Sir, I have been asked by numerous people over the last year how I intend to vote in September. I have to say that I would vote “yes” in a heartbeat but will probably vote “no”. The answer I give is always the same.
Firstly, I see no point in Scotland being an independent country and part of NATO. This is an organisation which has caused more problems than it has ever solved.
It’s also a back door for the US military to suck more money into its ever expanding budget from other countries. I don’t know if many people know it, but the US military budget exceeds the rest of the world’s at present.
Secondly, I don’t see the purpose in having an independent Scotland if it intends to keep the monarchy as head of state. This anachronism is well past its sell-by date and is a leftover from a historic feudal system. I have nothing against the royal family, but like religion, it has no part to play in a modern society.
Thirdly, as far as joining the EU is concerned, such a decision should not be taken by the Scottish Government, but through a democratic vote by the Scottish people.
The EU at present is another unaccountable organisation which is failing the people of Europe very badly.
I would remind politicians that the people of Scotland are not here to serve them. They exist to serve the people of Scotland. There is no point in having an independent Scotland if it is the same book but with a different cover.
Until the above points are addressed my vote will be “no”.
A Kennedy. Fife.
Cries of ‘foul’ don’t help
Sir, I am still a “fence sitter” in this independence debate and trying to make up my mind. It is not made any easier by frequent cries of “foul” from both sides, but chiefly, in my view, from the Yes campaigners. For example, William Burns complaining about the “malicious abuse of public money” by HM Government on a 15-page “expensive looking” pamphlet putting forward the Better Together case.
Why is it wrong for HM Government to spend public money on a 15-page pamphlet putting their case, but perfectly all right that the Scottish Government spent even more public money on a very expensive looking, 650 page book called Scotland’s Future?
Personally I would prefer something a bit more substantial than 15 pages, but then perhaps Better Together do not need a massive wordy tome to make their point.
Captain Ian F McRae. 17 Broomwell Gardens, Monikie.
How to avoid responsibility
Sir, How many people are aware that by registering a company that has “political business” as its reason for existence, the members of that company can avoid prosecution under the regulations which normally apply to all other forms of advertising?
The ADA cannot take action against an advertisement which contains statements which are untrue if the purpose of the advertisement is to influence voters. The Electoral Commission can only take action if an individual has been slandered.
This is a neat way for Yes Scotland to avoid responsibility for practically everything that they do or say in the independence debate. I only became aware of these facts because Yes Scotland claimed in two advertisements that the Financial Times had researched and published a list of the wealthiest nations of the world. The Financial Times told me they had not done any such thing.
A A Bullions. 6 Glencairn Crescent, Leven.
Hit hard by bus service loss
Sir, It is very disappointing that Stagecoach have withdrawn the Number 7 bus service from North Scone.
At a time when there is an increase in the numbers of elderly and disabled in our society and the dependence on a transport system to ensure continued assisted travel in our communities, Stagecoach have deemed it necessary to condemn many of these vulnerable senior citizens to their homes.
They now have no direct access to the local surgery, library, park, bowling green, RDM Institute etc and have to try their “luck” with the alternative 57 service that does not go anywhere near any of these local amenities, may or may not be fitted with the lower step, and could have no empty seating downstairs.
In their defence, Stagecoach have stated that the previous service was unreliable and that the changes will improve the service for the majority of the community although they admitted that they did not bother to consult with any groups or organisations in Scone and emphasised that they were not obliged to.
It is particularly sad that a little effort was not made by Stagecoach to look at alternative suggestions and opinions in order that a compromise might have been reached to satisfy all parties.
I would like to think that all residents in Scone would support a bus service that is equally available and beneficial to all and not disadvantage the most vulnerable amongst us. I hope the community will pull together and make its feelings known to Stagecoach.
Bill Paterson. 4 David Douglas Avenue, Scone.