I have an article in The National this morning that I open by saying:
IT is my wife's belief that, as a man of a certain age, I am overly influenced by other men, often of slightly greater age, who created both fame and fortune for themselves by playing guitars.
She may have a point, so let me quote one of them, Bob Dylan, who has won a Nobel Prize for literature for his song lyrics.
He once wrote two lines which seem particularly relevant to this moment. He said, “The times they are a-changing” and “The answer, my friend, is blowing in the wind”. He was right on both counts.
My argument is that the world is entering a period of chaos. Whatever happens this week, the status of the USA has been irreparably damaged by its actions, working alongside Israel in Iran, and the UK will suffer immense collateral damage and a loss of confidence in itself as a result. This, then, provides those in Scotland seeking independence with the opportunity to put forward their case in a more favourable light than they have had for some time. If Westminster loses confidence, it is time for Scotland to express it.
From the Funding the Future perspective, the point is that every assumption we have had about politics will, after this war, be on the table for review. Even if this is not World War III, the geopolitical consequences will undoubtedly be equivalent to such an event. We need to be aware of it.
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Or as the song went in ‘ Bob Roberts’ which may well be worth seeing again ‘The times they are a changing back’
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Roberts
Westminster lost confidence in itself many years ago but most who inhabit that peculiar microcosm have either not realised it or refuse to acknowledge it. Trump has shown that the much vaunted “special relationship” is nothing more than a relationship based on utter subservience to the whims of Washington. Similarly, Trump has shown that the cherished rule of law is only as strong as those charged with maintaining it and they are currently failing to uphold it. What other explanation can there be for a failure to acknowledge that Israel’s actions in Gaza amount to genocide or that the Israeli-commisioned US attack on Iran is illegal under long established international law? Trump often insults NATO by labelling it a “paper tiger” but is the US constitution really any better? If the quislings and cronies on Capitol Hill stay silent and refuse to rein him in, as the Constitution requires, then the Constitution of the United States is not worth the paper it is printed on. It seems that the last 100 days have undone any social and political progress achieved in the last 100 years. We are now living in an age where the law of the jungle prevails underpinned by the belief that “might is right”. But may be there is still some glimmers of hope such as the progress of the Greens in the UK or the No Kings protest across the US. Come what may, we are certainly living in an age of chaos.
Difficult with the inertia of the Scottish National-Devolution Managers Party, they haven’t truly lead on independence since Alec Salmond left. Suggestions and requests fallen into the SNP black hole. Radio Silence. So much could have been done with accessibility of online.
People used to think Nicola Sturgeon’s enigmatic smile, when asked about independence, was an indication she had a brilliant plan hidden up her sleeve. Nope. Nada. Zero.
Alec wasn’t perfect, who is …but his desire for independence was deep in his DNA. Tragic he never lived to be a Free Scot.
Much to agree with, hence the article
Independent Scotland would certainly need to join the single European Market as soon as possible but on no account should it seek membership of the Neoliberal Ideology Club that calls itself the EU.
Thank God for you RM. Cambridge and Scotland most grateful. 🙂
Wasted too much time with SNP-Devolution party.
If you are a mediocre politician-manager wouldn’t you fear the inevitable surge in competition that will come from independence when all those people with good ideas who can’t be ignored and held back any more? Better to keep supping with the Devil down south is the logic that prevails.
Interesting article just popped up on the Guardian website here
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/apr/06/masculinity-business-man-farm-gender-pay-gap
Challenging a few assumptions
Very good
The firm of chartered accountants I ran was female dominated. As senior partner, my profit share was higher than my female partners, but only bacusee they all chose to work 80% time. Pro rata to effort they were the same.