CommonSpace columnist David Carr takes issue with some of the attitudes and language behind the #BothVotesSNP battering ram
IN MAY, the SNP looks set to gain an unassailable command of a parliament designed never to have a majority.
Seventy-nine seats are predicted. The parliament is in a strong position – given balancing critiques from opposition parties – to enact the distinctly Scottish policies that will give voters the faith that we can manage our own affairs. This is their one job.
Some have pointed out the dangers of an unchecked SNP majority. Fraser Stewart argues that it is bad for democracy and can lead to complacency . James McEnaney – granted, an opposition candidate – won’t be giving them either vote . They are bad for independence.
Whatever happens, we’re set for a resoundingly indy parliament before campaigning has even started. That should be enough.
Which is fine. Some support the SNP. Some don’t. I even dare to say that voters should vote Labour, Tory or Lib Dem if they believe that they align with their views. It is for other parties’ supporters to make their case in terms meaningful to them. This modest proposal has a name – democracy.
Whatever happens, we’re set for a resoundingly indy parliament before campaigning has even started. The SNP may lose seats to other indy parties, but it will also make gains. That should be enough.
Apparently not, for some, for from the interweb comes the cry – loudly – #BothVotesSNP.
This is, in itself, a respectable position. The difficulty comes if you question it. Then it can get a bit shrill. At its mildest – you get patronisation. Never a great way to win hearts and minds.
“It’ll split the vote!”
Apparently not, for some, for from the interweb comes the cry – loudly – #BothVotesSNP.
Seventy-nine seats? Gonnae haftae be an awfy big split.
“Don’t you understand d’Hondt voting, Sonny?”
Yes – d’Hondt is (purposefully?) hard to figure out. But Jim Sillars – who maybe understands it somewhat – is warning us that SNP second votes may not count for much since first votes affect second vote seat shares. So if we’re serious about independence we should consider voting for another indy party.
Here’s the thing: the Scottish Parliament has no powers to declare independence. It will happen when Scots decide that the time is right and deliver a majority vote in a referendum, which the parliament will call as soon as it’s looking like a no brainer.
The SNP will play its part – through good, balanced, democratic governance – but we will not be voting for independence based solely on its policies. This is for the best. Was I alone in cringing at Scotland’s Future last time around? A majority of voters was unconvinced. Everyone has their own route to independence.
But when it comes to referendum time, maybe parliament – and the SNP – has to take a step back and let all voices be heard.
I’m seeing truly weird #BothVotesSNP stuff from folk who should know better – reasonably prominent campaigners – elected officials, even.
“But nobody will vote for an ultra-left party!”
They mean Rise. Ignoring the demonising language, there’s a strong pro-SNP tendency towards centrism. A pseudo-Blairite platform will avoid scaring voters. It doesn’t do to suggest that this is not south-eastern England and that some voters may understand a distinctly Scottish agenda as part of the mix. Another Scotland is possible.
“The Greens are unreliable.”
Which means they allow members to make their minds up on crucial issues. Many worked hard for Yes during indyref. But that’s not enough. They must follow a traditional model of party democracy and be – less democratic.
There’s worse.
I know there are internet bams. I have tried to avoid them ever since I was kicked off an indyref Facebook forum for knowing about shipbuilding, but now I’m seeing truly weird #BothVotesSNP stuff from folk who should know better – reasonably prominent campaigners – elected officials, even.
I’m twitchy about labelling other democratic parties enemies. I doubt it will go down well with those who have hitherto voted for them.
It’s the phallocentric language that disturbs me most.
“We must batter down the doors of Westminster!'”
Batter? And what has Westminster to do with it? It’s in our hands. We’ll tell them when it’s time.
We smash our “foes” and “enemies”!
Smash?
I’m twitchy about labelling other democratic parties enemies. I doubt it will go down well with those who have hitherto voted for them.
“But – but – Labour are enemies of Scotland! Brown! Darling! Murphy!”
Who are they? Are they involved in Scottish politics? Who’s the threat? Kezia Dugdale? I don’t think so. Relax. Don’t worry if a few voters feel that Labour represents them, even if you’d rather see them swept out.
People who often love to flaunt what they did at indyref – which, remember, we lost – tell me we have to be tough. Shout at voters. #BothVotesSNP!
And I am truly, truly alarmed by the concept of enemies of Scotland. One of the scariest things I have seen on an indy Facebook page was a cybernat – a respected one – telling a No voter: “If you’re so fond of their policies, why don’t you go and live there?”
It’s a practical matter. This just won’t build the vote. No matter how passionate folk are, we must respect voters’ diverse starting points. Engage them in conversation. Let them make their own minds up. I’m a lover, not a fighter.
But apparently I’m naive. People who often love to flaunt what they did at indyref – which, remember, we lost – tell me we have to be tough. Shout at voters. #BothVotesSNP!
We can largely ignore them. A huge whack of voters will be voting SNP twice anyway. So why am I bothered? Partly because I’m a democrat. Partly because I don’t support some of what the SNP is doing, but mainly because I actually want to see a better Scotland at the end of this.
Scotland has a problem with masculinity. There are frightened wee boys who get aggressive when they feel cornered. They need a cuddle. Maybe a biscuit. The bad men have gone away. Look at these 79 shiny seats.
Or slightly fewer. It doesn’t matter. We’ll get there.
Picture courtesy of the SNP