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For the latest news from Scotland see our ScotNews feed at:
https://electricscotland.com/scotnews.htm
Electric Scotland News
Have Your Say in the Future Governance of Scotland
MEDIA RELEASE: Tuesday, September 1, 2020.
This media release is issued by the Constitution for Scotland (CfS) - a registered charitable body (SCO 49193)
Have Your Say in the Future Governance of Scotland
A PUBLIC consultation, launched today (Tuesday, September 1, 2020), provides the first real opportunity for everyone interested in the future governance of Scotland, to contribute to the content of a draft written constitution for the future governance of Scotland.
This online consultation will be conducted via a fully independent and transparent website: www.constitutionforscotland.scot
A non-aligned Scottish charity - Constitution for Scotland (SCO 49193) – is providing an opportunity through an interactive, internet-based platform for a public consultation on a written constitution for Scotland in the event of regaining our independence.
A constitution is, in some ways, a job specification for parliamentarians, setting out the conditions under which the people of a nation agree to be governed. The consultation has evolved from a decision taken some 11 years ago by a 22-strong group of Scots to draft a 'model' written constitution for Scotland rather than just talk about the need for one.
The model constitution has been formulated to stimulate debate on specific proposals rather than vague notions - but is not in itself prescriptive. It is offered as the groundwork of a skeletal outline of the future fundamental law of Scotland - based on the concept of popular democracy. The document within the website contains a summary outlining the 15 articles that are set out into 174 sections within the 'model' constitution.
The interactive debate will provide choices, enabling participants to read either the summary or the full model constitution. You can choose to read the summary and then use a Quick vote facility, or, use the Links or Searchbox to locate a section of interest, and from that section another click will take you to the Vote, Amendment and Blog panels.
Then you may add your own ideas and comment on those of others. You will be able to return again and again to see the latest vote counts and rankings or update your own input and vote – right up to Independence Day.
When this consultation is concluded the politicians will know precisely what we want, and what we expect them to do about it, and that’s what a constitution is all about. And Scotland will have a constitution which truly represents a modern popular democracy.
The Constitution for Scotland (CfS), which was formally constituted as a Scottish charity in April 2019, advocates Scottish independence as a matter of community democracy and fundamentally exists to encourage consultation on a draft constitution. It is not aligned to any particular political party and all its activities are wholly financed by donations from supporters.
The charity, managed by four trustees, is chaired by Robert Ingram, a retired chartered marine engineer, who lives near Inverurie, Aberdeenshire. His three cotrustees are Ronald Morrison, Helensburgh, a retired accountant and entrepreneur; Lorraine Cowan, Uddingston, a senior college lecturer: and John Hutchison, a retired chartered civil engineer and community advocate, who lives near Fort William.
Robert Ingram explains: "It matters not whether you are for or against selfgovernance: we should all prepare for a positive outcome to a referendum that would enable Scotland to once again be a normal country making its own decisions. Being prepared is not just a good motto for Guides and Scouts.
Everyone will benefit from looking ahead and considering the political nature of a Scotland in full control of its own affairs, economy and resources.
"That is the thinking behind this initiative to conduct a public consultation on a written Constitution for Scotland. For all these reasons, this is not a job just for politicians: it is for every citizen to have a say in how he or she is to be governed and to make their priorities crystal clear.
(Ends)
NOTE: If you have any inquiries, please address them through: info@constitutionforscotland.scot
There is also a contact form on their website: www.constitutionforscotland.scot
-------
Beth Gay just noticed that there seems to be an animal or extraterrestrial in this picture. Can you spot it and if you can do you know what it might be???
Scottish News from this weeks newspapers
Note that this is a selection and more can be read in our ScotNews feed on our index page where we list news from the past 1-2 weeks. I am partly doing this to build an archive of modern news from and about Scotland as world news stories that can affect Scotland and all the newsletters are archived and also indexed on Google and other search engines. I might also add that in a number of newspapers you will find many comments which can be just as interesting as the news story itself and of course you can also add your own comments if you wish which I do myself from time to time.
The Government should challenge Irish America’s lies about the Good Friday Agreement
The idea the Internal Market Bill threatens the GFA is contemptible nonsense
Read more at:
https://capx.co/the-government-shoul...day-agreement/
Covid: Propaganda seems to trump reality in Scotland and the US
Scotland has a higher death rate than Donald Trump’s America and it doesn’t seem to do the SNP any harm, writes Brian Wilson.
