Ungagged Team

Christopher Graham

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Christopher Graham
On our road to Independence it is necessary to engage with previous No voters in a respectful and intuitive manner. Pointless arguing and branding of the other as “Nawbags” and several other derogatory terms harm our chances to converting people such as I was to the Yes campaign. This vocabulary and approach will only result in people not wanting to join the side which abuses them and the it will automatically discount any argument and debate put forward. Who wants to listen to someone starting off telling you are wrong?
So I argue for a positive and friendly campaign for Independence, which is why I propose speaking to as many No supporters that you can even if it is only 1 and ask them why they do not support Independence. If possible, share with them your reasons behind Independence support and invite them over to this page to talk to those with differing opinions. Anyone should be able to justify their position and if they are unable to do so need to re analyse and negotiate within themselves the right action for the progression of our nation.
So why was the page I’m Now Yes created? Well I am a no-voter turned Yes campaigner, through my love of motorbikes I ran into Creag Thomson who led the Yes Bikers at the time. We never really talked about politics mostly because he did not realise I was a No voter. However, around December 2014 he asked me if I would help run his page and I decided that I would help a friend out, by this point I was on the Yes side but marginally, due to the failed actions of Westminster.
As to why I voted No, well a few things contributed to that. Firstly, I was not blind enough to believe that Westminster is perfect I however felt that the promises made by the No- campaign would be enforced by the Scottish people regardless of Yes or No affiliation. Moreover, the friend group and area I grew up in was heavily No centred thus limiting the desire to access information other than what I was receiving. I will admit to not searching for the information because I was not that interested in the whole referendum. So with lack of information and a belief that with the security that being part of the UK would hold and the new powers we would receive Scotland would prosper within the union. I voted by postal vote, roughly 10 days before the referendum. I was borderline Yes by this point on the premise of why shouldn’t we be Independent. By the 18th and especially the 19th I knew I had made the wrong decision. I believe a lot of people also felt the same as me and have since changed stance on Independence.
It was when I started helping out with the page that I saw widespread information on Independence and knew truly with 100% certainty that Independence was the best course of action. I have since campaigned towards IndyRef2 and will do so until Independence is achieved.
I think the greatest feeling so far had to be leading a 100 YesBikers into George Square, where some marchers were already waiting on the 30th July. Before we entered the square we lined up to ensure we were altogether, nothing fills you with more pride seeing saltires, bikes and people as far as the eye can see!! So if I can go from a no voter contempt within Westminster oppression to the leading member of YesBikers it highlights one clear and simple message: THE TIDE HAS TURNED! WE ARE COMING FOR YOU INDYREF2!!

It is up to the people of our nation to fight what is ours, we have to get actively campaigning, supporting groups and events run by honest individuals and groups. Forgetting the insults made to NO voters and most of all welcoming all voters in as part of the YES Family! Family, Unity and Communication will lead Scotland to Independence.

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