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Isn’t it strange…

~ somethinginthewayshemoves

I had some bad news recently that is taking me a little time to process. I’m fine, it’s not related to my health. The last few weeks have felt somewhat surreal, life goes on, but I am caught in my own head. I hate to be so mysterious, I will share more when I’m ready.

In the meantime, I feel somewhat contained in my own bubble. A little trip up north with family was lovely. Lots of peace, fresh air and of course carry on with the boy. We absolutely adored the outdoor infinity pool at Portavadie. Warm as a bath, but surrounded by the wildness of the loch. It was beautiful.

This boy loves to torture me with seaweed.

In keeping with this air of strangeness are the election results. I don’t know entirely how to feel about the situation we find ourselves in. I am of course delighted to witness the Tories decimated. However, it is hard to rejoice in a Labour landslide when they are a mere hair’s breadth away for being Conservatives. The rise of Reform is terrifying. I despair at the ignorance & hate that drives their increased popularity. SNP losses are incredibly disheartening and I hope in part due to an anti Tory rather than pro Labour vote in Scotland. I don’t feel hopeful of real change under Starmer. I would love to be proven wrong.

If you like what I do you can support me here or on Patreon.

Every kind of people…

~ somethinginthewayshemoves

In case anyone hadn’t noticed I am Scottish. I’m also supporter of independence, an SNP voter & a big fan of Nicola Sturgeon. I’m proud of her achievements and the kind of society she fought for. I am deeply saddened that she will no longer lead us.

Nicola Sturgeon in the Scottish Parliament

In the wake of her resignation I am also alarmed. Some of the candidates who have stepped into the leadership race are frankly terrifying.

Ash Regan who resigned her ministerial position in protest of the Gender Recognition Reform Bill has gone on record that she will not fight the Westminster blocks. For a person running on independence first this seems contrary. Her subsequent cosying with a intolerant indie factions like Alba confirm for me that she is does not represent the values I seek in a leader. Add to that her statements with regards to Green partnerships, which risk the loss of their support and I am certain Regan is not the one.

Kate Forbes similarly opposes gender recognition reform and has also expressed extremely troubling views. She has publicly stated that she would have voted against gay marriage & has been very open about her anti choice views. Including speaking at an anti choice event organised by Brian Souter (a prominent anti choice & anti LGBTQ+ activist). In my opinion she is also currently leaving herself a lot of room with her statements regarding buffer zones. The SNP aims to be a progressive political party who champion the rights of all. A person who clearly does not support reproductive and LGBTQ+ rights cannot be our First Minister.

What’s more wishing to exclude Kate Forbes on that basis is not an infringement of her religious freedoms. Much has been made of Forbes’ faith, her right to worship how she pleases and not be punished in public life for doing so. I call bullshit. The origin of her intolerance is irrelevant. She has every right to express her religious views and the rest of us have the right to object to them. Religion is not a bigotry get out of free card.

The truth is I want Sturgeon. I trust and respect her. Since I can’t have my first pick I think I should at least be able to have someone who is willing to uphold the rights of all. Neither Kate Forbes or Ash Regan have given me reason to believe they will do that.

If you enjoy what I do you can support me here or on Patreon.

Power to the people…

~ somethinginthewayshemoves

I’m utterly disgusted at the election results. Beyond that I am saddened & scared. English & Welsh working class voters supporting Tories is incomprehensible. To sell out hungry children, homeless & disabled people for Brexit is vile. The future looks terrifyingly bleak. Our NHS is in real danger & the most vulnerable people in our society are likely to persecuted further. I am grateful for the limited protection being in Scotland offers me. It has never been more clear that we need to be free of this rotten union. My heart goes out to all those who fear what the future brings under another Conservative government. More than ever we have to do what we can for those who will be left in need.

Woman of the Week…

~ somethinginthewayshemoves ~ 3 Comments

Picking a woman of the week has never been simpler. In the turmoil of the EU Referendum results only one politician has come out prepared. Nicola Sturgeon is an impressive politician. In a sea of vague non answers, she has a definitive plan. 

  
 Watching the First Minister speak on the steps of Bute House really made me proud to have voted SNP. Not only did she calmly lay out the steps her government would take to maintain European business links & investment in Scotland, but she unequivocally declared immigrants welcome. Her language made it clear that there is no room in Scotland for racism or Xenophobia. 

‘Indeed, I want to take the opportunity this morning to speak directly to citizens of other EU countries living here in Scotland – you remain welcome here, Scotland is your home and your contribution is valued.’
The leaders of the leave campaign are either silent or back tracking on promises. The government has no strategy for negotiating our exit from the EU & both the Tories & Labour seem determined to destroy their parties from within. There is justifiably an air of spreading panic. Nicola Sturgeon has been my sole ray of hope. Her clear & authoritative addresses have reassured me that Scotland, at least, has solid leadership. 

  
I am proud to be governed by such a progressive & passionate woman. I am delighted to belong to a country that has rejected fear & prejudice. I live in hope that Ms Sturgeon will steer our  celtic ship to independence. 

Oh flower of Scotland….

~ somethinginthewayshemoves ~ 1 Comment

It’s been a sombre weekend for many of us in Scotland. I am devastated about the referendum results. I really felt that an independent Scotland was an opportunity to create a fairer society. I believe passionately in the tenants of socialism & I think the yes campaign embodied those ideals.

Disappointment at the result was compounded by the loyalist thugs taking over Glasgow’s city centre on Friday. Add to that MP’S backtracking on their election promises & I was left despondent.

Having said that, I still have hope. Yes voters remain politically engaged. SNP have around 10000 new members. Saturday saw yes voters peacefully gathering in George sq & making donations to food banks. Organisations such as we are the 45% have sprung up & are gaining huge support. It seems the dream is not over. There are like-minded people out there & they are determined to protect the vulnerable & establish a movement for a better Scotland.

So, with all this firing in my mind I felt the best way to express myself was on my nails. So, here you go my first political manicure.

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