Read more at:
https://www.scotsman.com/news/opinio...wilson-2977003
EU panic as companies flee bloc for bright future in Britain
Think Tank Director for The Bruges Group, Robert Oulds, argued Britain's Brexit future looks bright. During an interview with Express.co.uk, Mr Oulds claimed companies that have resided in the EU will leave in favour of operating out of the UK.
Read more at:
https://www.express.co.uk/news/polit...-deal-business
George Galloway launches campaign to oust SNP leader
NICOLA STURGEON is facing a new crisis after a campaign was launched for a vote of no confidence to be called in Scotland's First Minister and her SNP Government.
Read more at:
https://www.express.co.uk/news/polit...eorge-galloway
California Burnin’ - a Warning Against One-Party Rule
Fires, blackouts, high taxes, poverty, scarce housing, urban squalor, lousy schools - it’s a wonder anybody stays.
Read more at:
https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/ar...one-party-rule
Why porridge is the great Scottish staple that has survived the test of time
With porridge still a regular at breakfast tables across the land, Brian Stormont looks at the history of a true Scottish classic.
Read more at:
https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/life...-test-of-time/
Scotland 1707-1914
The Union adjusts and consolidates
Read more at:
https://www.thinkscotland.org/todays...ead_full=14265
The EU Withdrawal Agreement - why UK law must prevail
A single unified internal market is a key block in the constitutional foundations of the United Kingdom.
Read more at:
https://lawyersforbritain.org/the-eu...w-must-prevail
The World Trade Organization is in urgent need of a reality check
The WTO has achieved no serious trade liberalisation for 25 years - it's high time for change
Read more at:
https://capx.co/the-world-trade-orga...reality-check/
Why my (very) little pony should keep working
Island researcher on secret of tiny Shetland icons’ long lives
Read more at:
https://www.sundaypost.com/fp/why-my...ons-long-lives
The best winter warmer Scottish recipes to get you through the cold nights
Thankfully, Scots have a lot of experience in dealing with the cold and over the centuries have perfected a rich selection of warming recipes that are sure to delight on these crisp, dark autumn nights.
Read more at:
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/scotla...cipes-22717743
Canadian PM Trudeau promises ambitious recovery plan
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has unveiled an ambitious plan for an unprecedented reality amid rising Covid-19 cases.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-54270735
UK's big advantage that will spark European dominance in post-Brexit space tourism
THE UK's position and capabilities mean that the nation is extremely well-placed to lead the world in the development of the space tourism industry post-Brexit, according to Space Committee Chair, David Morris.
Read more at:
https://www.express.co.uk/news/scien...y-david-morris
Michael Gove says Scottish independence worse than worst-case Brexit scenarios
Michael Gove has unveiled a series of worst case Brexit scenarios - but insisted Scottish independence would be worse than them all.
Read more at:
https://www.scotsman.com/news/politi...narios-2981653
Leaving the EU - Facts and Fiction
A video by the Bruges Group which you can watch at:
http://www.electricscotland.org/show...ts-and-Fiction
Note: the first 20 minutes are a bit distracting due to voce over's on the sound but worth sticking with.
Electric Canadian
14 Days Solo Camping in the Yukon Wilderness - The Full Documentary
The Full Documentary on YouTube at:
http://www.electricscotland.org/show...ll-Documentary
CPR
The Canadian Pacific,
The New Highway to the East, Across the Mountains, Prairies and Rivers of Canada. (pdf) which can be read at: http://www.electriccanadian.com/transport/cpr2.pdf
Algonkin and Huron Occupation of the Ottawa Valley
By T. W. E. Sowter, Ottawa (pdf)
You can read this at: http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...inhuronocc.pdf
Algonkin
Forrest & Park, Ontario (1866) (pdf)
You can read this at: http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...forestpark.pdf
Some Aspects of the Folk-Lore of the Central Algonkin
By Alanson Skinner (pdf)
You can read this at: http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...infolklore.pdf
The Second World War as a National Experience
Editor: Sidney Aster (1981) (pdf)
You can read this at: http://www.electriccanadian.com/forc...experience.pdf
Thoughts on a Sunday morning - 20th September 2020
By Rev. Nola Crewe
You can view this at: http://www.electricscotland.org/show...September-2020
Canadians of Long Ago
The story of the Canadian Indian by Kenneth E. Kidd (1951)
You can read this at: http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...st/longago.htm
“Gairloch” settlements in the 19th century
Wester Ross and the Canadian Maritimes By Liz Forrest August 2011 (pdf)
You can read this at: http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...nMaritimes.pdf
Electric Scotland
Gary Gianotti — Great Seal of the USA - Stuart Freemasonry
Added this video to the foot of his page at: https://electricscotland.com/history...sgreatseal.htm
Kirkpatrick Medallion
Got in a PowerPoint presentation of his find which you can read at the bottom of this page at:
https://electricscotland.com/webclan..._medallion.htm
The EU Withdrawal Agreement – why UK law must prevail
From Lawyers for Britain which can be read at:
https://lawyersforbritain.org/the-eu...w-must-prevail
The Caledonian Medical Journal
Edited by W. A. MacNaughton, M.A., M.D., D.P.B and Andrerw Little, M.B. C.M. (1904) (pdf).
