goal of Scottish Freedom with the more right wing elements in the party. However I would say it is a party at ease with itself and everyone is friendly. Most in the party are left of centre which makes radical Scottish Republican Socialists such as me stand out.

But what of the Scottish Left and how do we define it? Well it is not just members of the SSP or Solidarity. Members of the Scottish Trade Unions should be included. Then they are various parties such as the Communist Party of Scotland and individuals in the Democratic Left that make up the Scottish Left. Also there is the Scottish Republican Socialist Movement (SRSM) and their brand of progressive Left wing Nationalism and activism.

With this in mind the Scottish Left should be a strong voice in Scottish politics. However there are much disunity and an element of sectarianism which is apparent. I wonder if I should be surprised by this but I am not when we are all up against an authoritarian British state and their Unionist media.

So what is the answer? I feel the answer lies in republican socialist beliefs and practical steps towards unity. There should be more republican socialist Conventions in the future and less attacks on the SNP with it's social democratic outlook.

The SNP have an important role to play in Scottish society. That is convincing Scots of the merits and positives of Scottish Independence. And implementing policies as best they can while remaining for time being the minority administration in the Scottish Government.

In view of this all is not well. The public services face cuts which have been delayed in large part for the moment. This means a clear choice for voters come the Scottish elections. Vote for a party that stands up for Scotland and the difficult times that lie ahead. We need to convince the public that a vote for Labour in Scotland is a wasted vote. We end up with right wing Westminster dictates and it happened again in history that we get Tory rule of sorts while being tied to the union.

Only by voting SNP as the largest most effective pro-Independence party can we hope for change within the limits of constitutional nationalism and what it has to offer. In other words Nats working progressively in parliamentary politics. Elections show that the SSP and Solidarity are going nowhere. Which is a pity because they are supposed to be pro-independence parties despite having the Brit Left hanging on their coat tails.

It never made sense to me having different pro-independence parties standing candidates against each other. What we need is for their members to vote SNP in seats where the Nats can win. What is missing is practical unity amongst those who clearly are aligned with the Scottish Independence Convention and therefore naturally support an Independence Referendum. Which I think the SNP proposals in the Referendum Bill will be put to the test in March 2011.

Anyway I am happy now to be back in Scotland's most effective party in the campaign for Independence and standing up for Scottish interests.

As I said at the beginning I have not changed my politics it is republican socialist and I have entered a party such as the SNP that can make Independence possible. Then only we can begin a real effective struggle for our beloved Scottish Socialist Republic.

Yours for Scotland
Larry

Thoughts on Rabbie Burns

2010-08-03T08:23:00.000-07:00

Think I will write here about my interest today. Rabbie Burns is Scotland's greatest poet and I was born where he spent his final days that being Dumfries. I should know how long he lived and worked in Dumfries as I have books on him that I seldom get around to reading.

A letter has been discovered that shed's light on his last days and click here for bbc report.

When I go back to Dumfries for a visit I like to see his cottage there which you can walk around and as if you were in a museum. However Burns Cottage, the first home of Robert Burns is located in Alloway, South Ayrshire, Scotland. It was built by his father, William Burness in 1757. Burns, Scotland's national poet, was born there on 25 January 1759. It is a simple two-roomed clay and thatch cottage and is now a museum dedicated to him. It has been fully restored and is part of the Burns National Heritage Park.

Well I know Alloway is Burns Country but so is Dumfries as far as I and other Doonhamers are concerned.

Indeed like I said Dumfries is where I was born and lived there until 16 years of age. Even though Burns wrote some fine poetry there I prefer to read poetry rather than try to write it.

My favourite pastime nowadays is to write and post on the Internet. With the Internet you can research Burns online, and if like me cannot write poetry then try reading it and what better than Scotland's National Bard.

OK before I finish writing here about Burns I have included here the link for Burns Heritage Park if you get a chance to visit that part of Scotland. http://www.burnsheritagepark.com is the link.

Anyway I will try writing about what interests me as my personal diary on this weblog. Should be interesting.

Slainte
Larry

Why I prefer the Internet

2010-08-02T05:32:00.000-07:00

I don't buy newspapers and have not since I have had the Internet for a few years. Anyway the Scottish media is biased against the present SNP minority Scottish Government. In other words newspapers like the Scotsman and Herald do not take Independence seriously enough.

So what do we do? Well there are plenty of interesting weblogs. You could also do no wrong by checking out the Newsnet website. As for the weblogs I have a list of recommended ones on my Scottish Republic weblog.

Furthermore as well as endless Scottish websites on the Internet I find the Forums a good source of information and opinions on news and Independence. There is Our Scotland. and the Scottish Republican Socialist Movement have their own web forum. I believe there are some choice of Scottish forums on the web. With most forums you can find out where the latest Scottish event is going to be held and organising it, so forums like social networking sites such as Facebook can be good ways to communicate also about the latest event and where to find it, time date venue, organisation etc...

