Sir, There is only one question that needs to be answered in the referendum debate and that is whether Scotland’s democratic choice of government should depend on endorsement by the larger population of a neighbouring country.
Those who embrace the concept of true democracy will argue that this is wrong whereas those who desire the right to govern at any price will take the opposite view because it suits their purpose.
However, they need not worry unduly about a winning “yes” vote because they have the “aye beens” on their side.
I first came across the “aye beens” in a debate about the right of women elders in the Church of Scotland.
When one vehement opposer was asked why he thought that the eldership should be for men only, he replied “because it has aye been”.
He added that if a woman was invited to become an elder in his church, he would resign his eldership.
There are other examples of this outmoded support for male domination which have since been overturned for the better, such as bowling clubs and most recently that bastion of the executive classes, certain golf clubs.
The people of Scotland have the chance on September 18 to cast a vote which was denied to them those 300-odd years ago when they did not have a say in the formation of the UK; or will the opportunity be lost by the “aye beens” who would rather sit there like ostriches with their heads buried in the sand?
Allan MacDougall. 37 Forth Park, Bridge of Allan.
A change of political colour won’t help
Sir, Government is now virtually powerless. The real masters are the bankers who create our money supply from thin air, in any amount they may decide, and all as interest bearing debt.
Next come the monolithic corporations, including those who supply our essential services at the prices they dictate. Then the media who tell the public what to think; and of course the inevitable EU, whose unelected commissioners keep our government informed as to the endless regulations with which it must comply.
Politicians are merely the message boys of impotent government, reduced to commenting on matters beyond their control, and making promises they can’t keep.
Inevitably, they all sound the same.
And as these masters make themselves richer at our expense, we cling to the belief that a change of political colour, or even independence, can somehow make things better for us. Wishful thinking.
Malcolm Parkin. 15 Gamekeepers Road, Kinnesswood, Kinross.
Right to query their priorities
Sir, I write in total shock and disbelief at what I found myself reading on the letters page (May 8) from Stewart Hunter, Dundee City Council’s education convener.
I have been following the coverage of the report into allegations of physical abuse inflicted by staff members at Kingspark School in Dundee, which provides education for children with severe learning and physical disabilities.
On May 8, I learned of the publication of the Kingspark report and that the parents who raised their concerns and complaints were not satisfied with the outcome.
Then I read the letters page and came upon what can only described as the bizarre sight of Dundee City Council’s SNP education convener Stewart Hunter’s letter defending his leader Alex Salmond from criticism for his more than bizarre comments regarding Russian Premier Vladimir Putin.
Honestly, I think many in Dundee rightly question the SNP’s priorities, with the loss of the early years’ practitioners, schools struggling and now the Kingspark allegations. I wonder why Councillor Hunter is still in post.
Douglas Thain. 31C Pitairlie Road, Dundee.
Lonely spot has potential
Sir, For any visitor to Fife, the Halbeath park and ride facility appears to be an eerie place to wait for a bus. On a wet and windy day it is certainly not an attractive sort of place to hang around. But I think we should commend MSP Alex Rowley’s vision in calling for investment in a rail halt nearby.
In fact, it’s not impossible to envisage in the future not just increased car parking spaces and a rail station, but also a hotel complex and catering and entertainment facilities. What is now a remote, seemingly lonely spot does have the potential to be a very positive hub for the region.
The new Queensferry crossing due to open in 2016 ought to be a fillip for growth in the east of Scotland. There are those, of course, who will argue against it on the grounds that it is encouraging more vehicle use and causing pollution.
The real challenge however is to how to get prosperity in a way that helps sustain the environment. Getting a new rail halt at Halbeath to open in the same year as the new bridge could go a long way to help achieving that. Do those in authority have the vision to see that?
Bob Taylor. 24 Shiel Court, Glenrothes.