It starts with a 'no' (and ends with a 'Yes')

All revolutions begin the same way.  The people, who have become politically, financially or socially impoverished, who don't believe the tired stories of their leaders and media, who no longer wish to protect the old order, finally refuse to accept the situation which has been forced upon them.  They say ‘no more’.

What makes someone finally say ‘no more’ varies from person to person.  For some Yes Scotland supporters, it is the 50 years of nuclear weapons in Scotland.  For others the bedroom tax that we opposed but Westminster imposed.  For many more it was illegal wars (such as Iraq), a history of lying over North Sea Oil, the creeping privatisation of public services (which has Barnett Consequentials), the sense of entitlement which the political classes find hard to hide (as demonstrated by the expenses scandal), the persecution of journalists, the lack of consideration for environmental issues (through fracking and weapons testing), the spiralling debt, our diminishing military capability, the transfer of wealth from north to south, the transfer of wealth from the poor to the rich, the suffering from governments we didn’t vote for, the lack of attention for issues affecting Scotland, how Westminster treats our neighbours or something different entirely.

Whatever the reason, the determination to say ‘no more’ is the starting point.  The next step is to consider what we can do differently.

We in Scotland have a unique opportunity; a peaceful revolution with a clear path forward.  This isn’t like a general election where we are debating the relative merits of differing political groups, this is much more fundamental.  Should we, the people who live in Scotland, make decisions for ourselves?  Should we ensure that future generations get the governments they want?

We know what Westminster has done and we have hints as to where it is going.  We know that our independent neighbours are successful, thriving nations that are capable of influencing the world in a positive way.  We know that the closer a government is to its people, the more responsive and representative it can be.

All revolutions start with a 'no' and end with a 'Yes'.  Our independence referendum is a great opportunity that no other generation before us has had.  If you want to say ‘no more’ to any of the things above, then you have to say ‘Yes’ to independence.

It is the only chance we are guaranteed to have.

Drew

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The Westminster Survival Guide

Have you ever considered a career at Westminster?

Not sure where to start?

Well worry no more because we have created the 'Westminster Survival Guide'.  Our informative, easy to understand guide will help you start your journey as an MP in just 7 simple steps!

Ability to read is optional.

Step 1 - Making friends

Westminster is all about making friends.  The best way to do this is to attend the same schools as everyone else.  Don't worry about being shy, you'll have plenty of opportunities to make lots of friends whilst being an MP.

Step 2 - Forget why you wanted to get into politics

Principles are horrible, icky things that just get in the way.  You don't want something as silly as representing your constituents to stop you from doing your job!

 

Step 3 - Know the difference between rivals and opponents

Westminster is a really great club and we don't want those who don't appreciate how special this place is to start trouble.  So when criticizing the other two parties, remember to discourage voters from any nasty alternatives.  Better 100 years of having the other side in than real change!

   

 

 Step 4 - Stand up for the big guy

This is just simple good manners.  Without the big guy, your party will go bankrupt (and your party time as an MP will come to an end).  Besides, the big guy can thank you later!

 

 

  Step 5 - War is a vote winner!

If your side is in office then war is your friend!  Everyone loves a good war, especially in the run up to an election.  Just remember to cheer for the war if you're in opposition (you don't want people to think you're soft on communism, terrorism, rogue states, weapons of mass destruction, journalism [delete as appropriate]).

 

 

 Step 6 - Protect the other House!

The House of Lords does really important work, like giving jobs to those who have made our lives better.  Those chaps are really great and what have they ever done to harm you?  (Apart from diverting tax payers money from other areas, but you shouldn't be paying too much tax anyway!)

 

 

Step 7 - Nuclear weapons make you important!

 There is no greater feeling than knowing you can kill millions of civilians with a push of a button!  So what if it costs a little money, it's worth it to know that people in Moscow are scared of you (well not you, you still need the Americans to approve any attack, but no-one will notice as long as you don't tell anyone).

 

You now know the basics of how to be an MP.  If in doubt just follow the party whip and you'll be A-OK.

Just as long as no-one votes for Independence, of course.

Drew
 

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Will you march with Sign for Scotland?

Sign for Scotland will be attending the March and Rally for Scottish Independence due to take place in Edinburgh on Saturday, the 21^st of September.  We’ll be there with business cards, volunteers and our very own unique flag!

If you see us (we’ll be the ones with the distinctive ‘Sign for Scotland’ hats and badges) then please come over and say hello.  We’d really like to meet as many of you as we can.  We'll be there to support the Yes Scotland movement and ensure that the Signing Community is represented.

The details for the March and Rally are on their website.  And here's a list of the different groups that will be taking part.

Picture from last year's march and rally

The organisers have great travel advice on their site if you want to make your own way there, and lists the various coaches and trains that are being put on to help ferry people from all over Scotland and beyond to Edinburgh on the day itself.  We've also confirmed with them that the same Signer from last year will be returning.
 
I attended the rally in 2012 and it was great fun.  The flags, the costumes and the atmosphere really added to the sense of occasion.  And this year’s event will be even bigger and better.

Some of the Sign for Scotland team

Whether you are going with friends, your local ‘Yes Scotland’ group, or as an individual, please look out for us as we take another step towards Scotland voting ‘Yes’!

Drew

If you like this blog, then please consider visiting our other sites:
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