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mediawatchFrom: Mediawatch2009@aol.comGallagher Again Some very interesting perspectives. Gallagher explains to an American and world readership, in his own archbrit terms, developments in Scotland. International Herald Tribune 16 Sep 2009 OPINION EUROPE SEPTEMBER 16, 2009, 8:18 A.M. ET Scottish Politics, Middle East Money Megrahi was part of the Nationalists' push for independence. By TOM GALLAGHER Scotland is no longer the invisible country of Western Europe. Following its decision last month to release Abdel Baset al-Megrahi, the man convicted of carrying out the 1988 Lockerbie bombing, the semi-autonomous state has attracted global attention, albeit not all positive. It seems that was precisely the government's plan. Kenny MacAskill, Scotland's justice minister, insisted that the "compassionate" act of releasing Megrahi was "based on the values, beliefs and common humanity that defines us as Scots." He has omitted to mention one fact: That the decision may have been a favor granted to wealthy Arab benefactors in the hopes that they will bankroll Edinburgh's push for full independence from the U.K. Associated Press Scottish Justice Minister Kenny MacAskill makes a statement to the Scottish Parliament on the decision to release Lockerbie bomber Libyan Abdel Baset al-Megrahi on Aug. 24 in Edinburgh. This is now coming to light, after the government last week revealed that it had been lobbied in June by Khalid al-Attiyah, Qatar's minister for international cooperation, to free Megrahi. The revelations have prodded the Scottish parliament to launch an investigation into the release, with an emphasis on any foreign investment tie-ups. But it is no secret that, for several years, Scotland has been engaged in feverish efforts to secure billions in Middle Eastern funds for overdue infrastructure projects, so as to lessen dependence on the British Treasury. The world is now aware that Scottish justice is sovereign, and that since 2007 the country's decentralized parliament and administration have been under the control of the Scottish Nationalist Party. Alex Salmond, the country's pugnacious and crafty first minister, is actively seeking to sever links with the rest of the U.K. This, despite the fact that his heavily urbanized and now largely post-industrial country spends far more than it raises in taxes, and depends on subsidies from London. Carefully stage-managed conflicts with London have been designed to depict Mr. Salmond's Nationalists as the only force prepared to uphold Scottish interests against an overbearing England, with whom Scotland has been formally united since 1707. In a new twist, Mr. Salmond has gambled that taking on the supposed American Goliath will further cast his party as liberators standing up to bullying overlords. Mr. MacAskill, also of the Nationalist party, stood his ground over the convicted bomber's release, despite a phone call from U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and a letter from senior figures in the American Congress. FBI Director Robert Mueller has referred to the distress of the Lockerbie bombing's relatives in a letter he wrote to Mr. MacAskill in August, expressing his "outrage" at the decision which he said made "a mockery of the rule of law." The nonchalant response of the Salmond government suggested that it no longer feels the need to win over the U.S. in its quest for total Scottish independence. Given Mr. Salmond's aims, it was probably always a question of when, not if, relations with the U.S. would hit the rocks. He is adamant that a separate Scotland will quit the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and hopes to use existing laws to stop British nuclear missiles from moving through Scotland's River Clyde. The Nationalists seem happy with Scotland being a small but active cog in a multipolar world, one in which the West must learn to give way to old adversaries and new powers. This stance has won Mr. Salmond open praise from Iran, which he has not disavowed. He relies on one individual in particular to direct his government's anti-Washington and anti-London strategy, and simultaneously to raise Scotland's profile in the Middle East. This is Osama Saeed, an energetic 29-year-old tax expert drawn from Scotland's growing and hitherto moderate Muslim community. Mr. Saeed doesn't hide his belief in the restoration of the caliphate, and he has spoken up for Yusuf al-Qaradawi, the Egyptian cleric banned from both Britain and the U.S. In 2008, Mr. Saeed intervened to ensure that over £400,000 was found in the Scottish budget to establish a Scottish Islamic Foundation, which has given a platform to many high-profile Islamists. Scotland's Muslims previously had clear secular leanings. Now the Nationalists are going to great pains to ensure that politicized forms of Islam make the running among them. It is part of a wider strategy to impose rigid identities on all Scots based on a stereotypical expression of Scottishness firmly wedded to political nationalism. The Nationalists only have a one seat majority over their opponents. They narrowly won power in 2007 thanks in no small measure to their vocal opposition to intervention in Iraq, which won many voters previously attached to the far left. In 2004 Mr. Salmond openly called for Tony Blair's impeachment over Iraq, and for good measure lashed out at George W. Bush. These Nationalists have failed to outline an ethical vision for governing a separate Scotland, despite Mr. MacAskill's emotion-laded rhetoric. Nor do they present viable economic policies. Many Scots are now fearful that the country's newfound visibility will plunge them into isolation from formerly close