This seems a useful addition, but why ignore the fact that independence means decolonization, or what this actually involves, and, crucially, what must be done to transform a colonial situation? A focus on our constitutional/legal history is important, as are ideas on how a future independent country may (or may not) be 'democratically' organised. But if we continue to fail to properly and fully diagnose our 'colonial condition' is it any wonder we have difficulty finding the only remedy - liberation?
Decolonization requires a major transformation of all aspects of a colonial society, the latter built on the exploitation, subordination and discrimination of 'a people'; this does not simply necessitate constitutional or political reform which is merely one aspect or 'determinant'.
The following theoretical framework analysing the far wider extent of colonial oppression (doun-hauden) of Scots explains key aspects that should be considered:
This is from the lead author of the booklet after I showed them your comment:
I’m a big fan of Alf’s but I deliberately didn’t put decolonisation in. That would have just been too much. You need to stop somewhere. But maybe we should consider decolonisation for a companion booklet.
"I deliberately didn’t put decolonisation in. That would have just been too much."
Why? Like I said, if we continue to fail to properly and fully diagnose our 'colonial condition' is it any wonder we have difficulty finding the only remedy - liberation?
The pamphlet covering our oppressive colonial condition and motivation for independence is also linked and available free.
I was at the NMS last week, worth a look especially the Scottish history bit in the newer building downstairs...they used to have the chest/trunk from the Darien scheme (scam) there, didn't see it, anyone know if it's still there on display?
Got my copy of the booklet a few days ago and finding it interesting. Also like Alf Baird's explanation of colonisation, in particular how it affects the minds of those who have been colonised.
Easiest place to find is on th Yours for Scotland blog by the late Iain Lawson but Alf may be able to provide a link.
It is scandalous with Education a devolved matter that this not a core curriculum in Scottish history in all our schools
Thanks for the info, Leah. I've ordered 5 copies.
Same and have shared at Bluesky...
Reading this in Arbroath!
Oooo that looks good...thanks! On my Xmas presi list :-) It's all I need and want really, here's to Scottish independence.
Much appreciated! Ten copies ordered...including one for myself, for a change! (Even Santa's a Unionist...yet...on the "in law" side of my family!)
This seems a useful addition, but why ignore the fact that independence means decolonization, or what this actually involves, and, crucially, what must be done to transform a colonial situation? A focus on our constitutional/legal history is important, as are ideas on how a future independent country may (or may not) be 'democratically' organised. But if we continue to fail to properly and fully diagnose our 'colonial condition' is it any wonder we have difficulty finding the only remedy - liberation?
Decolonization requires a major transformation of all aspects of a colonial society, the latter built on the exploitation, subordination and discrimination of 'a people'; this does not simply necessitate constitutional or political reform which is merely one aspect or 'determinant'.
The following theoretical framework analysing the far wider extent of colonial oppression (doun-hauden) of Scots explains key aspects that should be considered:
https://salvo-cor.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/THEORETICAL+CASE+FOR+SCOTTISH+INDEPENDENCE.pdf
This is from the lead author of the booklet after I showed them your comment:
I’m a big fan of Alf’s but I deliberately didn’t put decolonisation in. That would have just been too much. You need to stop somewhere. But maybe we should consider decolonisation for a companion booklet.
"I deliberately didn’t put decolonisation in. That would have just been too much."
Why? Like I said, if we continue to fail to properly and fully diagnose our 'colonial condition' is it any wonder we have difficulty finding the only remedy - liberation?
The pamphlet covering our oppressive colonial condition and motivation for independence is also linked and available free.
I was at the NMS last week, worth a look especially the Scottish history bit in the newer building downstairs...they used to have the chest/trunk from the Darien scheme (scam) there, didn't see it, anyone know if it's still there on display?
I was there in April this year, it was there.
Got my copy of the booklet a few days ago and finding it interesting. Also like Alf Baird's explanation of colonisation, in particular how it affects the minds of those who have been colonised.
Easiest place to find is on th Yours for Scotland blog by the late Iain Lawson but Alf may be able to provide a link.