Another interest I have is for Yahoo groups (also google groups exist) as a source of information or news and views. However the Yahoo groups vary somewhat, some are more interesting than others with a wee bit more debate included on a few.

Indeed I have got say that I use the Internet to not only debate but learn and communicate with others who usually have similar opinions to mine.

And finally I subscribe to the newsletter of Mediawatch at Mediawatch2010@aol.com prepared by SNP activists in the west of Scotland. I post copies of these to Forum for Scottish Democracy, on Yahoo groups. So click to join anyone of my Yahoo groups which are on my weblogs to click on.

Well that is my diary of thoughts today folks not much interesting in today's news.
Slainte
Larry

Republican Socialism and the Class Struggle

2010-08-01T20:06:00.000-07:00

In April this year I joined the Scottish National Party in order to argue the case for Independence without the distraction of the British left prevalent in Solidarity and the Scottish Socialist Party. Yet Solidarity and the SSP are supposed to be pro-independence parties. Both are members of the Scottish Independence Convention. The purpose of the Scottish Independence Convention or SIC is to bring parties, organisations and individuals together to work for the common aim of Independence. However I wish the SIC success in their aim but only time will tell. What I do hope for is for an Independence Referendum that we can win for Scotland's velvet revolution of sorts. Yet consider Solidarity and the SSP rarely mention Independence on their websites and nothing on the need for an Independence Referendum. The SSP website is a clutter to say the least.

On the SNP website just click on Independence and Independence White Paper published where there is a link. Next click on Choosing Scotland's Future and there it is about the Independence Referendum proposed in the White Paper part of the National Conversation which the SNP used for feedback from the public. On this page is the National Referendum which is proposed and as pointed out here as the next step. The Scottish Government intends to bring forward the Referendum Bill early in 2010. The Scottish Parliament will be invited to pass the legislation.

Anyway the SNP have proposed an Independence Referendum albeit likely to be a multi-option one. The Unionists disagree in holding an Independence Referendum yet opinion polls show great support in Scotland for a Referendum on Scotland's Constitutional future. With this in mind I have always argued for public pressure to assist the present Scottish Government in their wishes. I would argue that parties and both political and non- political organisations should lead the way and lets take to the streets.

On a brighter note we have the Scottish Independence Convention, SNP White Paper and a new group of non-political individuals calling themselves March For Your Future (MFYF) a group dedicated to raising awareness about the need for Independence and a march through Edinburgh to be organised for April 2011. In view of this I believe a sea of change will grip Scotland and demand for change will come in it's own time. Already there is a need that is recognised that Scotland needs a Parliament with full fiscal powers.

And this leads me onto what I want for Scotland. Firstly a Republic through Independence and ditching the monarchy and crown powers the bad elements of the British state. However I am a Republican Socialist and that is part of my struggle in the mix when campaigning for Independence. We need to address what is bad in capitalism and build a fair democratic free society. A genuine and true Scottish Workers Republic. And that must be built through class struggle and public pressure from below. We cannot get a Workers Republic by parliamentary means.

So what is required for socialism? Well we need Conventions of Republican Socialists to meet and organise for class struggle. I understand the SSP have had an Republican Socialist Convention held in November 2009. This could be argued to be a healthy development. But it is required that such events go beyond organising by one group of party individuals. There is also the Scottish Republican Socialist Movement to consider and their experience on understanding the nature of the British left. Such Conventions require a united voice from Republican Socialists in the Scottish Left or nationalist left in the SNP. We need to see more Conventions that lead to Scottish Republican unity and to begin to take the campaign to parties, organisations and for us to hit the streets. In short we need to educate those in both politics and the public the merits and advantages of Republican Socialism and a Workers Republic built after Scottish Independence.

Scotland's class struggle in history is both nationalist and socialist as recognised in a good article by John McAllion of the SSP. Correctly the break up of the British state will provide a bigger platform for Republican socialists to agitate and educate workers and the poor that the Workers Republic is in every body's interest.

Scottish Water to remain publicly-owned

2010-08-01T07:02:00.000-07:00

The Scottish Government has ruled out changing the status of Scottish Water. A Scottish Government spokesperson has said "that domestic water charges in Scotland were below the average of those in the privatised system in England and Wales." Well this is good who would want Scottish Water to be privatised? Privatisation of Scottish Water would likely lead to the introduction of water meters. A water meter is a device used to measure the volume of water usage. We can't have Water companies reaping in profit while families cut back on water usage. I hope this never happens in Scotland and Scottish Water remains a public utility. Scottish Water is performing well as a publicly-owned corporation in Scotland, and ministers have consistently said that there are no plans to change that. With this Scottish Government the cost of water can be kept down and cost less than England or Wales.

