Today’s letters to The Courier.
Sir, – The standard unionist case against Scotland rejoining the ranks of the world’s independent nations is that we are too poor, too wee and too stupid to manage on our own. Derek Farmer selects the ”too wee” factor, insulting our country with the term ”minnow” (Letters, November 9).
Apparently he believes that Britain is a power to be reckoned with, a military and economic giant. In reality the world power status has long since disappeared, as long ago as 1956 when the United States contemptuously ordered Britain out of Egypt during the Suez Canal crisis.
Of course, the Westminster government continues to behave as if it were a great power, maintaining ruinously expensive nuclear weapons (located, of course, 27 miles from the centre of Glasgow) and rushing in to every military action, whether or not approved by the UN, when the United States requires assistance. Perhaps Mr Farmer, with his fixation on size, would like us to unite with this super power?
As it is, Britain is at best a second-rate power with, for example, the 14th-largest navy in the world and a breathtaking amount of national debt, caused to a large extent by her pretentious foreign policy.
Better by far for the people of Scotland to be freed from this fantasy of great power status and, like our neighbours Denmark and Norway, accept our rightful position as a small, highly educated, well-resourced, democratic and non-aggressive nation.
Iain Hall.1 Georgina Place,Scone.
We will win many friends
Sir, – I was very disappointed to read the letter from Mr Farmer (November 9), which asserted there is no point to living in a small successful country. Presumably this on the basis that such a country would not be able to deploy nuclear weapons or that you cannot send your troops in to invade another nation on a political whim?
After we vote yes in 2014, the prospect of Scotland becoming a highly successful country in our own right is no idle threat. Indeed, figures supplied by the OECD suggest an independent Scotland would be the sixth most prosperous country in the world.
There are also many aspects to the way Scotland already carries itself and in which Scotland aspires to influence the world, which will win us many friends abroad. This is in direct contrast to the bunch of political nonentities who currently represent us in the EU and on the world stage.
It wasn’t that long ago our Prime Minister was shunned by other European leaders at their meeting in Brussels. Cameron does not speak for me or for Scotland at these meetings and the UK’s power and influence is no more than a mirage based on how the UK will teach those ”Johnny foreigners” a thing or two.
How embarrassing!
Douglas Chapman.38 Pitbauchlie Bank,Dunfermline.
It is the right of every nation
Sir, – I was interested to learn that former US Secretary Dr Madeleine Albright cannot understand the growing campaign for Scottish independence.
May I offer the good doctor a little advice? When she returns to the USA she should go and look at one of the most important pieces of literature in the world, the Declaration of Independence, and see how many Scots fought on the side of the rebels and signed their names to this historic document therefore securing the freedom of that great country forever.
She may then understand that it is the right for every nation to be given the same chance.
Bill Duthie.25 St Fillans Road,Dundee.
Make the Beeb earn its money
Sir, – Following Director General George Entwistle’s resignation over the shoddy journalism that the BBC has been accused of, will the Government in London now withdraw the right of the BBC to extract licence fees from the public?
The BBC has for many years produced biased coverage especially with regard to certain political parties they do not agree with and the public have been conned into thinking only the ”truth” is presented by the Beeb.
Time to dismantle the empires that have been built within this establishment and make them work for their own money by making it independent, to compete with the numerous other stations who charge nothing.
Bob Harper.63a Pittenweem Road,Anstruther.
A memorable performance
Sir, – Once again we were treated to a first-class show by the Angus Minstrels at the Webster Theatre in Arbroath on November 9.
The singers and dancers gave a memorable performance from the good old British Seaside to Paris to Motown to Dixie.
The scenery for the Moulin Rouge section was breathtaking. Throughout the show the costumes and scenery were first class, everything so professionally executed.
The show would have been quite at home in the west end of London! Hats off to the producer, choreographer and musical director, not to mention the talented company and all who make the shows possible.
The Minstrels should be applauded for their generosity to the many charities who benefit from their hard work.
The BBC should take note that the theatre was filled to capacity proving that the variety shows and light entertainment we enjoyed in the past are sorely missed.
Elspeth Munro.Kensworth,Keay Street,Blairgowrie.