Contains notes on old Gaelic Medical Manuscripts which you can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...ianmedical.pdf
Buchannan Banner Newsletter
For October 2020 which can be read at: https://electricscotland.com/familyt...anan/index.htm
The Imperial Magazine
Compendium of Religious, Moral and Philosophical Knowledge comprehending Religion, Literature, Moral Philosophy or Ethics, Chemistry, Historical Narrative, Antiquities, Domestic Economy, Trade, Miscellaneous Articles, Poetry, Review of Books. Volume 11 for 1829 (pdf)
You can read this at: https://electricscotland.com/lifesty...Magazine11.pdf
The Caledonian Tea-Table Miscellany Choice Songs by Robert Burns
Printed by Olivery & Boyd, Netherbow (1808) (pdf)
You can read this at: https://electricscotland.com/burns/T...llany_Choi.pdf
A Northern Nonconformist
Rev. Roderick MacKenzie of Avoch by the Rev. Principal J. Macleod, D.D. (pdf)
You can read this at: https://electricscotland.com/webclan...kMackenzie.pdf
Story
Scotland gains freedom from England, once more
North Carolinian becomes a hero after the Library of Congress reclassifies works
By Barbara Barrett 2008.
WASHINGTON — The beloved Scottish bard Robert Bums would trowe in ’is marble mausoleum had he heard of how the Yankees wanted to characterize his poetry.
They called it... English.
Have the folks at the U.S. Library of Congress never seen Braveheart?
Last year, the world’s foremost cataloguing experts peered into their decimal systems and concluded that Scottish works should fall within the confines of English. The bureaucratic blunder incited an international scandal. And a mild-mannered lawmaker from wee North Carolina became a hero to Scots of literary bent — making deals on the moors, wielding congressional might like the swords of his ancestors.
Any historian worth his bagpipes knows of Scotland’s bitterness after losing independence in a bloody war in the late 1200s against the English monarchy.
“You can imagine the insult,” said Mike McIntyre, North Carolinian, Scotsman, Democratic congressman and co-chairman of Congress’ Friends of Scotland Caucus.
The U.S. Library of Congress rises as one of the greatest troves of catalogued knowledge in the world. More than 138 million volumes rest there, each stamped with its own identifying classification.
Last spring, the experts decided to rejigg the system — putting Scottish, Welsh and Irish works together under the larger “English" heading.
"This was not a matter of ethnicity,” said Library of Congress spokesman Matt Raymond. “This was a matter of language.”
This was seen as a bad idea.
"That was a scandal," said Patrick Scott, who runs the world's largest collection of Scottish works outside Scotland, at the University of South Carolina. “It was outrageous.”
Overseas, the National Library of Scotland learned of the change. So did the London Times, which gleefully scoffed with a splashy story in December.
The Library of Congress decided quietly to reverse its decision. But no official word arrived to soothe restless Scottish hearts.
But as it happened, McIntyre was traveling to the windswept highlands in early January on other matters. And in McIntyre, Scotland had one of its great champions.
So. in the manner of Highland warriors, McIntyre drew his weapon: the telephone. He called his office, which called the Library of Congress, which called the Scottish Affairs office within the British Embassy. Memos were written, signatures scrawled, faxes sent — all within just a few hours.
Just as Robert the Bruce routed the English at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, so McIntyre carried the day.
“The Library... has decided to reinstate all the previously existing headings for Scottish literature and Scottish poetry,” wrote James H. Billington, the Librarian of Congress, in his letter to the National Library of Scotland.
In Edinburgh, they held a news conference the next day.
Even McIntyre marveled.
“That’s the quickest action of any caucus I’ve been involved in,” he said.
Rep. Mike McIntyre carried the day for Scots all over the world.
END.
