Sir, Jenny Hjul presents evidence to persuade us that we have too much in common to break up the union but some of her arguments are quite weak. TV programmes, films and contemporary music cross borders all over the world. Independence does not mean cultural isolation.
Ms Hjul would also have us believe that we are no less right wing than people in England. Perhaps, then, she would she be willing to explain why we only have one Tory MP at Westminster?
As for 56% of Scots who backed George Osborne’s “work for the dole programme” this is the actual Panelbase survey finding, but other polls indicate that most Scots oppose the “bedroom tax”. My point is, it is easy to choose the findings of a poll that support your argument and ignore those which do not.
In her campaign against independence, and I would remind Ms Hjul that Scottish independence is not just about the SNP, she gives a biased view only and has yet to say anything positive about the possibility of an independent Scotland.
Might it be she,like many other Scots who have either an English spouse or parent simply refuse to consider voting “yes” because they would see this as a personal act of betrayal?
Gordon H Drummond. 101 Buttars Loan, Dundee.
Present us with honest figures
Sir, I thought that I might just give Alex Salmond a period of respite from my on-going criticism of his ambitions and policies. However, on receipt of a copy of the SNP “Yes” bulletin through my letter box recently, I feel I have no option other than to challenge the accuracy of the information being presented to members of the public by his political party.
The bulletin indicates that a “sensational new poll” shows that the majority of people in Scotland back independence it states that there is a 52% vote for “Yes”.
Do Mr Salmond and his team of spin doctors really believe that they can sell such balderdash to the Scottish voters? Do they think we are so gullible? All of the respectable polls are indicating that the most likely outcome in the referendum, from recent surveys, is “no” to an independent Scotland ranging from 44% to 52%. The “yes” vote is on record as being in the range of 25% to 27%.
If the Scottish Nationalist Party wishes to convince the people of Scotland that their cause has any relevance, they really must present us with honest figures.
Robert I G Scott. Northfield Cottage, Cupar Road, Ceres.
Need to live in the real world
Sir, It is a weakness of SNP thinking that they assume everyone sees the glorious future of an independent Scotland as they do. It will be in their minds a place where nothing goes wrong, and everything falls effortlessly into place for the success of their plans. Grangemouth is but a small example of what actually happens in the real world.
Malcolm Parkin. 15 Gamekeepers Road, Kinnesswood, Kinross.
Check tickets are valid
Sir, Having bought my day return ticket from Dundee to Edinburgh on Friday October 25 using my senior discount card, I settled on the East Coast London train at 9.06am. It was made very clear to the ticket clerk that I was travelling on the train, as I had done many times before.
Imagine my shock to be told by the ticket collector on the train that my ticket was not valid and unless I paid a further £20 I would have to get off and wait for the next Scotrail train.
Thus it was I found myself on my crutches (with my loyal friend) on Kirkcaldy Station platform. I strongly advise fellow holders of Senior Citizen Railcards to be very careful.
At least it wasn’t raining.
Ann Kippen. 75 Blackness Avenue, Dundee.
Teaches love and respect
Sir, I take issue with Mr Allan Kennedy’s letter of October 21 (Educate, don’t preach). First of all let us recall that through Christianity the first orphanages,schools and hospitals were established. We must also remember that the British Monarchy, Government and even the constitution of this country were founded upon the Christian faith.
The whole essence of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is love. This is not about religion it is about a relationship with God and loving one’s neighbour.
Teaching the bible to our children teaches them about essentials such as love, integrity, respect for others as well as themselves and having compassion for others.
Atheists seem to view the bible as poison because they themselves are faithless. Secularism, human philosophy and humanism have all failed miserably.
Man has been created as a “spiritual being” and without the Lord Jesus in our lives there remains a dark void in souls. It is sad that so many children today are being deprived of Christian teaching, which gives a proper foundation for their lives and makes them well-rounded beings.
Mere religion is about mans’ quest to meet with God. The uniqueness of our Christian faith has knowledge of our God who came to this Earth to redeem men and women from their sin and misery and to give them the eternal hope of heaven.
Stewart Hunter. 1 East Mill Court, Strathmiglo.