Fiona MacInnes on Certainty
by Unknown - 14:37 on 26 April 2013
The following article by Fiona MacInnes first appeared on Orkney News Today in April 2013.
Certainty is what people want in this debate, but the simple truth is there is none either way. People should rightly ask questions and receive answers, but the clamour for cast iron future projections is unrealistic, even mischievous. Uncertainty is the default position of life but it is how those uncertainties are managed and problem-solved with the knowledge you can muster that is important.
Today’s certainties are that ordinary people, women, young people and the poor are under represented in the UK Westminster Parliament. There are no major political parties that put fairness above greed. Corruption has become a means of existence for those in power. The divide between rich and poor is greater than in Victorian times and a salacious politically driven media are whipping us on to hound the poor for the mistakes of the very rich.
If we choose to take control of our small country there will be no magic wand, the complexities of how we do things will be decided in line with the priorities of the politicians we elect in 2016. If we choose parties that prioritise fairness and they use the power we give them to ensure that people are valued through work, education and dignity we will begin to develop a population who can contribute to their communities and improve the lot of everyone rather than languish in dependence, hopelessness or addiction.
Orcadians will be part of the five million Scots who will decide the priorities for our resources and how they should be used.
Humans are our most important asset but many will be frightened about change. All of us have been inhibited by fear of the unknown at some time, be it a spider or an intimidating bully. Old or young, remember how it felt to take what seemed then the impossible steps to tackle the fear that inhibited you and how new horizons opened up after your fear was removed? This is what Yes vote is about. Choosing what is possible over what holds you back.
After a ‘Yes’ there will be options on the big issues of defence, currency and the welfare state. Willing and skilled problem solvers from amongst ourselves will tackle in ‘bite-size’ portions all the complex negotiations and carefully balanced decisions that lie ahead. Our people have the brains and the capability to do that and a willingness to focus unreservedly on the difficult questions.
The collective decision we make to govern ourselves will unlock our potential to enter a new place rather than remain trapped in a dysfunctional democratic system. There are many places including our nearest friends in England that desperately need an example to follow of a progressive people-focussed Scotland which in turn will help them bring positive changes to their country too.
None of this can happen while we remain part of a UK that functions to the benefit of London and a small ruling elite and knows it can continue to ignore Scottish voters.
Add your comment