After the spectacular result in Glasgow East the dust is settling, for the SNP, the seismic waves are still being felt for our opponents. And back to parliamentary work with a vengeance for me, as the WTO talks collapse demonstrate why we need to be independent. I have written this for the Sunday Herald tomorrow, and think it does put in context the "why" we need to be independent, not just for Scotland, but for the world as well.
WTO talks collapse
Everyone in our interconnected world lost out in Geneva this week when the WTO talks collapsed, but the deal on the table was neither in the interests of the developing world nor Scotland’s farmers, so better no deal, yet, than this bad one. But the world needs a deal. Pressure is now on to ensure a just deal for the world and make sure a real global solution is found before world trade breaks into warring blocs. We need a strong internationalist Scots voice on the world stage more than ever.
Back in 2001 when the Doha round of trade negotiations was launched in the sandy glitz and glamour of oil rich Qatar it was presented as an effort to focus on the needs of the world’s poorer nations. Done right, they have most to gain from global trade liberalisation, and we in the developed world win too. From Scotland’s very own Adam Smith onwards economists are united that liberalising international trade from national protection generates gains for all, rich and poor countries alike. Long term. And there’s the rub.
What happened last week was that the pro-developing world rhetoric was not matched by the mercantilist reality. The crux of the eventual impasse was the extent to which developing countries, led by India, were willing to compromise on lowering tariff barriers (Special Safeguard Measures) to Western goods, especially agricultural ones. On one side, countries such as India and China wanted to hang onto a flexible SSM regime to protect subsistence farmers from large influxes of imports from highly competitive, or highly subsidised, agricultural exporters. On the other side, the USA, backed by some major developing country exporters, especially in South America, wanted the SSM regime to be more disciplined to allow them access to these markets.
The EU, speaking for us, was actually not a key part of that dispute, though that is not to say I think the EU policy was on the right lines. The EU has been championing Economic Partnership Agreements between individual countries and the EU, which will open up mutual market access. I was in Zambia and Ethiopia last year to see what Africa thinks of them. The verdict was unanimously negative. The EU-Zambia agreement opens up the EU market to Zambian goods, so on the face of it good news for Zambia. However, it also opens up the Zambian market to EU companies, and I do not believe that it is equitable or in the interests of Zambia’s painfully fragile economy to allow EU access without adequate control by the Zambian national interest. It would be like opening the door between the rhino enclosure and a petting zoo. Both sides may well have access to each other’s patch, but only one side can enjoy it.
Economic Partnership Agreements have been vocally opposed by Scots MEPs, NGOs, Churches and others. A million people marched through Edinburgh for Trade Justice and to Make Poverty History. We are an internationalist nation and we recognise the fraud inherent in pretending that developing economies are as robust as ours.
The collapsed WTO deal, the only deal on offer, would have opened up the developing world to inappropriate competition, but there would have been implications closer to home as well. Scotland’s dairy, beef, pig and poultry sectors were also at risk of substandard imports. As Scotland’s only full member of the Agriculture Committee I am proud of our high standards, and to contemplate one standard for domestic produce but another for imports was a concession too far. Given all the downsides to the deal now going cold in Geneva, better no deal than this bad one.
So what now? The timing is not good. Elections loom in the US and India later this year, as well as Europe in June next year. With negotiation fatigue well entrenched in Geneva and political attention, especially in the US, wavering it seems unlikely that a major deal will be done soon. The Doha round is not quite dead yet, but it is cooling rapidly.
But all is not lost. Some issues were agreed, and will be banked for the next round of talks, whenever they start. Perhaps a face saving agreement will be cobbled together from these points and we can look towards a new round.
This is important, because the WTO, with all its faults, is the only organisation that is looking for a global solution. The alternative is a million EPAs, and then the poor really will lose out, and fast. Globalisation has been, and can continue to be, a positive force for all trading nations, but only if world trade talks are open to all countries participating as equals before international law, rich and poor. Idealistic yes, but if you think the US is powerful against India in the WTO, imagine if the negotiation was just the two of them without any wider considerations.
The Doha round has disappointed, but we can, we must, begin again. A new round, with Trade Justice at the heart of it and people in charge rather than companies with no loyalty to nobody. We’ll need to kick it off somewhere, how about in the country that gave the world economics, a country with proven internationalist credentials, a country well liked and well thought of. The Gleneagles Round has a ring to it.
Saturday, 2 August 2008
Thursday, 10 July 2008
Eastward Ho!
