"We meant to do better, but it came out as always."
Viktor Chernomyrdin, former Prime Minister of Russia, talking about an unsuccessful monetary exchange performed by the Russian Central Bank in July 1993.
Why can't I shake the feeling that the above quote will have some resonance after next week's election? Scotland has a real opportunity to stand up for itself and take responsibility by forcing the issue and voting SNP. More political accountability, more power to Holyrood and the chance to make the MSPs there start actually earning their not inconsiderable pay (including expenses obviously). Devolution is a step towards independence, it's just that political events have conspired to present Scotland and its people with a wonderful opportunity to effect real change in the country for the better sooner that anyone expected. If Labour retains its position it'll be the same old same old. Westminster is not accountable to Scotland and doesn't really care- that was proved in the Conservative administration and indeed the current incumbent's administration. Or perhaps maladministration would be more apt. Either way, I really hope that the voters take this chance to make a change for the future of Scotland. And that the quote above is rendered irrelevant to the conversation.
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13 comments:
Niall, history repeating? What? It's post-communist Russia, and Scotland. I think the quote was irrelevant to the conversation before the conversation began.
But I agree.
sooner "than anyone" you mean.
These things happen.
Fraser- Just because it happened elsewhere doesn't mean to say it's not history repeating! And it hasn't happened yet and may not, which is why I put a question mark after it. Come Friday morning we'll see I suppose. Interesting times. I've noticed that there has been little or no reporting of the impending election down here. I think it's viewed as irrelevant. Here's hoping not.
I work for an NDPB and as such 'same old, same old' might be my preferred outcome - those SNP folks might not care about lifelong learning and then I'd be out of a job, won't make my mortgage payment and will be evicted onto the street! Is that really what you want MacKenzie???
Well Lorraine, given that Fiona Hyslop is the Shadow Minister for Children, Education and Lifelong Learning I don't think the SNP is any less committed to lifelong learning than the current administration. In fact, the party's stated commitment to Grants not Loans and making education accessible to all on ability and not ability to pay indicates that your job would be very safe under an SNP administration and in fact probably enhanced. The SNP has made education a major priority as an economic growth driver and a social issue. Plus, if the party is able to act on its stated commitment to paying off existing student loans you would find yourself in a far more beneficial financial position no?
I've just looked through the SNP's election manifesto and it states that a further 10m will be added to the education budget. And here is something that REALLY surprised me- in Labour's election manifesto for these elections there isn't a single mention of lifelong learning! Take from that what you will.
On page 30 of Labour's manifesto they apparently refer to LDS specifically on numerous occassions...according to my CEO anyway.
I just checked and they refer to LDS on page 13. Apologies, but they don't actually refer at any point to lifelong learning at any point, which given there is a section on LDS seems a little strange. I take it you work for LDS then? I wasn't sure.
get a life
Surely we don't need to get down to such minute details and (pretty) irrelevant intricacies of policy to see Labour are not the way forward?
I plan to vote for the Baby Jesus Christ Party. I know nothing about them except that they stand for Christianity but do not appear to realise that their figurehead wasn't christened until age 30. A confusing issue in a confusing world - i can connect.
Also we should really be grateful to Mr Sheridan. Without the late Screaming Lord Sutch, Sheridan provides, if unwittingly, a welcome injection of comedy into proceedings.
i think the problem with most scottish people, myself included, is that we`re all too scared to stand up out of the crowd, take control and try to change something, for fear that it looks like we`re trying to be better than everyone else. and if anyone ever does try it, they just get dogged on so much "think yer better than me pal? ah dinnae think so!" so nothing ever gets done. it`s really sad.
What a bunch of geeks.
That's rich coming from the uber geek!
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