Conspiracy Theories Corruption Democracy Equality & Inclusion Fascism Holyrood Election 2021 Scottish Independence Ungagged Writing Val Waldron

The Crass Landing of The Ego by Val Waldron

“…the parallel between QAnon and the more extremist blogger/Salmond support is stark, and should send a warning to us. Keep Alba in our sights, and when we see bigotry challenge it as we would in our workplaces. We can’t in any way endorse a party that is a receptacle for regressive views and policies that […]

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The Media Bullshit Mountain

“Each decade we declare that we buried class- each decade the coffin stays empty.” Richard Hoggart, 1989 introduction to George Orwell’s Road to Wigan Pier. Lately, rather than sitting down to BBC Breakfast or Sky, I’ve been watching the previous nights American chat shows; Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel or Seth Myers, or news from CNN or […]

Brexit Conspiracy Theories Coronavirus Corruption Democracy Equality & Inclusion Fascism Feminism Human Rights Left Politics LGBTQIAP+ Politics of Hate Scottish Independence

Not My Grassroots by Val Waldron

Things have changed so radically between 2014 and now, that the independence movement is barely recognisable as the same animal. It has been impeded, infiltrated, interrupted, call it what you will, by a plague of misogynistic wreckers. A corner of the Yes movement is a stinking cesspit of bigotry, destruction, hate and treachery. A contaminated […]

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Impeachment by Chloe McDermott

A successful impeachment would result in Trump being unable to run for President again. Something that would help us all sleep at night. The House Democrats are moving towards a second impeachment of Donald Trump for “incitement of insurrection” when Trump supporters violently stormed the Capitol and forcefully stopped the confirmation of Joe Biden as […]

Black Lives Matter Brexit Campaigns Conspiracy Theories Corruption Crime Democracy Fascism Human Rights International Left Politics Politics of Hate Privilege Scottish Independence

The One With the Nazis

There are strong hints from the events that we’ve just witnessed, that those among us who are loose lipped about Unilateral Declaration of Independence, and rigged referendums should sit back and consider democracy for a bit, or if not, have a look at the ultimate might of the state. For the Yes movement, the conclusion […]

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This Is Not Over

There’s another layer above the real and fantasised darkness, and it’s a good one. It involves people working away at the grass roots with and for their community. BBC Radio Scotland’s Kaye Adams lives in a world where it’s fine to introduce her “Rule of 6” call-in with the comment “I know dozens of people […]

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What is Happening to the The 45G%?

I think it is a dangerous sign of our times that conspiracy theory is becoming increasingly prevalent on our Scottish social media, than actual, solid material fact. Ungagged asked me for my opinion on the state of Scottish politics. I am really not that qualified to do so. I am old, I suppose and I […]

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Queer Spaces: Opportunities & Threats by Luke Campbell

We may have been in various phases of lockdown across Europe over recent months, yet queer politics remains an ever present issue for we L.Q.B.T.Q.+ folk, but seemingly also for those who police and legislate our lives. Advancing the Gender Recognition Act in Scotland to protect and safeguard the lives of trans folk has been […]

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‘We’re Not That Kind of Club’: Football, Fascism, and THAT Banner

By Luke Campbell _______________________________ ● “We’re ashamed. We are embarrassed that our name was in [the message], that they tried to attach it to our club – it doesn’t belong anywhere near our club.” – Ben Mee (Burnley F.C. Captain) On Monday night, some fans of the English Premier League side Burnley Football Club had […]