Normal service (such as it is) is unlikely to be resumed for a while on here because of the Glasgow East by election. We're in fine form, and news reaches me tonight that we have just blanket leafleted the whole constituency in barely three days, go us! We have also canvassed a good chunk of the seat, and things are looking good. The candidate is a fine chap as well, John has been a local Councillor for years and solidly worked away serving his constituents, he is well liked and well regarded and ideally placed to shake things up. You can help the campaign in all sorts of ways, even from the comfort of your own home, log onto the campaign site for ways how.
John seems to be bearing up well here we are outside the rooms in a rare moment of sunshine with Councillor Stephen Patterson from Stirling (I'll be getting a haircut before I go back through again tomorrow, promise).
Meantime, below an article I put together on behalf of the Eurovision campaign. It was published in the Scottish Sunday Express (a paper I'm increasingly coming to like) last weekend.
Royaume Uni, nul points from the Scottish Jury
The EU, and Europe, is more interesting than anorak subjects and endless constitutional debate about the Lisbon Treaty. Boil things down to their essence and Europe is about coming together with our neighbours to work together on things. To compete with each other, to get on with each other, to face global challenges together, and that is something I want to see Scotland play a full part in. It is also fun sometimes, and the Eurovision Song Contest might not be on the agenda of the UN Security Council any time soon, but it is watched by millions upon millions of Europeans and could be a showcase for our world beating Scottish talent.
I would usually be dealing with the Common Agricultural Policy, Energy policy, EU funding or even the dreaded the Lisbon Treaty, but I’ll jump at any opportunity to promote Scotland, so when a group of Eurovision enthusiasts asked me to help their campaign for a Scottish Eurovision entry how could I refuse?
They came together over the internet and have set up www.scotlandineurovision.eu to campaign for a Scottish entry to Eurovision. Hats off to them! Nobody would for a second propose abolishing our Rugby or Football teams so it is logical that Scotland would do better representing ourselves in Eurovision too. They also feel frustration with the way the UK represents us at present. Only the starriest eyed Unionist would claim the UK is doing well for us. Royaume uni, nul points! I defy anyone to watch Scooch’s red white and blue performance on Scotland’s behalf in last year’s competition to fail to experience a British Cringe.
More significantly, with the competition being run from London even our broadcast talent in Scotland gets nothing from the contest. Contrary to the sour grapes we heard from London after the last competition there is no conspiracy against the UK, if you took the “western European” votes in isolation the UK still came third last. In a competition where the mighty San Marino has a full entry, it is just plain odd that Scotland does not. We Scots are well liked, talented and enthusiastic. We would win it.
Faithful servant of my constituents, I met with the European Broadcasting Union in Brussels and there is a way it can happen. Scotland is not yet independent, if we were we would be there as of right, but meantime there is nothing stopping a Scottish broadcaster, either STV or BBC Scotland, running the UK entry and taking the UK’s place in the contest.
In fairness, let’s give the Northern Irish, Welsh and English a shot as well. The campaign is calling the proposal the “UEFA Compromise”. So every four years Scotland would get a shop window for our vibrant music industry, our broadcasters would get a shot in the arm and our entry would, let’s face it, have a better chance of winning than the UK’s efforts and then we get to host the final the year after. What a boon for our music industry, tourism and Scotland’s profile!
The way the BBC in London runs the contest is the issue. From the continental side, it looks just a bit tired, with just a wee hint good old British condescension towards those wacky foreigners, and Scotland could do better. Sweden runs their contest as a real talent show, a real show case and their final is played live to over 10,000 people in a massive stadium! I have no doubt that Scotland’s broadcasters, either BBC Scotland or STV, could do better than the current efforts.
But what about the 64000 euro question, who actually gets to eventually represent Scotland? Well that will be up to the Scottish people! All I know is that our musical talent is an embarrassment of riches. From Annie Lennox to Franz Ferdinand, from Sandi Thom to the Red Hot Chilli Pipers to the Peatbog Faeries to the Krankies and the Singing Kettle!
The friends of Scottish Eurovision have started off a fun campaign, and I’m pleased to support them. Some of the reaction has been light hearted banter; one paper even described it as ‘Scotland’s chance to get nul points’. I’d ask the other question. With Scotland’s world beating talent, fantastic reputation and clear enthusiasm, how could we lose? The only people holding us back are those Scots without ambition.
You can register your support at www.scotlandineurovision.eu. I’m sure the campaign team would appreciate your support.
