Letters / A fresh beginning
This is not about who we are; it’s about where we want to be.
My journey throughout the referendum campaign has thrown up many questions; questions that I would never have thought to explore or deliberate over should such a momentous decision not have been cast upon us.
It’s presented some issues, which have been difficult for me to establish: such as what I consider my identity to be; and my place of belonging.
For my entire life I have considered myself a Shetlander, a Scotsman, and a Brit – especially as some of my family are English.
That posed the question, though: what does this have to do with nationality, and what does this have to do with identity?! Then the penny dropped: nothing, nothing at all.
I came to the unequivocal realisation that it is each and everyone’s responsibility to make a constructive, practical and moral decision; a decision that should focus purely on what you truly believe is best for the future of Scotland and her people – not a decision that is swayed by irrelevant arguments and emotions.
Regardless of the outcome on Friday, the significance and vibrancy of this momentous occasion has reinvigorated political interest in Scotland.
Over a reasonably short period of time, the Scottish electorate, renowned for their apathy, have re-emerged politically fine-tuned, vigilant, attentive, and willing to openly stand up for their beliefs, whatever they may be.
A transformation of attitudes has taken place, and it’s here to stay.
Over the past two years, and with a very open mind, I have subjected myself tirelessly to the “facts” and cases presented by both campaigns; submersed in an overflow of misinformation and ill-informed opinions.
Project Fear versus Project Utopia, some may say. One campaign has been relentlessly and soul-destroyingly negative, yet the opposition has solely exhibited passion and optimism – which has been arguably too idealistic in some aspects – but I suppose time will tell.
Without the aid of a crystal ball, I came to the common conclusion that nothing can be guaranteed with independence except always getting the governments we vote for. This may be one of the few guarantees, but it’s a guarantee that offers the possibility to deliver change. And change is what’s needed.
I suppose my journey to Yes is mainly a reflection of the opportunities that may come with independence, but it initially spawned from an observation and subsequent understanding of the fierce reality of remaining part of a crooked union.
One that is sodden in greed, corruption and self-serving motives. It has allowed inequality to grow at an alarming rate, perpetuated by UK governments that seem increasingly out of touch with the very people it is meant to serve, represent and protect.
I also feel obliged to address the UK government’s shameful foreign policy; which presents little but a reputation of aggression, invasion and exploitation, both historically and presently.
I recently asked myself: how can anyone possibly support a government that is proposing to squander an estimated £130 billion on the renewal of nuclear weapons, when tens of thousands of children are living in poverty across the country, and with related figures only expected to rise under this stagnant system? Is that the kind of country we want to live in?
This demand for change led me to campaigning with Yes Shetland and National Collective Shetland – and I’ve never looked back since.
What really resonated with me during this energetic (yet exhaustive) campaign was just how little vision and ambition the UK government has for Scotland.
And still to this day, no one has been able to tell me how Scotland and the lives of her people can improve by remaining part of the union. I sincerely believe this is because, not only can it not be improved, but the powers that be hold no genuine interest or desire for it to improve either.
The palpable reality is that Scotland’s political culture is drifting apart from a broadly rightwing, neoliberal and increasingly xenophobic establishment south of the border, whilst reenergising itself in the process.
It would be naive to suggest that independence is the resolution to all our problems – it’s not – it’s the simply the start of something new: a fresh beginning, if you like.
Independence is an opportunity and a right to self-determination that will no doubt present its challenges, but they’re challenges worth accepting.
Irrespective of what political party may gain power in an independent Scotland, they would be far more likely to deliver policies that reflect our values and beliefs as a country. We are a progressive nation shackled to a ball and chain: confined by the restrictions and overrule of an immoral and socially unjust system of governance.
Scotland has always advocated a sense of socialism and liberalism; values that I believe are embedded in our culture; values that can be enshrined in a written constitution – whilst reflecting and promoting our aspirations and visions as a modern and dynamic country – both nationally and globally.
What kind of a country do you want to live in?
I want to live in a country where human rights and equality are paramount. Where public resources are kept from private hands; where spending reflects the needs of the most vulnerable over the eagerness to arm ourselves with weapons of mass destruction. A country free from illegal wars and unjustified military interventions, where people’s voices are heard and where democracy is redefined.
But this is not about nationalism or patriotism; this is about delivering democracy to Scotland and its future generations. We must replace our thoughts of the past for the future; replace our fears for hope, and tradition for ambition. I identify this mesmerising movement as a path of hope and ambition; one that duly presents its twists, bumps and turns, but always has a clear destination in sight.
This decision will define our future and the generations to come. On Thursday, for this first time in our political history, between the hours of 7am and 10pm, the future of our country will be held firmly in our hands.
The question is: do we keep hold of it, or hand it back to Westminster?
So… if not us, then who? If not now, then when? This is our time. Let’s step up to the mark.
Saul Day
Bruce Crescent.
Lerwick
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