”Cattle market” at the airport
Sir, – Returning home from a recent overseas trip, my wife and I were very disappointed at the ”cattle market” reception we encountered at Edinburgh Airport’s passport control.
The unwarranted delay and subsequent discomfort did not make for much of a welcome home.
Although most folks these days are aware that they are no longer classified as human beings but merely numbers, it is nevertheless unacceptable to be herded through 12 ”pens” crowded with travel-weary people, including families with young children, for almost an hour.
Airport management and the authorities concerned should ensure that this disgraceful state of affairs is discontinued as soon as possible.
Kenneth Miln.22 Fothringham Drive,Monifieth.
Dignified regard for tradition
Sir, – I was sorry to hear of the passing of Sir Rex Hunt who, as Governor, Commander-in-Chief and Vice Admiral of the Falkland Islands during the 1982 invasion, proudly wore his gubernatorial uniform on the dark day that he surrendered to the Argentinians.
Contrast this dignified regard for tradition with the disgraceful action of Lord Patten as Governor and Commander-in-Chief of Hong Kong when it was handed over to the Chinese in 1997 in refusing to wear the proper uniform so that, when the sun set on this last part of the Empire, he was dressed in a dowdy black suit and looked more like spiv or man of business rather than a representative of Queen and country.
A bus conductor or nurse would not have been permitted such impertinence! And this man was allowed to become chairman of the BBC Trust?
John Eoin Douglas.7 Spey Terrace,Edinburgh.
At least get the facts right
Sir, – Mr Hinnrich (November 12) is clearly unaware of the facts concerning hurricane intensity and global warming. Firstly, the UK Met Office (hardly a global warming sceptic) has conceded that there has been no statistically significant warming since 1998.
Also, the US has, over the last seven years, experienced the least active hurricane activity for over 100 years. Between August 1954 and August 1955, for example, there were three ”Sandys”.
Considering the massive sums added to electricity bills to finance green activity, it would be helpful if we could at least get the facts right.
Brian Wilson.Laurel Way,Bridge of Weir.
Save money, meet targets
Sir, – Instead of pouring tens of millions of pounds of our money into the coffers of the developers of so-called windfarms we should close our power stations, utilise our hydro power and use the money to buy the rest of our electricity from England, which is sensibly going to build modern, clean nuclear power stations.
This would achieve Salmond’s dream of zero emissions, save the Scottish Tourist industry and probably reduce our energy bills!
Our First Minister’s grand idea of leading the world in reducing emissions is all very well, but in the grand scale of things, Scotland’s emissions are akin to a flea breaking wind on top of an elephant.
Ian Deas.Struthers Barns,Cupar.
Warning signs are ineffective
Sir, – Re your article on speeding drivers and icy roads (November 12), I had just walked to the village shop at 8.20am on Sunday November 11 and it was obvious to me the pavement and main road through the village were in a dangerous state due to ice. To my amazement two motorists came tearing through the village at, I would say, 60-70mph (speed limit 30mph).
Do these drivers not consider conditions? Or do they just blame the authorities if their cars end up in a field or skid off the road in the village with more serious consequences?
There is a serious problem with speeding drivers in this area and I would suggest installing average speed cameras in these villages, as they have been a success on the M90. Warning signs have little or no effect.
Ian Robertson.Station Road,Crook of Devon,Kinross.
Remember the victims
Sir, – We would like to urge your readers to remember the real victims of the Jimmy Savile and Welsh care home abuse scandals dominating the headlines.
The comments made by former government minister David Mellor about abuse victim Steve Messham are wholly unacceptable and underline the need for people to think carefully about their comments and responses on this issue.
CHILDREN 1ST works with children and families whose lives have been overshadowed by sexual abuse. We have heard from some of them that it is difficult enough to talk about abuse and to try to deal with it without media scrutiny making things even harder.
There is a danger that the story overtakes the fact that children have been, and continue to be, sexually abused.
Let’s not lose sight of the victims.
Anne Houston.Chief Executive,CHILDREN 1ST,83 Whitehouse Loan,Edinburgh.
Get involved: to have your say on these or any other topics, email your letter to letters@thecourier.co.uk or send to Letters Editor, The Courier, 80 Kingsway East, Dundee DD4 8SL. Letters should be accompanied by an address and a daytime telephone number.