As I write this I am also preparing a wee talk on the structure of the SNP and how it works for a branch meeting later this week. As of yesterday we now have 223 members. We have had to hire the theatre space at the local high school, just in case everyone wants to come and participate. It is scary but at the same time exciting. Nothing about a branch meeting will ever be the same again, hopefully. Wonder how it will all pan out? What exciting ideas will these new members have?
At the same time there is a 6 hour debate happening at Westminster on what they may grudgingly give us in the way of extra powers. I am intentionally not listening to it as I doubt I have enough strength to endure the way the English MP’s treat us. Already I have read a post on facebook commenting on the patronising, contemptuous and dismissive way the speaker is treating the SNP MP’s. Once again showing they are nothing more than a work initiative for overgrown public school boys rather than one of the more advanced governments leading the way.
My other half and I have been becoming increasingly worried about the mental wellbeing of Gordon Brown as he makes increasingly puzzling statements. This post from the editor on facebook just seems to confirm that he is operating alone and without communication with his party.
Brown in House of Commons just suggested Scottish Parliament gets control of 75% of income tax and 50% of VAT assigned to it. Where has this come from? Is he flying his own kite again?
So, it’s now teatime. The debate seemed to talk more about English votes than about Scottish vows. The Tories honestly seem to think that they have washed their hands of us and Gordon Brown is only worried about the vital Scottish MP’s as bums on seats to get a labour government elected in Westminster. The last time I recall a tirade like the one he gave was from my childhood church minister. He hailed from Northern Ireland originally and if he thought our minds were straying from his sermon he would lean over the pulpit, point and shout very loudly at us. Always found it hysterical.
It’s time we returned SNP MP’s next May and show Gordon that we are not merely puppets to ensure his importance in the world. He is refusing to participate in the committee set up to discuss the way forward as he senses a political stitch up. Well he’s stitched us up often enough so he should recognise one easily enough. Looks like the Tories might just give us what we want if they persevere with EVEL and Gordon Browns prediction is right. How ironic is that? They believe they have thwarted us but they may just give us what we want by having to appease their own back benchers. What a tangle Westminster is in.
Let’s hope the newly awakened Scots stay awake and enlightened and don’t get sidetracked by the many Scots who are setting up splinter groups to satisfy their egos. By all means have high visual demonstrations organised by different groups. Have social events and public meetings everywhere to keep people engaged, but the voter has to stick with the mainstream groups in May. The parties that have proved they can work the political system and get the results that will rattle all the bones sleeping in Westminster.