allies, exacerbating their economic problems. But the demoralized opposition in Edinburgh has so far neglected to lead. A document leaked to the press earlier this month showed that Mr. Salmond has even persuaded top Scottish civil-servants to support his policy of "conflict and confrontation" with London. Mr. Salmond is a formidable politician who has come a long way in his quest to break apart the U.K. All signs point to his continuing to cater to radical Islam, and to goad the most liberal administration in Washington since that of Franklin Roosevelt, if it will bring him goal closer to that goal. In the end, the biggest loser will be Scotland. Mr. Gallagher teaches politics at Bradford University, Great Britain. His book, "The Illusion of Freedom: Scotland Under Nationalism" will be published in London by Hurst & Co next month. Opinion From Gordon (Wilson not Broon) Wednesday, 16, Sep 2009 12:00 By Alex Stevenson Former Scottish National party (SNP) leader Gordon Wilson believes his successor Alex Salmond should fight the next election on the basis of "independence or emigrate". "I never give Alex advice," he told politics.co.uk, before revealing why he thinks the current state of Britain's public finances could be turned to electoral advantage for the Scottish nationalists. "There is a glorious opportunity on the horizon," he said, describing the cuts in public expenditure coming from London as a "perfect storm". "If I was still in a position of influence never mind authority I'd be running a campaign on the basis of 'independence or emigrate' - to get rid of the overhanging of public debt," he said. Dr Wilson, who led the SNP from 1979 to 1990 and was succeeded by now first minister Mr Salmond, told politics.co.uk he was upbeat about prospects for independence in the next 30 years. "I think there's a likelihood, without being absolutely certain it will happen," he said. His memoirs, SNP: The Turbulent Years, are being published today and cover a 30-year period to the early 1990s. "That was a long time in the life of an individual but it's a very short time in the life of a nation," he reflected. "Originally Scotland was very much against devolution. In the Thatcher years, it was seen to be undesirable. Now, if there's acceptance that Scotland would do better independently, there'll be an acceptance by the political consensus - that this should happen. Once you get that, it's through." The SNP hit the headlines over the summer following justice minister Kenny MacAskill's decision to free Lockerbie bomber Abdelbaset al-Megrahi. Dr Wilson said the decision would have lost him sleep at nights and said he hoped he would have had the "courage" and "integrity" to make the same decision. He denied the release had had a negative impact on Scotland's profile in the world. "There is of course tremendous opposition in the United Sates. That will fade," he added. "In the longer run Scotland is probably in many countries regarded as quasi-independent. You wouldn't have known where it was before." Gordon Wilson Reflects Audio interview with Gordon on his new book, published today.When the SNP almost imploded.The 79 Group,civil disobedience, expulsion of Salmond,Cunningham, MacAskill etc etc. It is highly significant that Gordon's book can now be published without the slightest threat to the unity of the SNP. Listen to the interview at; http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/8260082.stm The Struggle Continues Salmond and Russell in London Economy dominates Westminster joint ministerial meeting First Minister asks UK treasury for permission to bring funding forward. 16 September 2009 13:39 PM The economy has dominated a joint ministerial meeting at the House of Commons. The body involves all of the UK's devolved government and gives them the opportunity to give their views to central government. This meeting, unusually, was attended by Prime Minister Gordon Brown who briefed those attending on the upcoming G20 summit. Alex Salmond used the meeting as a platform to push his views that now is not the time to make public spending cuts, and said that next year Scotland faces a challenging situation. He said: "Our spending will be falling in real terms for the first time in donkey's years, now one of the strong arguments to put forward today will be that the way to deal with this is to have a further capital acceleration from the following year into next year, to make sure that even though this year's capital acceleration was extremely welcome in supporting jobs in Scotland, we don't want that to disappear next year." As a devolved government he needs UK Treasury permission to inject public money into the Scottish economy. He said that Treasury ministers who were at the meeting said they would consider his arguments, go away and think about it and come back with an answer. Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy echoed Gordon Brown's view that cuts are necessary. He said: "The public want their politicians to spend the money more wisely, the UK government is looking at ways to make savings and efficiencies and the Scottish Government has to do the same." John Swinney did not attend the meeting as he was too busy writing the budget speech that he will unveil to the Scottish Parliament on Thursday. Only then will the full extent of the economic issues facing scotland become apparent. Watch video interview with First Minister Alex Salmond in full here> Last updated: 16 September 2009, 21:35 Alcohol and Scotland Drunks do not fight for political freedom. This we suspect is one of the fundamental reasons alcohol abuse has been allowed to burgeon under Westminster rule. Now the SNP is taking courageous steps to eliminate the