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GREEN GREEN GRASS OF HOME RULE
Re: Part of the Union (566)
In your last issue Robin Hodge made a decent job of arguing that 18th century Scotland benefited from IOllllng the United Kingdom. Historians have almost as many opinions as economists. however. and rather than jOIll that debate I'd like to point out that even if the decision was correct (300 years ago Scotland's relationship With Our neighbours can still be re- evaluated if needs be.
Many of Robin Hodge's arguments against an independent Scotland were used a few years ago against devolution >- constitutional change would bring uncertainty. relationships between the two administrations would be too complex. we'd lose UK institutions and the single business. cultural and artistic sphere. Although in its first eight years devolution has not achieved everything hoped for. these Supposed problems have not proved to be insurmountable for Scotland any more than for comparable nations around the world when they gained a measure of self- government. Hardly anyone now serioust proposes going back to direct rule by a Secretary of State.
Robin Hodge expresses particular surprise at the Green Party's support for independence. He’s right that the most serious environmental challenges like climate change are global problems needing global solutions. Many in the Green Party would tell you that they entered politics because of Just these issues. But global problems don't demand political homogeneity. Indeed. I'd argue strongly that the
YOU Ugly Betty Channel 4, Fri 5 Jan
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2 THE LIST Us Jétll I let) 7001’
Man about town It's great! I love her poncho. Looking forward to Salma Hayek making a more substantial appearance.
The List,
political and economic globalisation which has taken place over recent decades has accelerated environmental damage. not halted it.
Even the EU. a powerful force for good on enVironmental issues. has also chased the illusion of everlasting economic growth at any cost. which has done so much harm to people and to the planet. F-ull membership would increase Scotland's EU representation. giving us real influence to push for a more sustainable future.
The Greens don't Support independence out of flag— aning patriotism. but as a means to achieve practical goals. It has nothing to do with the politics of identity. or the merits of a deCISion made 300 years ago. I believe that it's a way of moving toward a truly sustainable society. which emphasises strong self-reliant local economies and which puts social justice and duality of life ahead of the chase for ever greater material wealth for the richest few.
Increasingly. people in all walks of life are seeing the need to bring more powers to Scotland. Whether that process leads to full independence Or to further devolution. we're committed to making the fullest use of the opportunity. and to working constructively With anyone who shares the goal of a fair and sustainable society.
Robin Hodge casts this debate as one abetit 'co- operation or confrontation . . . society or fragmentation. I think that language is itself divrsive. and misrepresents the differing viewpoints. Supporters of independence don't want to take the c0untry away into the corner to sulk — we want to take it out into the world with confidence. If and when that happens. I believe that
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Scotland will be a stronger force for good in the world as well as a happier place at home.
Patrick Harvey MSP (Green Party)
By email
INDEPENDENT SPIRIT
Re: Part of the Union (566)
I am tired of hearing debates abOut Scotland and the Union and whether we should celebrate its anniversary Or vote for independence — what has government on either side of the border ever done for culture and the arts?
If our MSPs wanted to do something useful (and interesting). then I'd like to see them turn St Andrew's Day into a public holiday to celebrate everything artistic in our country. make it a holiday where everyone has the day off to go and create art! Now there's an idea for a manifesto . . .
Mr K Ulture By email
DAMPENED SPIRITS A group of us headed out to the Bongo Club on New Year's Eve and I was very unimpressed with the lack of cloakroom space. In fact. yOu can hardly call it a cloakroom. It was a cold Winter night so not to have enOugh space per punter coming through the door was madness. There was nowhere to put yOur jackets except on the filthy wet floor. The cloakroom and technical staff were so rude to a number of people and w0uld not help anyone find their coats at the end. I have never been treated so disgracefully on a night out. Long live the old Bongo Club. (Son out yOur staff and cloakroom. Moray Houselli Claire Robertson
By email
CORRECTION
In our eagerness to blast forth our first ever Gaelic Arts feature. we managed to omit the names of both the writer and the translatCr. The piece was written by Kirstin Innes. with translations by Joy Dunlop.
PICTURE IMPERFECT Re: Reader Offers (566)
Gordon Crandles Edinburgh
Strictly speaking. you can't use the Cineworld Unlimited Card 365 days a year because the cinemas of Edinburgh are closed on Christmas Day. I suppose. though. if you can use it 364 days. you deserve a day off for good behaviour on the 365th. It's still a good competition prize.
THE LETTER OF THE ISSUE ’ , WILL RECEIVE ONE BOTTLE 0F .
SAILOR JERRY ' "
SPICED CARIBBEAN RUM
STRONG BUT GOES DOWN SMOOTH
Colette
Media sales executive I didn't think it lived up to the hype. It was full of cleverly timed music to make it sound funny. And Betty isn't even ugly!
Jules
Queen of research i thought it was good; I'll keep watching, but I'd have liked a lot more wit and a little less sugar.
GLASGOW AND EDINBURGH
evens gm
CONTRIBUTORS Publisher 8 General Editor Robin Hodqe
EDITORIAL
Acting Editor Mark Robertson Acting Deputy Editor
Allan Radcliffe
Subeditor Ashley Davies Research Manager
Julie Graham
Research Henry Northmore (Clubs. Folk. Rock 8 Jazz). Kirstin Innes (Around Town. Glasqow Dance & Theatre 8 Visual Art). Sian Bevan (Comedy). Julie Graham (Classical. Edinburgh Dance 8 Theatre 8 Kids). Suzanne Black (Books. Film & Rest of Scotland)
SALES & MARKETING Advertising Sales Manager Rachel Shields
Senior Media Sales Executive Briqid Kennedy
Media Sales Executives Richie Meldrum. Colette Forrest Media Sales Support
Maxine Cadzow
Promotions Manager
Sheri Friers
Marketing Executive
Tracey Fisher
Circulation Executive
Dayld McNish
PRODUCTION Art Director Krista Robertson (Maternity leave) Senior Designer
Eric Campbell Production Manager Simon Armin Designer Lucy Munro Production Assistant Matt McLeod Software Developer Iain McCusker
ADMINISTRATION Accounts Manager Georgette Renwick Accounts Assistant Manager Donna Taylor
Reception
Sian Bevan
Edinburgh Office Manager Katie Scott
Glasgow Office Manager Sharon Stephen
SECTION EDITORS Around Town Kirstin Innes Books Brian Donaldson Clubs Henry Northmore (with Sandra Marron) Comedy Brian Donaldson Comics Paul Dale
Dance Kelly Apter
Eat 8 Drink Barry Shelby Film Paul Dale
Gay Robin Lee
Kids Kelly Apter
Music Mark Robertson News Ailan Radcliffe
Play Henry Northmore (with Iain Davidson)
Shop Kirstin Innes Television Brian Donaldson Theatre Steve Cramer Travel Kirstin Innes
Visual Art Alexander Kennedy