This weblog is Scottish Rebel

2010-08-01T05:37:00.000-07:00

Anyone who has visited this site before will have noticed that I have changed the name to the Scottish Rebel. I am making changes to discuss more politics and I intend to post here more frequently. The design of the Blog has changed also to reflect my republican socialist beliefs. In April this year I joined the SNP for the second time in my life. I feel they are the only party that can deliver Independence most likely by way of an Independence Referendum. We are living in interesting times with a growth in Scottish culture since devolution. Everyone except the biased Scottish media seems to understand that Independence is a real possibility in our lifetime. What is certain is already there is more support for giving the Scottish Parliament more powers. Giving Holyrood full tax raising powers would better prepare us for Independence.

While I am writing here I will remind you I have joined Twitter as republicansoc. Indeed I am on a few sites from myspace to bebo to facebook. On these sites I am spreading the message of Independence and Republican Socialism. If you check my profile I post to four blogs. My most read webblog is probably Scottish Republic but I intend to post here more often and it will be different. Here I will write my views and opinions on a regular basis. Indeed a diary of my thoughts as I write about news and views. Scottish Rebel is my website to discuss both politics Scottish culture and my thinking in general not always political but mostly I prefer to write about politics. I like to write as if I am talking to you in my living room. Scottish Rebel is very much about me and my opinions so It is a we bit different to the format of Scottish Republic weblog but will be similar except I will spend more time writing my opinions on life and politics. Anyway I am off for a coffee so enough of writing on this post perhaps this can be my daily diary? I hope so we will have to wait and see.
Larry

New SNP Supporters Group

2010-08-01T05:29:00.000-07:00

I have started a new SNP supporters Group which is for quite simply supporters and members of the Scottish National Party. I discovered there was a need for one in Yahoo Groups and already I have six members who have joined. Here we can debate the merits of Independence and keep up to date with events. Membership of the group is open only to those that support Independence and the SNP.

Click here to join

Slainte
Larry

Dealing with the issue of stress

2010-07-23T07:35:00.000-07:00

Mental Health problems will affect one in four of us at sometime in our lives. Indeed psychiatric problems are very prevalent in capitalist society as is the issue of stress..

The NHS Choices website offers tips on dealing with stress whether at work, college or home.

It is important to recognise the signs of stress. Do you sleep OK? Do you drink too much? Do you get angry easily? Without a doubt stress drains us of energy and can easily lead to depression. Those of us that suffer are experts by experience.

If you suffer from stress or have a mental health issue because of stress factor then why not join the new Yahoo group I have created called The Relaxation Cafe. There you can discuss issues and factors of stress in our lives in a safe environment.

It is good to getting a break from politics to discuss lifestyle issues such as stress and how it affects us but I still leave plenty time to campaign for socialist politics because I believe a socialist republic in Scotland would adequately fund the Scottish NHS instead of wasting tax payers money on war or nuclear weapons like Trident.

If you would like to join the relaxation cafe click here

Pipe and Slippers

2009-11-14T02:58:00.000-08:00

Bought a pipe last week. Nice to relax with a coffee and pair of slippers. The pipe cost me &9.99 and I had to buy tobacco. Smoking like drinking is expensive. Indeed money does not go very far nowadays. Hard to avoid debts. Payday and once the bills are paid there are not much left. But I enjoy spending money and shopping. Whats the point of having money unless you are going to spend it while enjoying it at the same time. No matter how brief money stays in your pocket. And it is good to treat yourself like buy something different like a pipe. I can concentrate with a pipe and I feel mellow with it. All I got to do now is work out what is my favourite tobacco? A new pastime to relax with.

Thoughts in Export

2009-06-25T11:40:00.000-07:00

The best way to start is to admit to writer's block. Why not despite a can of Carlsberg Export beside me and some music from my CD collection. This writing should be a labour of love and my first in a while. I have been reading which should expand the mind and capture my interest. Where is my imagination was it destroyed by prescription medication it is possible? Anyway I can always smoke, what about Amber Leaf to enhance the concentration while destroying the lungs lol. Well why not drink to kill the liver and smoke to do worse.

Anyway I am writing a regular diary from my home in Kirkcaldy and stop off at my girlfriend's house in Dundee. Tonight I am in Fife and never left the house today. No lazy and a few cans of beer. Tomorrow I will pick up my prescription for meds and feel fine. Or will I? The best I can hope for in Kirkcaldy considering my girlfriend thinks the town is boring. It's not if you order a Pizza and better than that dump Dundee with kids in the street and screaming women.

Today I am depressed because people die and I am thinking about Radio 1 DJ John Peel. Not to worry he is in a better place wish I was. Depression is harsh but not as bad as rock bottom. Been there got the t-shirt but never mind.