Alyn Smith MEP, Member of the European Parliament for Scotland
The EU, and Europe, is more interesting than anorak subjects and endless constitutional debate about the Lisbon Treaty. Boil things down to their essence and Europe is about coming together with our neighbours to work together on things. To compete with each other, to get on with each other, to face global challenges together, and that is something I want to see Scotland play a full part in. It is also fun sometimes, and the Eurovision Song Contest might not be on the agenda of the UN Security Council any time soon, but it is watched by millions upon millions of Europeans and could be a showcase for our world beating Scottish talent.
I would usually be dealing with the Common Agricultural Policy, Energy policy, EU funding or even the dreaded the Lisbon Treaty, but I’ll jump at any opportunity to promote Scotland, so when a group of Eurovision enthusiasts asked me to help their campaign for a Scottish Eurovision entry how could I refuse?
They came together over the internet and have set up www.scotlandineurovision.eu to campaign for a Scottish entry to Eurovision. Hats off to them! Nobody would for a second propose abolishing our Rugby or Football teams so it is logical that Scotland would do better representing ourselves in Eurovision too. They also feel frustration with the way the UK represents us at present. Only the starriest eyed Unionist would claim the UK is doing well for us. Royaume uni, nul points! I defy anyone to watch Scooch’s red white and blue performance on Scotland’s behalf in last year’s competition to fail to experience a British Cringe.
More significantly, with the competition being run from London even our broadcast talent in Scotland gets nothing from the contest. Contrary to the sour grapes we heard from London after the last competition there is no conspiracy against the UK, if you took the “western European” votes in isolation the UK still came third last. In a competition where the mighty San Marino has a full entry, it is just plain odd that Scotland does not. We Scots are well liked, talented and enthusiastic. We would win it.
Faithful servant of my constituents, I met with the European Broadcasting Union in Brussels and there is a way it can happen. Scotland is not yet independent, if we were we would be there as of right, but meantime there is nothing stopping a Scottish broadcaster, either STV or BBC Scotland, running the UK entry and taking the UK’s place in the contest.
In fairness, let’s give the Northern Irish, Welsh and English a shot as well. The campaign is calling the proposal the “UEFA Compromise”. So every four years Scotland would get a shop window for our vibrant music industry, our broadcasters would get a shot in the arm and our entry would, let’s face it, have a better chance of winning than the UK’s efforts and then we get to host the final the year after. What a boon for our music industry, tourism and Scotland’s profile!
The way the BBC in London runs the contest is the issue. From the continental side, it looks just a bit tired, with just a wee hint good old British condescension towards those wacky foreigners, and Scotland could do better. Sweden runs their contest as a real talent show, a real show case and their final is played live to over 10,000 people in a massive stadium! I have no doubt that Scotland’s broadcasters, either BBC Scotland or STV, could do better than the current efforts.
But what about the 64000 euro question, who actually gets to eventually represent Scotland? Well that will be up to the Scottish people! All I know is that our musical talent is an embarrassment of riches. From Annie Lennox to Franz Ferdinand, from Sandi Thom to the Red Hot Chilli Pipers to the Peatbog Faeries to the Krankies and the Singing Kettle!
The friends of Scottish Eurovision have started off a fun campaign, and I’m pleased to support them. Some of the reaction has been light hearted banter; one paper even described it as ‘Scotland’s chance to get nul points’. I’d ask the other question. With Scotland’s world beating talent, fantastic reputation and clear enthusiasm, how could we lose? The only people holding us back are those Scots without ambition.
You can register your support at www.scotlandineurovision.eu. I’m sure the campaign team would appreciate your support.
Alyn Smith MEP, Member of the European Parliament for Scotland
Monday, 30 June 2008
Euro-VISION
I'll come clean, I have rarely seen the Eurovision song contest, but I will take any opportunity to promote Scotland in Europe so when I was asked to help out with a grassroots campaign to win a Scottish Eurovision Song Contest entry how could I refuse?
The fact is, the way things are now Scottish broadcasting gets nothing from eurovision. Scottish acts can, to be sure, compete in the UK heats and such, but it is the way the UK handles eurovision that puts out European pals off, and I have every confidence that the new way of doing eurovision would be more interesting. STV are eligible to put a bid together, along with the ITV UK network, or BBC could put a different nation in charge each year. That way Scotland's broadcasting talent will get something as well as our musicians, and a showcase for Scotland once every four years where right now we get nowt.
And it is a fun campaign and I'm delighted to support them.
