Scotland Stand And Be A Nation! - An Election Dirge For The Snp Victory Of 3rd May,2007 - Written Hastily (Will Polish Up) Poem by Paddy Scott Hogg

Powerfuy written, i really enjoyed the read

Democracy was once seen and felt almost as a sacred ideal, by most of those who dreamed of a better and fairer world, where the exploited powerless could be represented and fought for, in the halls of power. Now though, we have elaborate democratic forms, processes, institutions and powers, but the powerless are hardly better represented than they ever were. The pursuit of social justice in any way that might be described as even vaguely socialist is scorned, and too many of those who should feel humbled and privileged to represent the politically and economically weak, soon put service of self and party some distance ahead of the interests of their constituents, ahead of the needs, concerns and fears of those who placed their trust in them. I despise such people and so should any democrat. They pass through the arch of power, whether local or national, having made many promises, many claims about their intentions, and soon begin the process of furthering their own interests, and so become, not servants of democracy, but its enemies, by their effectively treasonous conduct. For democracy should be the monarch to whom they devote their energies, ideals and aims, to whom they should remain loyal, regardless of the blandishments and seductions of power and of those who seek to exploit it for advantage or control. But now, we have the frivolous, the undignified and the self serving, glorying in the office of democratic power, working daily to undermine it, though rarely deliberately and often unknowingly, by carelessness, thoughtlessness, laziness and selfishness. How quickly they forget the promises they made, how soon it becomes plain that they never really understood what democracy means, how disappointingly it becomes apparent that so many of them are shallow people with no real anchor in the blood soaked fundamentals of democracy, or appreciation, even, of the perhaps simpler notion of devotion to a worthy cause. We also have organisations, businesses and individuals seeking – often successfully it’s all too clear – to subvert democracy for their own ends, and usually to the disadvantage of others. The old established enemies of democracy are at least as strong and busy as ever. In this small country the democratic pursuits, needs and aspirations of the people are sovereign – allegedly. The word of the people is what should matter most, not the word of Alex Salmond or any other major office holder. Those who’ve been elected by the momentous processes of democracy should be the creatures of democracy, not the reverse. They take their orders from the people, not from party leaders. And the more powerful the office they hold, the greater their duty, the more crucial their responsibility, to all the people of the country, and the more necessary it is that they ensure that the dignity of all democratic offices is fervently upheld, for democracy isn’t a game. Day to day, the democratic agents of the people deal with matters that have life or death implications, that affect the fundamental freedoms of the people – whether their ability to go about their business is enhanced or denied – and such significant issues demand the greatest dignity, care, diligence and wisdom they can muster. Are those who present themselves for election to this most prestigious of offices possessed of the necessary qualities? With great vigilance, we should take care to ensure that they are and remain so throughout their term. On the brink of independence, or a recommitment to the union – depending on the choice of the people – it’s long past time that the ordinary people of Scotland came into their authentic democratic inheritance. The business has barely begun yet almost everything is in need of renewal. It cannot be stated clearly or forcefully enough that currently, our democracy falls far short of serving the people as it should, and that its agents are responsible, by their failure to appreciate the true majesty and weight of the responsibility and privilege placed on them, by the simple but hand and heart trembling potency of the act of voting. If the people don’t feel it dear politician, the failure is yours. You promised them democracy in action and didn’t live up to the demands of that hallowed set of ideals. The time to truly deliver has arrived - if you have the necessary courage, determination, discipline, understanding and commitment! If you do, you’ll achieve re-election through doing good works, not by good marketing – an entirely empty and dishonest venture. Something that so serious a business as democracy should never be.