PUBLIC MEETING IN POLLOCKSHIELDS:

Please click on image for larger version.  

STOP PRESS:   Additional speaker:  Leonna O'Neill from Faslane Peace Camp.

Why I support an independent Scotland

by 89 year old retired teacher, Ron Mackay

When asked why I wish for an independent Scotland I find it difficult to give a short answer – there are so many reasons. 

There's been a long tradition, going back beyond Burns favouring Scottish independence while maintaining an international outlook. 

“Man to man the world o'er should brothers be for aw' that.” 

Defending welfare programs and promoting genuine socialist policies would be much more possible for an independent Scottish Parliament. 

Some of the policies of the SNP I object to but the opposition to weapons of mass destruction and the call for full independence have my full support . I oppose war – all wars and see a nation free of all nuclear weapons as a progressive step in the struggle for peace in the world. 

The big powers all have major economic problems. We've had two world wars where the big powers sought to solve economic problems by resort to war. 

For the sake of the whole of humanity this situation must not be allowed to develop again. Scotland, a small nation dedicated to peace, could play it's part.

Watch:  A time lapse map of every nuclear blast since 1945.  A compelling yet horrific video... 

My View on Scottish independence:

How to Confuse an Electorate

Bill Newman, retired Banker

It is becoming increasingly apparent that the Bitter Together campaign, far from engaging in an honest debate, is deliberately raising a multitude of specious questions to throw confusion in the minds of the electorate.  By posing an endless series of questions, to many of which they know there are no definitive answers, they hope to sow confusion and doubts on matters where no real issues arise,or, at least,where no decisions are needed prior to independence. 

The question of EU membership is a typical case.  There are many interpretations,legal and otherwise, as to whether Scotland (and, incidentally,the rest of the UK - RUK) would automatically become a member of the EU on independence.  There are no definitive answers to this question.  Nor does it matter whether automatic membership would apply or not.  If not, then does anyone seriously think that neither Scotland nor the RUK would be granted accession on application?  This, of course, begs the question whether membership would be desirable; Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man seem to get on perfectly well without membership, not counting our northern neighbours, Norway.

To cite just one of many other red herrings.  The position of an independent Scotland's currency need not depend on negotiations to become a subservient client of the Bank of England and English interest rate policy.  Indeed, Alec Salmond has been most unwise to imply that Scotland should continue the current ties.  Scotland could very ably establish its own monetary authority, and its own currency (the old Scottish Merk?) could shadow sterling, at least on a temporary basis, without being beholden to Westminster and the Bank of England.

There are many other examples of Bitter Together's attempts to muddy the water (Trident comes to mind), and the Yes campaign must not be drawn into pointless debates which present a defensive posture.  Let's get back to the core reason why independence is necessary.  We do not wish to continue at the beck and call of a Government antipathetic to our needs and desires.  We are distinctive and we need to be in charge of our destiny.

Bill Newman

Bread and Roses

The Rise and fall of a lefty icon...
Starring Neil Anderson
An original Acting Strange Theatre Co podcast play by Campsie Branch member, Neil Scott

Podcast Powered By Podbean

Hiroshima Day 2

Photos of today's events at the Clyde

SSP Campsie members took part, as did members from across the party and indeed across the political spectrum...

SSP Spokesperson, Sandra Webster launched some of the lanterns...

SSP Member Pauline Bradley 

SSP members Sonya Scott and Michael Scott (and a blurry Cody the dog!)

SSP member, Michael Scott.

Hiroshima Day

Monday 6th August UPDATE -

The Council and Police are being really awkward on this international day of action across the world. Their small mindedness has forced us to move to St Enoch's Square Glasgow - we are there now - so come along and make your lantern and show solidarity with people across the world who want rid of weapons that could spell the extinction of all living things.

Join the Facebook Event for updates and reminders! - HERE

Acting Strange...

Follow Acting Strange Theatre company (Scotland) on Twitter @actingstrange and via their blog - actingstrangetheatreco.blogspot.co.uk

SSP Member, Pauline Bradley...

...performs at Faslane Peace Camp during our event on 28th June...

Singer Songwriters at Faslane Peace Camp...

It wasn't all drama at the Peace Camp... singer songwriters, Marie Collins and Richard Holmes performed for the activists on June 28th...

SSP Campsie at Faslane

On June 29th, SSP Campsie, alongside Acting Strange Theatre Company (Scotland), organised a day of solidarity with the Peace Camp at Faslane which is celebrating it's 30th anniversary. Below are some of articles from recent Voice's about the run up and execution of the action. More video footage of the day of action will be posted in the coming days.

A report which features our visit, from The Real News Network...

Balanced - a sketch written by SSP Campsie member and Acting Strange Theatre Company (Scotland) co-founder, Neil Scott.

 Locked in - a sketch written by SSP Joint spokes-person and Acting Strange Theatre Company (Scotland) co-founder, Sandra Webster

 

Acting Strange Theatre Company, who helped organise the action, were raided by the police during a rehearsal.  Details in Scottish Socialist Voice number 398

Faslane Camper, Leonna O'Neill on the 30th anniversary of the Peace Camp in Scottish Socialist voice number 398

Report on the day of solidarity by Voice reporter, and Acting Strange Theatre Company member, Carolina Perez from Scottish Socialist Voice number 399

The message we delivered:

Socialists for Peace

Scottish Socialist Party, Campsie Branch, www.campsiesocialists.com

Message to everyone working at Faslane Naval Base

Thursday, 28 June 2012

“There will be no jobs if the bomb goes off”

We believe that everyone should have a right to live in peace and dignity. We understand that, for most people, work has a vital role to play in earning a living and also has a social function in helping to provide goods and services that people need and want.

We also agree with the simple and truthful slogan being adopted currently at Faslane Peace Camp - “There will be no jobs if the bomb goes off”.

Nuclear weapons are illegal and immoral. If they were ever to be used, innocent men, women and children would suffer for generations to come. Nuclear weapons should have no place in any civilised society.

We believe that billions of pounds are simply being wasted on nuclear weapons. Also, the skills and talents of the workforce at Faslane Naval Base should instead be used for socially useful ends.

We will, therefore, continue to campaign, alongside those at Faslane Peace Camp, for a better, more peaceful future for everyone.