For Immediate Use: Monday 30 June 2008
ATTENTION: News desks
SCOTTISH EUROVISION CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED
A non-political campaign group has been set up to campaign for a Scottish entry to the Eurovision Song Contest and calls on supporters to join the campaign to see Scotland represented in Moscow Eurovision 2009.
The group of Scots Eurovision fans, gathered together via Facebook and other networking sites, has today (Monday) launched a campaign website www.scotlandineurovision.eu and invites Scots, and others, to register their support online and encourage Scottish Television to bid to produce the contest.
The group has had support and advice from SNP Member of the European Parliament Mr Alyn Smith, who has identified a legal way for Scotland to be represented and committed himself to assist the campaign.
Speaking at the launch, Spokesman David McDonald said:
"Eurovision is about the nations of Europe and a wee bit wider getting together and having fun, and it is clear that Scotland could do better representing ourselves than the UK.
"We have some spectacular talent in music of all sorts and broadcasting in Scotland, and when Alyn Smith found a way for Scotland to enter the contest as Scotland we got together and said, "Lets do it!"
"We're a group of Eurovision fans of all politics and none, but this is about Scotland's talent and Eurovision not politics.
"The website seeks support to demonstrate to STV just how strong the demand is in Scotland for STV to organise the contest for Scotland next time around. We have already had a lot of great feedback and the campaign is just starting. I'm confident Scotland and STV could produce a winning Eurovision entry!"
Fellow Friend of Scottish Eurovision, Spokeswoman Lynn Allan said:
"This is about the talent we have in Scotland representing ourselves, and a boost to Scottish broadcasting as well. The BBC does not own the rights to Eurovision, if STV can put forward a bid then let's open a window onto Scotland's talent. Look at how Ireland did so well out of the competition, look at what it did for Irish music, reputation and tourism.
"If the last Eurovision shows us anything it is that we cannot do worse! We have the talent, we have the ambition, this campaign is going to prove we have the support so let's make it happen!"
SNP Member of the European Parliament Alyn Smith added:
"I'll jump at any chance to increase Scotland's profile internationally, everyone knows we're well liked and well thought of. More power to the Eurovision campaign's elbow!
"Eurovision is no exception, and it is clear to me that the UK is the problem, Scotland could clearly do better representing ourselves. Scots are not happy with the representation that we receive currently and plenty believe that we could do far better on our own. The recent comments of Annie Lennox about Scottish independence just go to show that more and more people are willing to take a stand in support of the independence movement. It is clear that we have a lot to gain from being able to promote Scottish talent and culture on such a popular and widely viewed platform.
"I have met with the European Broadcasting Union, the organisers of the contest, and they have confirmed to me that it is quite possible for Scotland to enter. I would like to see Scotland enter as an independent state, but we're not an independent state yet. Meantime, I've come up with the "UEFA compromise" whereby Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and England could take it in turns to organise the UK's entry, in their own right.
"The Scottish entry would therefore only happen every four years, but it is more than Scottish music and broadcast talent gets from BBC London's efforts right now. STV is eligible to put forward the entry as an active member of the European Broadcasting Union, and it is quite possible for the Scottish entry to represent the UK.
"The reaction from some quarters after the last UK failure was disgraceful. If all the old Western European nations were part of some new contest then the UK would have come third last so any notion of political voting or some sort of conspiracy is nonsense. The fact is, the UK is not greatly liked, and sour grapes will not win any votes, an actual Scots enthusiasm for the contest will."
ENDS
The fact is, the way things are now Scottish broadcasting gets nothing from eurovision. Scottish acts can, to be sure, compete in the UK heats and such, but it is the way the UK handles eurovision that puts out European pals off, and I have every confidence that the new way of doing eurovision would be more interesting. STV are eligible to put a bid together, along with the ITV UK network, or BBC could put a different nation in charge each year. That way Scotland's broadcasting talent will get something as well as our musicians, and a showcase for Scotland once every four years where right now we get nowt.
And it is a fun campaign and I'm delighted to support them.
For Immediate Use: Monday 30 June 2008
ATTENTION: News desks
SCOTTISH EUROVISION CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED
A non-political campaign group has been set up to campaign for a Scottish entry to the Eurovision Song Contest and calls on supporters to join the campaign to see Scotland represented in Moscow Eurovision 2009.
The group of Scots Eurovision fans, gathered together via Facebook and other networking sites, has today (Monday) launched a campaign website www.scotlandineurovision.eu and invites Scots, and others, to register their support online and encourage Scottish Television to bid to produce the contest.
