Despite the inclusive blog title above on these topics today, I have virtually nothing to say, since Ian Bell has said everything I want to say in today’s Herald, and infinitely better than I could ever have said it.
His piece illustrates the real difference between a truly professional political journalist and a blogger like me. Regrettably, his depth of analysis, prescience and perceptiveness is rarely matched by other Scottish political commentators, with one or two exceptions.
I take issue with Ian Bell only on his closing remarks on the death of the Scottish Labour Party, that “we (I take him to mean all Scots) do not yet own an alternative.”
If he means a party of the left that is internationalist in outlook and values, yet deeply committed to all the people of Scotland, especially to the poor, the sick and the disadvantaged, we do own such a party - it is the Scottish National Party, and he is wrong.
If he means a party that is all of the above things, but that is also committed to the Union and hostile to the independence of the people of Scotland, then he is right.
And there will never again be such a party, because its time has irretrievably passed.
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Superb analysis! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Hazel.
ReplyDeleteMy minimal contribution is to point out Ian Bell's one 'error' in his otherwise superb analysis. I don't really know where he stands on the Union, but he is certainly internationalist in outlook and at least centre left in his political orientation, and he does care about people and about Scotland.
Labour no longer does, and that's why they are dying - the life blood of ideals and values is draining inexorably from the party.
If Labour UK can come up with a pro-union argument that would mean Scots benefit best from this union, then let them come up with a vision for Scotland, otherwise they should be told - "don't waste your breath".
ReplyDeleteThanks, Barontorc.
ReplyDeleteThe only people who benefit from the Union are Scottish Labour politicians with their eye on the high road to England and money, and the Scottish affiliated trades union bosses with similar objectives, and zero concern for their members.
The recent 'examination' of their electoral disaster and what the Labour Party needs to do about it is evidence enough that they are devoid of vision, objectivity, and are now permanently locked in denial mode.
The ambition, greed and lethal amorality of the Blair/Brown/Mandelson era and the poisoned legacy of Iraq has taken their soul. They made a Faustian pact with the devil, and there is no way back from that deadly bargain. The apologist for Iraq are still active and influential in the party.
As for their social, financial and fiscal record, words fail me.
You've got no argument from me on that position - but why should we be chewing the fat when it's glaringly obvious the Union stinks and cannot be excused, praised or even morally supported.
ReplyDeleteWhen, oh when will the Scots open their eyes and ears to the obvious? Inverclyde?
We're getting there, Inverclyde notwithstanding, Barontorc.
ReplyDeleteSaor Alba!