Sir, I was astonished to read Gordon Brown’s statement about decisions that will affect the future of our children and generations to come in Scotland when referring to the independence referendum in September.
I find his statement rather bizarre and extremely hypocritical.
If Gordon Brown was so concerned about the future generations of his country he should remember that when he was chancellor he sold off almost 60% of the country’s gold reserves at rock bottom prices and advertised it one year before the sale forcing the prices down considerably.
That is hardly an example of someone who cares about future generations.
In my opinion he made a disastrous job of being chancellor and an even worse job of being an unelected prime minister.
He states that when he finished as prime minister he left frontline politics and that should certainly be a case for rejoicing!
If it really is the case then he should keep quiet and stop trying to influence voters on the referendum.
Although, I have to say that I don’t believe many people will listen to what he has to say given his catastrophic failures.
Gordon Kennedy. 117 Simpson Square, Perth.
The truth will out but only after the result
Sir, Further to Ronald Walker’s letter (June 4) in which he admits to struggling to grasp the claims of the Yes campaign on the referendum in three months’ time, I’m confused by the claims by both the Yes and No campaigners.
To be blunt, both constantly claim to be telling the truth on issues like currency, North Sea oil, defence and so on, yet one of them must be at least “exaggerating” because the views are so opposite.
They both claim statistics prove them correct but I feel the old saying about statistics being “adjusted” to prove more or less anything is becoming truer the nearer we get to the referendum and the more hysterical both sides become in their propaganda.
There must be truth somewhere on the issues I mention, but who is telling it and how will we as voters know?
Sadly, that truth and who got it right will only emerge in the years after the vote which, to my mind, doesn’t help the people of Scotland a lot and it’s the people several million of us who matter, not the politicians.
So let us hear the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth from now on.
Ian Wheeler. Springfield, Fife.
That really is embarrassing
Sir, I am not surprised by the US President’s position on unions. After all, the Washington government waged a war in the 19th century against its own southern states to prevent the dissolution of their union.
When I want the opinion of an Obama, I am more likely to look to the President’s late father who was imprisoned by the British for his work campaigning for Kenyan independence from London rule.
Interestingly, Kenya has never asked to be governed by London again since it gained its independence in 1963.
I save my last comments for Scotland’s unionists politicians.
I am disappointed, although no longer surprised, when they insist politicians in London should be taking decisions for Scotland, but siding with politicians in other countries to tell Scots what they should do is embarrassing.
Henry Malcolm. 331 Clepington Road, Dundee.
Wasn’t that a coincidence!
Sir, So, coincidentally, having spent the day with David Cameron, and while standing beside him, President Obama suggests that it would be better for the US if Scots vote “no” in the referendum. I smell a rat.
Les Mackay. 5 Carmichael Gardens, Dundee.
Slur is not acceptable
Sir, Courier readers will need little reminding of the sacrifices made by Scottish soldiers in the Second World War, all the more poignant given that this year is the 70th anniversary of the Normandy invasion. So when Alastair Darling uses the term “blood and soil” nationalism (a key pillar of Nazi ideology) to describe Scottish nationalism, what on earth is he thinking? Is he seriously suggesting that all Yes supporters are Nazis?
Comparing a democratically elected First Minister to a murderous North Korean dictator is one thing, but to slur every supporter of a peaceful, democratic campaign for Scottish independence is beyond the limits of acceptable debate.
RMF Brown. Markinch.
No more steel girders, please
Sir, There is obvious progress in the scheme to create Discovery Square in preparation for the building of the V&A. It cannot be long before new pedestrian access is created so may I make a plea for these to be aesthetically pleasing triumphal arches and not like the crude steel girders they will replace, the like of which so despoil the Kingsway.
Dr Andrew Gunn. Kirkden House, Letham, Angus.