The group has had support and advice from SNP Member of the European Parliament Mr Alyn Smith, who has identified a legal way for Scotland to be represented and committed himself to assist the campaign.
Speaking at the launch, Spokesman David McDonald said:
"Eurovision is about the nations of Europe and a wee bit wider getting together and having fun, and it is clear that Scotland could do better representing ourselves than the UK.
"We have some spectacular talent in music of all sorts and broadcasting in Scotland, and when Alyn Smith found a way for Scotland to enter the contest as Scotland we got together and said, "Lets do it!"
"We're a group of Eurovision fans of all politics and none, but this is about Scotland's talent and Eurovision not politics.
"The website seeks support to demonstrate to STV just how strong the demand is in Scotland for STV to organise the contest for Scotland next time around. We have already had a lot of great feedback and the campaign is just starting. I'm confident Scotland and STV could produce a winning Eurovision entry!"
Fellow Friend of Scottish Eurovision, Spokeswoman Lynn Allan said:
"This is about the talent we have in Scotland representing ourselves, and a boost to Scottish broadcasting as well. The BBC does not own the rights to Eurovision, if STV can put forward a bid then let's open a window onto Scotland's talent. Look at how Ireland did so well out of the competition, look at what it did for Irish music, reputation and tourism.
"If the last Eurovision shows us anything it is that we cannot do worse! We have the talent, we have the ambition, this campaign is going to prove we have the support so let's make it happen!"
SNP Member of the European Parliament Alyn Smith added:
"I'll jump at any chance to increase Scotland's profile internationally, everyone knows we're well liked and well thought of. More power to the Eurovision campaign's elbow!
"Eurovision is no exception, and it is clear to me that the UK is the problem, Scotland could clearly do better representing ourselves. Scots are not happy with the representation that we receive currently and plenty believe that we could do far better on our own. The recent comments of Annie Lennox about Scottish independence just go to show that more and more people are willing to take a stand in support of the independence movement. It is clear that we have a lot to gain from being able to promote Scottish talent and culture on such a popular and widely viewed platform.
"I have met with the European Broadcasting Union, the organisers of the contest, and they have confirmed to me that it is quite possible for Scotland to enter. I would like to see Scotland enter as an independent state, but we're not an independent state yet. Meantime, I've come up with the "UEFA compromise" whereby Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and England could take it in turns to organise the UK's entry, in their own right.
"The Scottish entry would therefore only happen every four years, but it is more than Scottish music and broadcast talent gets from BBC London's efforts right now. STV is eligible to put forward the entry as an active member of the European Broadcasting Union, and it is quite possible for the Scottish entry to represent the UK.
"The reaction from some quarters after the last UK failure was disgraceful. If all the old Western European nations were part of some new contest then the UK would have come third last so any notion of political voting or some sort of conspiracy is nonsense. The fact is, the UK is not greatly liked, and sour grapes will not win any votes, an actual Scots enthusiasm for the contest will."
ENDS
Wednesday, 18 June 2008
Mosquitoes and other nuisances
Sometimes the issues that pop up in Parliament do make you wonder what sort of world we're living in. You might have heard of the mosquito device, which emits a high frequency buzzing that only young people can hear, and given that it is an awful noise it discourages them to congregate in the area. Ingeniously, it can be set for whatever ages you want to discourage. Some shopkeepers and councils have used the thing to discourage young people from gathering in particular places.
What I had not seen is the anti-mosquito petition, which has different frequencies so you can hear for yourself just how annoying it is. You can also sign the petition as well.
What an odious piece of technology. It is quite disgraceful that this could be used to blanket target a particular age group, and even more worrying that it would be quite possible for wee kids to be subjected to the noise by their unwitting parents by accident.
We teamed up with Glasgow Councillor Alison Thewlis to highlight the thing, and her campaign for a ban in Glasgow City Council's area on the device. There is also a Written Declaration in the Parliament about it seeking to outlaw the thing from the EU as a whole. I was happy to sign up to that one.
What I had not seen is the anti-mosquito petition, which has different frequencies so you can hear for yourself just how annoying it is. You can also sign the petition as well.
What an odious piece of technology. It is quite disgraceful that this could be used to blanket target a particular age group, and even more worrying that it would be quite possible for wee kids to be subjected to the noise by their unwitting parents by accident.
We teamed up with Glasgow Councillor Alison Thewlis to highlight the thing, and her campaign for a ban in Glasgow City Council's area on the device. There is also a Written Declaration in the Parliament about it seeking to outlaw the thing from the EU as a whole. I was happy to sign up to that one.
