Sunday, August 2, 2015

Euan McColm's examples of the SNP's "Blairism" are mostly policies Jeremy Corbyn agrees with

In a bid to upgrade myself in Euan McColm's mind from "idiot" to "f***ing idiot", I thought I'd take a quick look at his latest Scotland on Sunday column. As you know, I do accept that there's a grain of truth in his notion that the SNP would find itself to the right of a Corbyn-led Labour party (assuming Labour holds together after a Corbyn win, which is doubtful), and that this would at times be uncomfortable and disadvantageous. But his contention that the SNP are a centrist, Blairite party posing as left-wing, and that Corbyn would expose the fiction, is absurd.

Let's just run through some of McColm's specific examples...

1) 'The SNP are centrist because they're opposed to tuition fees, and that's a middle-class preoccupation.' But Corbyn is opposed to tuition fees as well, whereas Blair introduced them in the first place. You were saying, Euan?

2) 'The SNP are centrist because they would slash corporation tax.' The last time I checked, that policy had been abandoned. Unless you have psychic foreknowledge that it is going to be reintroduced, I can only assume that's a bit of a fib, Euan?

3) 'Corbyn is likely to raises taxes on the better-off, but the SNP have refused to use Holyrood's tax-varying powers.' Holyrood's tax-varying power is on the basic rate of income tax only - there's no option for singling out the better-off. More extensive powers are on their way, but they haven't arrived yet. Again, unless you've got psychic foreknowledge that the SNP will choose not to use the new powers when they do arrive, I'm not quite sure what your point is?

* * *

If Labour follow Eric Joyce's advice and withdraw their peers from the House of Lords next year, what would the Tories be forced to do? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. They would just find it much easier to get their legislation through. As things stand, the Lords is likely to be the more problematic chamber for the government over the next five years (they're way short of a majority there), but a Labour boycott would solve that problem at a stroke. Even if Corbyn becomes leader and adopts the SNP practice of refusing to nominate new peers, that would be mildly helpful to Cameron in resolving his arithmetical challenge.

From a Scottish point of view, there are two ways of getting rid of the Lords. The first is independence, and the second is a UK government committed to abolishing the upper house, or making it elected. The idea that there is a third option of depriving it of legitimacy and then shaming a Tory government into abolishing it is a total non-starter. You can't delegitimise an institution that never had any democratic legitimacy in the first place. It's less than twenty years since all the hereditary peers were still in place, which gave the Tories an obscene and permanent numerical advantage over all other parties combined. Did that lack of legitimacy trouble their consciences? Not in the slightest.

50 comments:

  1. Glasgow Working ClassAugust 2, 2015 at 4:57 PM

    McColm has summed you Nat sis up quite well in fact my mrs said this months ago. You are like the God Delusion (her words and well put).
    I note your flagwavers were on the streets of Glasgow yesterday. I noted a van in Paisley yesterday painted in slogans. ' Aye till I Die'. Fanatics indeed James. Just wonder when the Doc Martens and turned up denims will accompany the flags.

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    1. Tsk tsk. Your wife lets you use the internet?
      Schoolboy error ....

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    2. Please don't feed the trolls, folks

      Coolheads Prevail

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    3. Glasgow Working ClassAugust 2, 2015 at 6:06 PM

      Just love you Nat sis. Anti English never debate SNP domestic policy. Not that they have any! Coolheads prevail, that must be a Nat si instruction to the faithfull...... Keep ra heids chaps and your mouths shut or we will be exposed for the shysters we are.

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    4. He's funny because he pretends to be stupid!

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    5. Glasgow Working ClassAugust 2, 2015 at 7:30 PM

      Anonymous, whits ra price of our Scottish oil owned by foreigners. Me an ra wife are wondering if oor benefits would have doubled. Any idea?

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    6. GWC, I claim no position to issue orders. I make polite requests only on own behalf. This apparently is sufficient for you to cast your usual Nazi slurs. You have my sympathies.

      Coolheads Prevail

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    7. I am a member of SNP. I don't fly flags, wear badges, or appear fanatically chanting in Scottish squares. I am however sensitive to eejits calling me a Nazi, either by direct verbal assault or by implication. In fact, when you look at British loyalists you have direct links to that culture you attribute to SNP members. I worked for my community and have medals for the effort. I also suspect that the utter drivel which seems to permeate any effort to defend British nationalism always starts with the accusation that we are Nazis, when in fact, the British nationalists hold that accolade. The British connections to Hitler, the very attempts to be a friend and not a foe, the simulation of Nazi salutes by almost all British hierarchy before the war but deniers afterwards. Stalking the wrong people. If you want Nazis and fascism, look within your own ranks. Better still, just look at those who are going to send dogs to stop people fleeing war and reaching England. The stark similarities are scarily close to Nazi Germany.

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    8. I'm an SNP member, not anti-english - I am english

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  2. "Just wonder when the Doc Martens and turned up denims will accompany the flags."

    They're at the English end of the Channel Tunnel. Rule Britania!