And that's it for this week and hope you all have a great weekend and mind and keep your distance, wash your hands and stay safe. Don't be stupid or selfish and instead be considerate of others and wear a mask if going shopping or into a crowded place and consider whether you should indeed go into a crowded space in the first place.
Also there are no free lunches. While we are spending billions on this pandemic it will need to be paid back by the tax payer in the years ahead.
Alastair
https://electricscotland.com/scotnews.htm
Electric Scotland News
Have Your Say in the Future Governance of Scotland
MEDIA RELEASE: Tuesday, September 1, 2020.
This media release is issued by the Constitution for Scotland (CfS) - a registered charitable body (SCO 49193)
Have Your Say in the Future Governance of Scotland
A PUBLIC consultation, launched today (Tuesday, September 1, 2020), provides the first real opportunity for everyone interested in the future governance of Scotland, to contribute to the content of a draft written constitution for the future governance of Scotland.
This online consultation will be conducted via a fully independent and transparent website: www.constitutionforscotland.scot
A non-aligned Scottish charity - Constitution for Scotland (SCO 49193) – is providing an opportunity through an interactive, internet-based platform for a public consultation on a written constitution for Scotland in the event of regaining our independence.
A constitution is, in some ways, a job specification for parliamentarians, setting out the conditions under which the people of a nation agree to be governed. The consultation has evolved from a decision taken some 11 years ago by a 22-strong group of Scots to draft a 'model' written constitution for Scotland rather than just talk about the need for one.
The model constitution has been formulated to stimulate debate on specific proposals rather than vague notions - but is not in itself prescriptive. It is offered as the groundwork of a skeletal outline of the future fundamental law of Scotland - based on the concept of popular democracy. The document within the website contains a summary outlining the 15 articles that are set out into 174 sections within the 'model' constitution.
The interactive debate will provide choices, enabling participants to read either the summary or the full model constitution. You can choose to read the summary and then use a Quick vote facility, or, use the Links or Searchbox to locate a section of interest, and from that section another click will take you to the Vote, Amendment and Blog panels.
Then you may add your own ideas and comment on those of others. You will be able to return again and again to see the latest vote counts and rankings or update your own input and vote – right up to Independence Day.
When this consultation is concluded the politicians will know precisely what we want, and what we expect them to do about it, and that’s what a constitution is all about. And Scotland will have a constitution which truly represents a modern popular democracy.
The Constitution for Scotland (CfS), which was formally constituted as a Scottish charity in April 2019, advocates Scottish independence as a matter of community democracy and fundamentally exists to encourage consultation on a draft constitution. It is not aligned to any particular political party and all its activities are wholly financed by donations from supporters.
The charity, managed by four trustees, is chaired by Robert Ingram, a retired chartered marine engineer, who lives near Inverurie, Aberdeenshire. His three cotrustees are Ronald Morrison, Helensburgh, a retired accountant and entrepreneur; Lorraine Cowan, Uddingston, a senior college lecturer: and John Hutchison, a retired chartered civil engineer and community advocate, who lives near Fort William.
Robert Ingram explains: "It matters not whether you are for or against selfgovernance: we should all prepare for a positive outcome to a referendum that would enable Scotland to once again be a normal country making its own decisions. Being prepared is not just a good motto for Guides and Scouts.
Everyone will benefit from looking ahead and considering the political nature of a Scotland in full control of its own affairs, economy and resources.
"That is the thinking behind this initiative to conduct a public consultation on a written Constitution for Scotland. For all these reasons, this is not a job just for politicians: it is for every citizen to have a say in how he or she is to be governed and to make their priorities crystal clear.
(Ends)
NOTE: If you have any inquiries, please address them through: info@constitutionforscotland.scot
There is also a contact form on their website: www.constitutionforscotland.scot
-------
Beth Gay just noticed that there seems to be an animal or extraterrestrial in this picture. Can you spot it and if you can do you know what it might be???
Scottish News from this weeks newspapers
Note that this is a selection and more can be read in our ScotNews feed on our index page where we list news from the past 1-2 weeks. I am partly doing this to build an archive of modern news from and about Scotland as world news stories that can affect Scotland and all the newsletters are archived and also indexed on Google and other search engines. I might also add that in a number of newspapers you will find many comments which can be just as interesting as the news story itself and of course you can also add your own comments if you wish which I do myself from time to time.
