CommonSpace launches campaign for alternative gift to America to show support for those fighting for equality after Theresa May’s decision to give Donald Trump a ‘Scots’ gift
THERESA MAY will present Donald Trump with a quaich – a Scottish cup of friendship – during a visit to the US tomorrow (26 January) , where she will plead for a special relationship with the leader who wants to build walls between countries.
In response, CommonSpace is launching a campaign to offer our own gift of solidarity, by the people of Scotland, for the people of America, to say that we support your struggle against intolerance, and we stand shoulder to shoulder with you every step of the way.
The opposition to Trump’s presidential campaign here was high profile and notable. The leaders of Scotland’s major political parties had no hesitancy in expressing their disdain for his views.
As Theresa May prepares to handover her gifts to Trump, we want to know what CommonSpace readers think Scotland should send as our alternative gift to the American people.
And in Scotland, the US presidency is not our only experience of Donald Trump. The billionaire tycoon has been at the centre of a long running, bitter campaign to build golf courses in Scotland by trying to rip people from their homes to secure land. He has also attempted to block the development of vital windfarms in order to protect his business interests, in a clear sign of contempt for Scotland’s economic and environmental needs.
The people of Scotland know Trump well, and we extend the hand of friendship to the good people of America now resisting his policies.
We stand together with all of those on the Women’s March, with Black Lives Matter, with LGBT+ rights groups, with human rights campaigners, with immigrants living in the US, and with all those under threat.
CommonSpace editor Angela Haggerty said: “The idea of Donald Trump receiving a Scottish cup of friendship nearly made me spit out my tea when I heard the news, and I realised immediately that people in Scotland would likely want to make their voices heard on the matter.
“We thought the idea of presenting an alternative gift, from the people to the people, would be a great, positive way of sending a strong message.”
As Theresa May prepares to handover her gifts to Trump, we want to know what CommonSpace readers think Scotland should send as our alternative gift to the American people.
What do you think best symbolises hope and solidarity in Scotland? Is there an object associated with Scotland’s great history of political activism?
Edit deadline extended: Comment below, tell us on social media (Twitter and Facebook) or email us in at media@common.scot before Monday 30 January at 5pm.
Once the perfect gift has been chosen, we’ll organise a handover to a representative in America who can receive it on behalf of the US movement for fairness and equality.
Scotland stands with America. The people stand with the people.
Picture: CommonSpace
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