FREEDOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Alex Salmond has evidently taken some time off from his duties presiding over the Scottish parliament to watch Braveheart. Though fortunately he has yet to reach for the broadsword and the wode he has taken to calling for Scottish independence rather loudly and rather frequently.

I can't say I'm impressed by this. I am a Scotsman (in case you hadn't guessed from previous posts) and I am fiercely proud to be so. I wear my kilt regularly, I stand six inches taller when I hear the bagpipes and I actively encourage (nay force) friends to visit. That said, I live in England and I enjoy doing so. Employment wasn't the only reason I chose to move down. I think the south of England is also a wonderful part of the world. Tied up with all this is the fact that as well as being a Scot, I am also extremely proud to be British. Had fate (and genetics) dealt me a better hand, I would be serving in the Army defending and representing Britain (ok it wouldn't hurt to be in a Scottish regiment; the combination of a kilt and military uniform would certainly not damage my ability to get interest from girls!!). I am not alone in these sentiments. I know and know of many Scots living in England and indeed around the world that view themselves as both Scottish and British.

Herein lies the crux of the problem with Scottish independence as I see it. Culturally, having a Scottish and a British identity are not mutually exclusive. Arguably, they are complimentary. Yes, we rather vocally support England's opposition in sporting fixtures. Yes, we mock "softy southerners" and yes we create many, many other slights against our neighbours but as far as I can tell, this is done with the utmost of affection (as is the banter between the two main cities Edinburgh and Glasgow).

A straw poll of friends and family both in and out of Scotland is very much against the dissolution of the union. To me, this suggests that Mr Salmond was elected as an anti-labour vote rather than a pro-SNP measure. Forcing a referendum may provide rather a sharp wake-up call. Of course there are many economic and political arguments both for and against. I can't pretend to understand these well; partially because I haven't really been paying attention to them but mostly because I think with this vote, more than most, decisions will be made subjectively rather than objectively. Frankly, when decisions with such effects on national identity are made, I hope they are taken subjectively.

It will be interesting to see how this pans out. It will be interesting to hopefully hear the opinions of others on this topic... from either side of the border.

JR

Lybia

Much has been happening in Lybia lately. Most of it, I haven't followed beyond the headlines and bylines. However one story has caught my eye and has made me think.

The story in question is one regarding the convicted Lockerbie bomber Abdelbasset Ali al-Megrahi.

His release from a Scottish prison was, in my opinion, a shocking miscarriage of justice and an embarrassment to the country I am usually proud to call myself a national of. In addition, it provided a major PR boost to a vile dictator.

The recent conflict in Lybia has led to much speculation as to his whereabouts; until the other day. Current reports suggest he is gravely ill in his compound in Tripoli, his medication having been stolen by looters. If reports are to be believed, this is a man close to death.

His family have apparently requested help from Britain.

The question is; how should we respond?

I don't think it is in any way possible to offer this help. Firstly, entirely objectively, how many people in Lybia are in a similar situation? Many I'm willing to bet. How can we therefore justify helping one individual without making a credible attempt to help many? This course of action seems grossly unfair to all those who are suffering throughout the country.

Secondly, al-Megrahi's past crimes cannot be ignored. He has committed a dreadful atrocity against the human race. His actions caused over a hundred to die in terror and agony and has inflicted endless suffering on those they have left behind. Many wish vengeance on such a person. I can't disagree with them although I don't think withholding medical treatment is the way to do it. This shows a lack of humanity that is not befitting of our great civilisation. However, to give assistance will make a mockery of our country. What sort of message would it send to the world if we rendered aid to someone who had attacked us in such a terrible way and then, when released on compassionate grounds, become a high profile mascot for the regime that mounted the attack. To capitulate to this request would be to actively humiliate ourselves.

I hope al-Megrahi doesn't suffer unduly over the coming days but it is not for us to intervene in his case beyond doing our best to bring peace and stability to the country as a whole.

JR