The Government should challenge Irish America’s lies about the Good Friday Agreement
The idea the Internal Market Bill threatens the GFA is contemptible nonsense
Read more at:
https://capx.co/the-government-shoul...day-agreement/
Covid: Propaganda seems to trump reality in Scotland and the US
Scotland has a higher death rate than Donald Trump’s America and it doesn’t seem to do the SNP any harm, writes Brian Wilson.
Read more at:
https://www.scotsman.com/news/opinio...wilson-2977003
EU panic as companies flee bloc for bright future in Britain
Think Tank Director for The Bruges Group, Robert Oulds, argued Britain's Brexit future looks bright. During an interview with Express.co.uk, Mr Oulds claimed companies that have resided in the EU will leave in favour of operating out of the UK.
Read more at:
https://www.express.co.uk/news/polit...-deal-business
George Galloway launches campaign to oust SNP leader
NICOLA STURGEON is facing a new crisis after a campaign was launched for a vote of no confidence to be called in Scotland's First Minister and her SNP Government.
Read more at:
https://www.express.co.uk/news/polit...eorge-galloway
California Burnin’ - a Warning Against One-Party Rule
Fires, blackouts, high taxes, poverty, scarce housing, urban squalor, lousy schools - it’s a wonder anybody stays.
Read more at:
https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/ar...one-party-rule
Why porridge is the great Scottish staple that has survived the test of time
With porridge still a regular at breakfast tables across the land, Brian Stormont looks at the history of a true Scottish classic.
Read more at:
https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/life...-test-of-time/
Scotland 1707-1914
The Union adjusts and consolidates
Read more at:
https://www.thinkscotland.org/todays...ead_full=14265
The EU Withdrawal Agreement - why UK law must prevail
A single unified internal market is a key block in the constitutional foundations of the United Kingdom.
Read more at:
https://lawyersforbritain.org/the-eu...w-must-prevail
The World Trade Organization is in urgent need of a reality check
The WTO has achieved no serious trade liberalisation for 25 years - it's high time for change
Read more at:
https://capx.co/the-world-trade-orga...reality-check/
Why my (very) little pony should keep working
Island researcher on secret of tiny Shetland icons’ long lives
Read more at:
https://www.sundaypost.com/fp/why-my...ons-long-lives
The best winter warmer Scottish recipes to get you through the cold nights
Thankfully, Scots have a lot of experience in dealing with the cold and over the centuries have perfected a rich selection of warming recipes that are sure to delight on these crisp, dark autumn nights.
Read more at:
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/scotla...cipes-22717743
Canadian PM Trudeau promises ambitious recovery plan
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has unveiled an ambitious plan for an unprecedented reality amid rising Covid-19 cases.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-54270735
UK's big advantage that will spark European dominance in post-Brexit space tourism
THE UK's position and capabilities mean that the nation is extremely well-placed to lead the world in the development of the space tourism industry post-Brexit, according to Space Committee Chair, David Morris.
Read more at:
https://www.express.co.uk/news/scien...y-david-morris
Michael Gove says Scottish independence worse than worst-case Brexit scenarios
Michael Gove has unveiled a series of worst case Brexit scenarios - but insisted Scottish independence would be worse than them all.
Read more at:
https://www.scotsman.com/news/politi...narios-2981653
Leaving the EU - Facts and Fiction
A video by the Bruges Group which you can watch at:
http://www.electricscotland.org/show...ts-and-Fiction
Note: the first 20 minutes are a bit distracting due to voce over's on the sound but worth sticking with.
Electric Canadian
14 Days Solo Camping in the Yukon Wilderness - The Full Documentary
The Full Documentary on YouTube at:
http://www.electricscotland.org/show...ll-Documentary
CPR
The Canadian Pacific,
The New Highway to the East, Across the Mountains, Prairies and Rivers of Canada. (pdf) which can be read at: http://www.electriccanadian.com/transport/cpr2.pdf
Algonkin and Huron Occupation of the Ottawa Valley
By T. W. E. Sowter, Ottawa (pdf)
You can read this at: http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...inhuronocc.pdf
Algonkin
Forrest & Park, Ontario (1866) (pdf)
You can read this at: http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...forestpark.pdf
Some Aspects of the Folk-Lore of the Central Algonkin
By Alanson Skinner (pdf)
You can read this at: http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...infolklore.pdf
The Second World War as a National Experience
Editor: Sidney Aster (1981) (pdf)
You can read this at: http://www.electriccanadian.com/forc...experience.pdf
Thoughts on a Sunday morning - 20th September 2020
By Rev. Nola Crewe
You can view this at: http://www.electricscotland.org/show...September-2020
Canadians of Long Ago
The story of the Canadian Indian by Kenneth E. Kidd (1951)
You can read this at: http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...st/longago.htm
“Gairloch” settlements in the 19th century
Wester Ross and the Canadian Maritimes By Liz Forrest August 2011 (pdf)
You can read this at: http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...nMaritimes.pdf
Electric Scotland
Gary Gianotti — Great Seal of the USA - Stuart Freemasonry
Added this video to the foot of his page at: https://electricscotland.com/history...sgreatseal.htm
Kirkpatrick Medallion
Got in a PowerPoint presentation of his find which you can read at the bottom of this page at:
https://electricscotland.com/webclan..._medallion.htm
The EU Withdrawal Agreement – why UK law must prevail
From Lawyers for Britain which can be read at:
https://lawyersforbritain.org/the-eu...w-must-prevail
The Caledonian Medical Journal
Edited by W. A. MacNaughton, M.A., M.D., D.P.B and Andrerw Little, M.B. C.M. (1904) (pdf).
