westminster

Why it’s difficult for independence supporters to “move on”

| nadianess

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If I had voted no last week, my Facebook status would currently be something like this:

“Well now that that’s over, it’s time to move on together. Scotland has spoken and this has been a real victory for democracy. I’m sick of people still going on about it, it’s been decided. It’s time for us to reconcile ourselves and build a better country.”

But I didn’t vote no. And I’m finding it difficult to ‘reconcile myself’ on the opportunity missed.

Trying to empathise with those who did support the union, I can understand why for them the mourning period should be cut short. Not just because they had the majority in the vote, although that is the most simplistic explanation. Those who voted no were giving a vote of confidence in the current political system – in so much that any desired change could be delivered under it.

So why is that difficult to accept? On Friday morning I had a vision of walking through Glasgow as Scotland was announced an independent country. I wanted to celebrate in George Square, with thousands like me who dreamed of building something life-changing. Something fresh and fair and ours. I wanted the world to look at Scotland and say we got it right. I wanted us to look at ourselves and say we got it right.

Of course I accept that democratically the country has decided. But how long is an appropriate amount of time to get over that dream shattering? How long should it take me to accept a government who I firstly didn’t vote for, and who secondly have already started backtracking on their promises?

I’m not ready to start posting pictures of my dinner, or live-updates of X Factor, or any of the other drivel that filled our newsfeeds before the spark was lit. I wanted change so badly, with every inch of my being, that I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to reconcile myself with the status-quo.

Tommy Sheridan: Unity for Independence statement

| nadianess

Posted on Tommy Sheridan’s Facebook page, 21st September 2014.

Over the last couple of days I have been inundated with thousands of facebook and twitter messages from disappointed YES supporters looking for a way forward. I am encouraged so many have decided to become politically involved and stay politically engaged. Leaving politics to the politicians is a recipe for poor governance.

Obviously I welcome those wishing to join my own party Solidarity. We have some of the best activists around and can be contacted at solidarityscotland.org New members are positive. However it is not enough.

What I am about to say is uncomfortable for a socialist like me. I oppose the SNP position on NATO membership, cutting corporation taxes for big businesses, retaining the Queen as a head of State, sharing sterling and other policies. BUT in order to maximise the pro-Independence vote in next May’s General Election I believe all YES supporters should vote for the SNP and all other pro-Independence parties should not stand if the SNP candidate will commit to fight for a new Referendum as soon as possible AND against all Westmonster austerity cuts to welfare and public services.

In other words I suggest we in the YES Movement promote continued unity by backing the most likely Independence supporting candidate at next May’s election. In concrete terms that means advocating an SNP vote to try and unseat as many pro-NO party supporters as possible. Let’s punish the reactionary and dishonest NO parties at the ballot box next May. Let’s punish the shameful Labour Party in particular for siding with the Bankers,Bosses, Billionaires and Millionaires to try and crush our dream of a new and better Scotland with an avalanche of fear and lies.

The Holyrood elections in 2016 allow for more socialist, green and diverse candidates to be elected. The Westmonster system doesn’t. If SNP candidates commit to fighting for a new Referendum and against austerity cuts let’s unite behind them. If successful then we should insist all pro-Independence candidates in the 2016 Scottish election commit to a March 2020 Referendum. This magnificent movement for independence and change can continue and grow. We have youth, energy and hope on our side. Hope can triumph over Fear in 2020. I realise some socialists will find it difficult to support SNP candidates. That is understandable. BUT the stakes are huge now. We cannot let down the 1.6 million who defied the threats and intimidation from the rich to vote for a new and better country and world. Unity is strength. Don’t let our differences weaken our cause. ‪#‎HopeOverFear‬remains our clarion call.

Tommy (My personal opinion)