Tuesday, 10 June 2008
Politics, Sport and the world coming together
I was at a conference yesterday along with Linda "fabulous" Fabiani the Minister for Europe and the idea of linking cultural and other issues to the EU to try and make the European elections more interesting came up. I was hostile to the idea, because I think it is dangerous for politicians (of any persuasion) to try and grab say, euro2008 football championships and use it to make a political point.
On reflection, it strikes me that I have been doing precisely that for years. I’m always keen to stress that the EU is about more than buildings in Brussels, constitutional documents and other such stuff, it is about people, and different cultures coming together in various fora to meet, discuss, debate and work together. Be it the Eurovision Song Contest, UEFA, the Ryder Cup or whatever, there is actually a political (albeit small “p”) message behind all of it.
The more we spend time cheering on our team the more we become closer and closer, and in the EU in particular as I mention below about bullfighting, it becomes more and more commonplace to have and to voice an opinion on the internal workings of other countries where before they were a mystery.
This brought to mind an interesting presentation on the American Council on Foreign Relations site about politics and the Olympics through the years. The site is worth bookmarking, the Council is pretty good and often turns up a lot of material, and opinion, that you will not see elsewhere. As always, things should be taken with a pinch of salt, but I find a lot of things they do interesting, and markedly sensible too.
Get a coffee and let the presentation take you through the political backdrop to the games over the years, and how there has always been a political overtone to the whole event, one way or the other.
Recently I caused a bit of controversy when I called for Scots athletes and officials to boycott the upcoming opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics. Not the games themselves, they are the games, but the opening ceremony is a jamboree and showcase for the host country, and I think it fitting that the international community maintain a dignified absence from a shindig in a country where human rights are trampled, political freedom is minimal, Tibet remains oppressed and Chinese foreign policy is doing great damage to much of the developing world.
I was criticised because some parties said this would encourage a tit for tat boycott of the London opening ceremony over UK policy in Iraq. I would respond that if UK policy in Iraq has done the UK such damage, then a boycott of the opening ceremony of the London games will be getting off pretty lightly.
Politicisation of the games is not new, as the presentation shows. And I do not think that is a bad ting. There is a media presumption at home and in the US particularly (and evidently in China too), that we are, by definition, the “good guys” and everyone else are dastardly foreigners. The real story is rather more complicated.
O would some power the giftie gie us to see ourselves as others see us...
On reflection, it strikes me that I have been doing precisely that for years. I’m always keen to stress that the EU is about more than buildings in Brussels, constitutional documents and other such stuff, it is about people, and different cultures coming together in various fora to meet, discuss, debate and work together. Be it the Eurovision Song Contest, UEFA, the Ryder Cup or whatever, there is actually a political (albeit small “p”) message behind all of it.
The more we spend time cheering on our team the more we become closer and closer, and in the EU in particular as I mention below about bullfighting, it becomes more and more commonplace to have and to voice an opinion on the internal workings of other countries where before they were a mystery.
This brought to mind an interesting presentation on the American Council on Foreign Relations site about politics and the Olympics through the years. The site is worth bookmarking, the Council is pretty good and often turns up a lot of material, and opinion, that you will not see elsewhere. As always, things should be taken with a pinch of salt, but I find a lot of things they do interesting, and markedly sensible too.
Get a coffee and let the presentation take you through the political backdrop to the games over the years, and how there has always been a political overtone to the whole event, one way or the other.
Recently I caused a bit of controversy when I called for Scots athletes and officials to boycott the upcoming opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics. Not the games themselves, they are the games, but the opening ceremony is a jamboree and showcase for the host country, and I think it fitting that the international community maintain a dignified absence from a shindig in a country where human rights are trampled, political freedom is minimal, Tibet remains oppressed and Chinese foreign policy is doing great damage to much of the developing world.
I was criticised because some parties said this would encourage a tit for tat boycott of the London opening ceremony over UK policy in Iraq. I would respond that if UK policy in Iraq has done the UK such damage, then a boycott of the opening ceremony of the London games will be getting off pretty lightly.
Politicisation of the games is not new, as the presentation shows. And I do not think that is a bad ting. There is a media presumption at home and in the US particularly (and evidently in China too), that we are, by definition, the “good guys” and everyone else are dastardly foreigners. The real story is rather more complicated.
O would some power the giftie gie us to see ourselves as others see us...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