Well what can I tell you? I have long hair and am 13 stone so what? The world is round and I just spoke to my girlfriend on the telephone. Yes I do love her and why not?

Enough information for today.

See you.
Larry

Scottish Independence petition

2009-06-09T11:54:00.000-07:00

Click here to sign the petition

To: The Scottish Government

We demand that Scotland becomes a full sovereign Independent country. We demand this because we don't believe the unionist lies of Labour and believe that Scotland would be a wealthier, healthier, smarter, safer & more just nation with Independence.

Scotland is being held back under the UK! We want Scotland to do what Ireland, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Belgium, Finland, Sweden, and Andorra have all done (with either similar or even smaller populations to Scotland) and to MOVE FORWARD and create a better future for everyone!

We will make our voice be heard and we will demand Independence & Freedom for Scotland!! The Scottish people have a right to self determination & have the right to decide our nations future in a referendum to allow the people of Scotland to vote for a new beginning for Scotland with Independence!!

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

Forum for Scottish Democracy

2009-03-06T06:55:00.000-08:00

You may want to join a news and debate group covering issues such as Scottish culture, democracy and independence

Click here:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/scottishdemocracy/

Nothing's Gonna Change My World

2009-01-28T11:05:00.000-08:00

Winter Sunshine

2008-11-26T01:51:00.000-08:00

There is something refreshing but blinding about the winter sunshine. Light is indeed precious and in short supply during the long dark days and nights of November/December. During these dark months I am attracted by bright things like Christmas wrapping paper or the cover of a music CD.

Open the window because the heat in the living room lurks in stale air and let the freezing cold penetrate the warmth. Storage heaters give out a dry heat anyway and morning is a time to brush away cobwebs and breathe fresh air.

In reality life is a plague of contrasts eg: hot /cold or light/darkness etc..but I can cope with that until opposites collide. Consistency is what I like best but you cannot always get it. The unexpected opposites clash with the safe world and create some unexpected and painful sparks.

My safe world is what I seek when I go looking during short or longer walks. When I go out I can observe the world and come back home to asses the level playing field. Back at home when it gets dark again I can light a candel and create a flame of motion. But now I crave fresh air and window of opportunity. A new day should bring new prospects but does not always. Our world is an object but also tied up in our subjective thought. In other words our world is often what we make it. Safe or otherwise. However I still like the winter sunshine but not it's blinding effects.
Larry

Remain living for today

2008-11-02T03:33:00.000-08:00

The winter sunshine is reaching the living room. It is cold but not frosty. All here in the now. I care about the now but do not avoid thinking about the past or future. Why spend time obsessed with the past or worry constantly about the future? If we worry about the time past, or time future we are using psychological energy and wasting it. Say worrying about the future or our psychological time rather than planning for the clock time by way of acting on our problems and wishes.

Best I plan for the future with my belief system in check. Yes I will by all means not stop believing or wanting socialism. But not by being hateful in the present while wishing for a better future in my idealistic way. Instead take a chill pill (metaphorically speaking) and support initiatives towards my idealistic goals for future while through time remaining level headed about my past and future but remaining fixed in the here and now.
Larry

My diary of thought

2008-11-01T13:14:00.000-07:00

Well it is Saturday evening and I have managed to keep the living room relatively warm considering. The local council provided storage heaters in the rooms of my house sometime back but they are expensive as a source of heating in housing. The pre-payment electricity meters are a rip-off even though I like pay as you use rather than quarterly bills.

This blog I write will deal as much about my thoughts rather than mere opinions and political beliefs etc..I am christian which is interesting as most of my socialist colleagues in life are atheist. I do not attend church at present but my chosen one would be Methodist. I was baptised Church of Scotland but privately educated at a Catholic school. I never learnt much until I left school and embarked on college where I spent many hours reading rather than watching television. Nowadays, myself and others attention is distracted by the digital age. It is good to download podcasts and music onto my MP3 player which I carry outdoors with me or connect to speakers in the bedroom. Hopefully I will write more sometime in the future about my choice of podcast and what I like to listen to in the way of music, news, current affairs and football or entertainment.

Now this bog has begun also like a diary, but yes, of my thoughts and interests etc. Also I should write about observations in life it is a grand break from political thought and opinionated writings. However my thoughts do return to opinions and political belief systems but it is not always necessary for me to broadcast such here. This is my non-political blog but that does not mean I dare not utter the word socialist. I cannot and should not change what I am which is a republican socialist minded person. I cannot change me and I am content by that. I may not want to be like others after all.

Anyway I am going to leave it at that for now and perhaps produce much variety in what I write rather than long laboured posts all the time. I want to keep it simple and I will try to write here in the mornings, when I seem to write and think at my best.

Time for a milky coffee now!
Slainte
Larry