Tag Archives: United Kingdom

Nationalism. A poor show.

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Nationalism impoverishes everyone, and in every way. Economically, politically, culturally, morally

It does this economically, by closing minds and borders. Two examples. Scotland right now. See the table. A deficit of 12% to GDP. I think as a direct result of the uncertainty around the continuing almost-religious drive for “Independence”. This results directly in loss of investment; flowing from uncertainty – with Scotland facing bankruptcy on the first day. The second example is Nazi Germany – where Hitler’s persecution led to the emigration of those Jewish scientists who’s inventiveness created an explosion of growth elsewhere, for instance in the USA.

Morally? Certainly populists create and use an “enemy” in order to keep themselves in power. Whether the enemy is the Ukraine (Russia), England (Scotland), Brussels (England), Palestine (Israel) is not the point. This is an appeal to our animal instincts and to fear. This seems to me to be morally indefensible. It’s certainly not Kantian (do good, for the sake of doing good), nor is it “do as you would be done to”, nor Christian – “love thy neighbour as thyself”. It only benefits politicians who use this to gain and remain in power.

.. and consider the political consequences of nationalism – here in my own geography. Brexit has separated us from friends in Europe. We “took back control”, but the question is – “to do what?” The SNP has replaced Labour in the UK parliament. The result has been the creation of two one-party states. Conservative rule in the United Kingdom, SNP in Scotland. The result has been division and intolerance throughout these islands. If the SNP are now in decline – hooray. Perhaps we may see a socialist government throughout the whole of this land, and a route back to sense and sensibility (fairness). I hope so.

Lastly, nationalism brings with it cultural desertification.Where is the continuity of Russian literature, music, dance in the febrile atmosphere of supposed national defence against those “aggressors” – the Ukrainians? Where is the cultural dividend from Brexit; and – for heavens sake – what would be the consequence of a bankrupt tartan-wrapped Scottish Nation? Not so much Burns and Burnt-out. And the shame of it is Scotland helped forge other British and international traditions. The Scottish Enlightenment. British Chartists meeting on Glasgow Green. Keir Hardie and International Socialism. Outward- facing toward a brotherhood of man.

Nationalism. In any form, brings with it poverty. Reject it, I beg you.

Nationalism. A Poor Show.

The heavy burden of social justice and the weight of racism

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I spent this evening with three vibrant and interesting people. Worth listening to. The debate moved between Scottish Nationalism, feminism and social justice. I lived through that shift in Britain from an integrated society toward a materialist “me” and money driven culture.

There is a frustration, almost a scream across many parts of the United Kingdom, raging against social inequality. The facts speak for themselves – since Thatcher and Regan – the  rich have become indescribably wealthy, whilst the poor have become excluded. The argument for Scottish Nationalism that is based around the desire to create a new socially cohesive society is seductive.. There is a heavy burden – the cause of social justice that weighs on their side.

However..

The argument is waged by politicians and the satanic ally they have called up, wittingly or not, racism pure and simple. Anti-English views are just that. Racist. All and any Scot who even jokingly or in aside to themselves justifies a nationalism on this basis is equivalent, in my view with the worst of the past century’s infamous racist leaders. All of them should consult their motivation in the privacy of their homes. Many will not be honest with themselves. To strive for independence on the basis of social justice as a cloak for racism is just despicable.

And further…

Is independence the ONLY route to social justice in the British Isles? Would independence  promote social justice? If so – then it needs to be seriously considered. But what about a vote for socialism. This is the traditional, integrated and well trodden path which successfully confronted unadulterated capitalism.  The conservatives won’t be in power in the UK after the next election if you believe the polls and  history. Indeed they are not in power in the UK now except in coalition. Without Scottish MPs then most of the British Isles would have conservative rule for the foreseeable future. How socially responsible is that?

There are serious and heavy issues in the balance. On the one hand certainly the UK has significant inequalities, injustice and poverty which in an enormously rich nation are scandalous – indeed evil. On the other, a bail out by Scotland (which I believe would immediately become poorer) would only add to the tensions, conflicts and difficulties. And certainly, absolutely with utter certainty – if won by an emotional appeal to anti-English racism – would be set on a dark path.

Which  is the path to a just and integrated society? It is more complex than the simply question that will be put on September 18th. For me however the name calling that the SNP indulge in is the wrong path entirely.