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    1. Glasgow Working ClassAugust 2, 2015 at 6:46 PM

      Wee Joke of the North thinks there is an English side. No Mr Porridge MacSporran it is a British side and British taxpayers contributed towards the Tunnel. Do remember it is a major trade link you tosser unless you want to extend the Clyde Tunnel. Observing how thick you Nat sis are that is probably on your agenda.

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    2. How odd. The neo-nazi wanker from Glasgow has never heard of the ENGLISH channel.

      It is right that Scotland paid far to much for the english tunnel given how useless it is right now. Pre the english occupation Scotland had trade links to every country round the North sea. Until our imperial masters put paid to that.

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  3. Yeah, I've noticed a few folk saying that if Corbyn withdrew Labour's peers it could lead to the abolition of the HoL, but no one's actually explained why that would follow.

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    1. Glasgow Working ClassAugust 2, 2015 at 7:20 PM

      Do not be silly and naive. Corbyn if elected for the Labour leadership will not be in government.

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    2. Eh? I didn't say he would. Go back to sleep.

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  4. Glasgow Working ClassAugust 2, 2015 at 6:15 PM

    What about SNP domestic policy old chap, anything to offer?

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  5. Glasgow Working ClassAugust 2, 2015 at 7:09 PM

    Is Joke of the North Nat sis going to tax the filthy rich to enhance the benefits of the poor. Time is approaching for decision making chaps. You will have the powers to do so. Are you secretly meeting and making up excuses to blame the English and avoid your commitment to austerity.

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    1. The trouble with people like you is the lack of political know how. Scotland has had its budget slashed like no other part of the UK. SO choices have to be made and welfare cannot be changed by the Scottish government. It is a Westminster reserved matter. Scottish government has however tried to offset those damaging welfare issues by helping with the bedroom tax and abolishing it. That needs to be paid for. We, as yet, do not have any extra powers to change welfare. After the summer recess we will be subjected to unforeseen changes to the Scotland bill without debate. Let us see what you are voting for when you vote for less powers or vote no.

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  6. A post from LeftFootForward has a troll that sounds very familiar.

    JAMES MCGIBBON > Jude42 • 4 days ago





    "2 million people voted for the Union. Not all us Scots are narrowback Nat sis that want to dwell on Wullyum Wallace. The Nat sis have shown they have no respect for democracy and the will of the people."

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    1. Glasgow Working ClassAugust 2, 2015 at 8:57 PM

      Love it you Nat sis are looking for non existent dirt. What low life scum you are. Now do answer the following: What are your progressive policies to help the poorer in society and please do not mention or blame the English. It is WHAT WILL you Nat sis do? Waiting Yawn Yawn.

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  7. Glasgow Working ClassAugust 2, 2015 at 9:18 PM

    Juteman. So you are doing the MI5 job and tracking down the enemy. Well Well Nat sis indeed. Do you want to visit me? Maybe your thought police will want to make a personal visit to my home. Just ask and I will oblige. Just post on here your personal deatails Nat si.

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    1. You seem to be lost young man.
      You do realise this isn't United Against Separation?

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    2. Glasgow Working ClassAugust 2, 2015 at 10:25 PM

      Nice to be called young. But I am old and wise and know a lot about Nat sis. Pleased to be flattered auld yin.

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    3. Glasgow Working ClassAugust 2, 2015 at 10:37 PM

      Andy old Chap you do realise that when you go public on a blogg it is not supposed tae be a love in between agreeable fellows. If you want that then share telephone numbers.

      Delete
    4. I wasn't tracking you down GWC / James McGibbon. This isn't the only blog I read. You are the only person that seems to post the juvenile 'nat sis' nonsense, so it wasn't difficult to figure out who you were.
      Are you any relation to the UKIP McGibbon from Glasgow?

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    5. Glasgow Working ClassAugust 4, 2015 at 12:11 AM

      Naw. In fact UKIP are really like the SNP Nat sis, not much between them.

      Delete
  8. Don't know if any of the regulars have noticed a marked increase in angry Brittroll nonsense being smeared all over various indy blogs and newspaper comment pages?

    Seems in response to nothing in particular so its feels almost as if its been coordinated.

    All a bit foil hat obviously, but if it was my job to damage the indy movement, that's exactly what I'd do.

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    1. Glasgow Working ClassAugust 2, 2015 at 10:46 PM

      You are a nonentity and should listen to the Last Night at the Proms. Get some British kult yur. Fry sum tottie scones and get a life.

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  9. Glasgow Working ClassAugust 2, 2015 at 9:42 PM

    James for many years I have commented on various blogs and have encountered many comments and have had a laugh with many and still do. I have been invited to comment on opponents blogs. I have never had anyone researching me before.So Nat sis is appropriate I think James.

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  10. If this blog hopes to keep sensible discussions taking place then trolls who contribute nothing should be excluded from discussions.