problem. Now watch out for the the political pygmies of Unionism trying to destroy these initiatives. Evening Times 16 Sep 2009 Evening Times 16 Sep 2009 Five city areas have UK’s highest drink death tolls East End rate is over five times national average SOME of the most deprived parts of Glasgow have an alcohol related death rate more than five times the UK average, official figures show. It may be a pleasurable activity for some, but in some Glasgow areas alcohol abuse is taking a heavy toll The figures show five city constituencies in the 10 highest for drink related deaths. Shettleston, which includes much of the East End, is the worst in Scotland, with 76 deaths per 100,000 population. Across the UK it is 13.3. Ma r yh i l l i s mo r e t h a n four times the UK rate while S p r i n g b u r n , B a i l l i e st o n and Govan are also in the 10 worst. Only nine constituencies in Scotland were below the UK average, with Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale, in the Borders, the lowest at just four per 100,000 people. The figures were revealed by Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who is also Scottish Health Secretary, in response to a question by Dundee MSP Joe Fitzpatrick. H i s S N P c o l l e ag u e s i n Glasgow said the figures were more evidence that radical action is needed to deal with alcohol abuse. G l a s g ow M S P A n n e McLaughlin said: “These are shocking figures for Glasgow and show the scale of the challenge we face to tackle alcohol abuse in the city. “For the death rate from alcohol to be nearly six times higher in Shettleston than in the UK as a whole, and nearly three times higher across the city is disturbing news. “These deaths take a huge personal toll on families in the city, as well as communities and public services. “We must take action now to avoid another generation of Scots dying through drink. “Glasgow has started to fight off the sick man of Europe stereotype – we must show the same determination to end deaths from drink.” The figures show an eastwest divide, with the Greater Glasgow and Lanarkshire health board areas the worst in the country at more than double the United Kingdom. Only the Borders was lower than the UK average. The 10 highest as a percentage of UK average were: Shettleston 574; Maryhill 420; Greenock/Inverclyde 371; Dundee East 347; Springburn 333; Baillieston 331; Cathcart 292;Govan 289; Paisley 288; Hamilton N/ Bellshill 285. Tomorrow: Mercy crews in the front line Comment and Feedback From Ken MacColl,Oban Fraser Nelson has surely "trimmed" a bit since he got his feet under the desk of The Spectator although that is, I suppose, understandable Cameron was ON Jura not in it Cameron might become the Prime Minister of the UK in 2010 but certainly not separately or together PM of England and/or of Scotland. On reflection he might yet become the PM of England. The medical case for Al Megrahi's release is that he is terminally ill. He was released to die, not to get better or worse treatment although you can be sure that any relation of the Great Leader, bosom friend of Gordon and of Tony, will get as good as money can buy. The approach of Scots law is to follow precedent with compassion and ignore the blandishments of petitioners simply because they are "powerful" If Brown was as smart as Fraser seems to think he is he would have spotted that several years ago and saved himself and the rest of us a lot of present grief. Brown's "grasp" of gas technology allowed him to miss out on a golden opportunity for a Carbon Capture plant at Peterhead recently.That failure bewildered many authorities this side of the border. Blogs and Websites Scottish Review http://www.scottishreview.net/KRoy133.html Politics Blog http://scottishpolitics.blogspot.com/ Ian Hamilton QC www.ianhamiltonqc.com Bye Election Bulletin http://www.snpforglasgownortheast.blogspot.com/ DestiNATION http://www.destination.sco.eu/ind...;task=view&id=10&Itemid=2 Craig Murray http://www.craigmurray.org.uk/ Keep an eye on Oor Wullie at; www.williebain.com Anne McLaughlin MSP http://indygalgoestoholyrood.blogspot.com/ (Scottish Independence Convention http://scottishindependenceconvention.org Scots Independent http://www.scotsindependent.org/ BellgroveBelle: http://www.bellgrovebelle.blogspot.com Moridura http://moridura.blogspot.com/ Michael Settle http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/politicalblogs Julie Hepburn http://bidforfreedom.blogspot.com/ Labour Blog http://keziadugdale.blogspot.com/ Kezia is Head, office of Lord George Foulkes MSP Tory Blog . Ruth Davidson's Glasgow NE by-election blog http://www.ruthdavidson.org.uk/home Calum Cashley http://calumcashley.blogspot.com Dave Fallows http://www.davefallows.blogspot.com/ Bill Wilson MSP http://www.billwilsonmsp.org/ Bella Caledonia http://bellacaledonia.wordpress.com Gus Abraham http://1820.org.uk Additional of Interest http://scotgoespop.blogspot.com http://www.christianjones.net/ http://the-universality-of-cheese.blogspot.com/ http://ayewecan.blogspot.com Mediawatch is prepared by SNP activists in the west of Scotland.It has no official connection whatsoever with the Scottish National Party. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the Party. It is circulated to a substantial number of contacts in politics and in journalism both in Scotland and internationally. Please feel free to forward it to your own contacts. It is sent blind copied to everyone to protect individual E Mail addresses. If you wish it sent to you post send an E mail to this address with 'subscribe ' in the subject bar. Similarly, write 'unsubscribe ' in the subject bar if you no longer wish to receive it. Posting Number 277 Thursday 17/09/09 |