Issue 63: So much left and nowhere to go
In this issue Kevin Williamson, Gordon Morgan and Robin McAlpine look at the current state of the left in Scotland, and its prospects if any.
Issue 63
So Much Left and Nowhere to Go
Mar - Apr 2011
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Comment: Issue 63
One way or another, this feels like a period of change. Perhaps big change. There are perceptible shifts all over the place. The sort of rhetoric about the abuse of power of big business that would have been dismissed as fringe ‘class war’ a couple of years ago is now the language of the Daily Mail (at least intermittently).
All is not lost
Kevin Williamson observes the wreckage of the SSP/Solidarity project and argues that while it may be an unedifying sight, it does not mean there is no hope for the Scottish left.
Anatomy of Division
Gordon Morgan attempts to take a non-sectarian and dispassionate look at the various attempts – and failures – to find a way to avoid left parties standing against each other and asks what next?
Influence Now, Unite Later
Robin McAlpine argues that now is not the time for the left to put all its efforts into the long-term process of unification when there is an immediate need to professionalise and start making its presence felt properly.
In Whose Interest?
The prosecution and trial of Tommy and Gail Sheridan set many legal precedents and, as Jim Monaghan describes, leaves many unanswered questions.
Answers for a Better Way
On the eve of the STUC Congress Dave Moxham looks at the questions we set the two potential First Ministers, suggests what their answers should be and puts forward other ideas they should be backing.
Committee of Self-Justification
Jim and Margaret Cuthbert examine the report of the Scotland Bill Committee and conclude that conflicts of interest and inadequate scrutiny means that the Committee has failed Scotland.
Are We Targets?
Mark Hirst examines the role of the US Government-funded National Endowment for Democracy which has taken over the CIA’s ‘propaganda’ dirty work and may be seeking to influence Scottish politics
The Emergence of One Wales
Leanne Wood examines the campaign for a Yes vote in the Welsh referendum and the eventual result and sees old divisions beginning to recede.
Reviews 63
So much of our music, art and literature, though magnificent, is miniature. The wonderful wee works of a wonderful wee country. Not in this case: here is a seminal work of almost American amplitude and range. If it is not quite the great Scottish novel, at least it wants to be, is, valiantly and undeludedly, a contender.
Web Review 63
One thing is for sure with regards to electoral systems – no one has yet discovered a perfect mathematical solution capable of satisfying all of the factions presenting themselves at elections. I got involved in the early nineties in preparing a response to Raymond Plant’s report on behalf of the Labour Party on electoral reform. […]
Kick Up The Tabloids 63
Events in North Africa are moving so quickly at the moment that all of this may seem like some quaint historic document by the time you read it. At the time of writing, Gadaffi is still holding on to power. Watching the last gasps of Gadaffi’s regime is a bit like watching videos of the Rolling Stones on their last world tour.