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    1. Glasgow Working ClassAugust 2, 2015 at 10:13 PM

      I agree entirely so all that is required is an attempt to answer questions. That is what democratic blogs are about supposedly.

      Delete
  11. Ahhh.....I see good old Water Closet is on a run tonight.

    Water Closet - what an apt place for a Unionist jobby.


    C'mon WC, post under your real name and stop being such a timid wee Unionist Troll.


    Bet you miss your teddy,nanny and your wee pals in prep school.

    Why don't you tell us where you actually worked in Glasgow - I spent the best part of 25 very happy years there and still have many friends in many different occupations.My wife's large family still live in the Dear Green Place.

    I am sure we must have a few mutual acquaintances there.

    In what part of Glasgow do you reside?

    I know the City like the back of my hand and I am sure I would know your area.


    Don't be so shy, WC - you should be proud to come from such a great place - why so shy about your real identity?


    Surely you are not just a complete and utter sham?


    Aaaawwwwww - say it is not so, Water Closet, say it is not so!

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    1. Glasgow Working ClassAugust 3, 2015 at 7:50 PM

      Maybe we can meet arsehole. You choose the venue. I will no doubt recognise you. Glasgow East End suit you? Bring a friend.

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    2. Old watering ground of mine - great place.

      Why would I need a friend to meet you, ringpiece?

      I would certainly recognise you - there will not be many adults in that part of the city still wearing a nappy.

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    3. Glasgow Working ClassAugust 3, 2015 at 10:21 PM

      Shite Bag, Eastenders hate Nat sis.

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    4. You are an idiot as well as a complete Tosser.

      In GE, SNP took every single Glasgow seat - and Curran lost Glasgow East to McGarry with a massive 31% swing from Labour to SNP.

      The East End loves the SNP.

      Try again ya dobber.

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    5. Glasgow Working ClassAugust 4, 2015 at 12:00 AM

      Who cares about Currant Buns . Get a life Nat si. Hiding behind the Net you coward. You are like that idiot Italian Prince Charlie. All gob and a runner.

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    6. Not me that is hiding behind an alias, pal - you.

      You are about as threatening as a wet fart - but probably smell worse.

      Typical Unionist - nothing but a sad wee inbreed.

      You're a bigger pussy that next door's cat.

      You are losing every battle up here now - and if you are representative of the rest, you are gonna continue to get gubbed next year.

      Get used to losing, pet - that's all there is for you, from now on.


      Next.

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  12. GWC has just spent an entire Sunday evening on this blog.

    Wow. Just wow.

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    1. Glasgow Working ClassAugust 3, 2015 at 7:58 PM

      The telly was piss so why not pass the time having a laugh at Nat si pricks.

      Delete
  13. Yes the Britnat zoomers are in a real panic after the SNP landslide and the rumours of indyref2 coming up at SE16.

    SNP at 60% in the polls and all the can do about it is troll Indy sites on the internet.

    Real desperation as they know their Unionist support is slowly draining away and there is nothing they can do to stop it.

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  14. Hi James, Very nice points in response to Euan McColm.

    Amazing to see all the Tory commentator's trying to either:
    (a) save the Labour Party for themselves, or
    (b) trying to make it into a real Labour Party in the hope that this will somehow guarantee them permanent Tory rule (not seeming to grasp that once you get sane arguments in the public sphere - whether Corbyn's within Labour as now, or the idea of independence within Scotland as was and as is now) then there is a real danger for the Right that people will see what is really going on.

    I'll have to differ with you on the House of Lords. As you know, I have a different theory of how change happens: I think the numbers follow the deeper changes, and so (although analysis of the numbers are incredibly helpful as a sign of what is going on - and that's why so many of us support your work) the numbers shouldn't limit our strategy.

    Change happens when enough people say enough is enough, and that is why refusing to engage with the Lords except to condemn it, is as sane a strategy as refusing to engage with sad sad characters like GWC on your blog.

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  15. As I remember SNP slashing of Corporation Tax was predicated on first cutting the tax loopholes for the multinationals to balance the books and make a level playing field.

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    1. Glasgow Working ClassAugust 4, 2015 at 12:21 AM

      George Galloway addressed corporation tax before the referendum and it silenced the Nat sis.

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  16. Glasgow Working Class – the troll who put the pot in bam...༼ ಠ益ಠ ༽

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  17. Glasgow Working ClassAugust 3, 2015 at 11:47 PM

    What I like about this blog is there is no SNP policy discussions. Being working class I would be at a loss if this were to happen.

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    1. It is fair to ask questions of SNP policy and the Scottish government's record. However, you might get discussions and thoughtful answers if you didn't resort to calling any supporter of independence a Nazi and claiming comments from others are signs of anti-English prejudice randomly without recourse to evidence or when it's bizarrely off-topic. Generally speaking, dialogue (even if there's disagreement) occurs best when your starting point isn't that your intended interlocutors are all scum to be insulted ad nauseum (the same advice is equally applicable to supporters of independence who would treat any unionist as scum). Would you not agree?

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