Contains notes on old Gaelic Medical Manuscripts which you can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...ianmedical.pdf
Buchannan Banner Newsletter
For October 2020 which can be read at: https://electricscotland.com/familyt...anan/index.htm
The Imperial Magazine
Compendium of Religious, Moral and Philosophical Knowledge comprehending Religion, Literature, Moral Philosophy or Ethics, Chemistry, Historical Narrative, Antiquities, Domestic Economy, Trade, Miscellaneous Articles, Poetry, Review of Books. Volume 11 for 1829 (pdf)
You can read this at: https://electricscotland.com/lifesty...Magazine11.pdf
The Caledonian Tea-Table Miscellany Choice Songs by Robert Burns
Printed by Olivery & Boyd, Netherbow (1808) (pdf)
You can read this at: https://electricscotland.com/burns/T...llany_Choi.pdf
A Northern Nonconformist
Rev. Roderick MacKenzie of Avoch by the Rev. Principal J. Macleod, D.D. (pdf)
You can read this at: https://electricscotland.com/webclan...kMackenzie.pdf
Story
Scotland gains freedom from England, once more
North Carolinian becomes a hero after the Library of Congress reclassifies works
By Barbara Barrett 2008.
WASHINGTON — The beloved Scottish bard Robert Bums would trowe in ’is marble mausoleum had he heard of how the Yankees wanted to characterize his poetry.
They called it... English.
Have the folks at the U.S. Library of Congress never seen Braveheart?
Last year, the world’s foremost cataloguing experts peered into their decimal systems and concluded that Scottish works should fall within the confines of English. The bureaucratic blunder incited an international scandal. And a mild-mannered lawmaker from wee North Carolina became a hero to Scots of literary bent — making deals on the moors, wielding congressional might like the swords of his ancestors.
Any historian worth his bagpipes knows of Scotland’s bitterness after losing independence in a bloody war in the late 1200s against the English monarchy.
“You can imagine the insult,” said Mike McIntyre, North Carolinian, Scotsman, Democratic congressman and co-chairman of Congress’ Friends of Scotland Caucus.
The U.S. Library of Congress rises as one of the greatest troves of catalogued knowledge in the world. More than 138 million volumes rest there, each stamped with its own identifying classification.
Last spring, the experts decided to rejigg the system — putting Scottish, Welsh and Irish works together under the larger “English" heading.
"This was not a matter of ethnicity,” said Library of Congress spokesman Matt Raymond. “This was a matter of language.”
This was seen as a bad idea.
"That was a scandal," said Patrick Scott, who runs the world's largest collection of Scottish works outside Scotland, at the University of South Carolina. “It was outrageous.”
Overseas, the National Library of Scotland learned of the change. So did the London Times, which gleefully scoffed with a splashy story in December.
The Library of Congress decided quietly to reverse its decision. But no official word arrived to soothe restless Scottish hearts.
But as it happened, McIntyre was traveling to the windswept highlands in early January on other matters. And in McIntyre, Scotland had one of its great champions.
So. in the manner of Highland warriors, McIntyre drew his weapon: the telephone. He called his office, which called the Library of Congress, which called the Scottish Affairs office within the British Embassy. Memos were written, signatures scrawled, faxes sent — all within just a few hours.
Just as Robert the Bruce routed the English at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, so McIntyre carried the day.
“The Library... has decided to reinstate all the previously existing headings for Scottish literature and Scottish poetry,” wrote James H. Billington, the Librarian of Congress, in his letter to the National Library of Scotland.
In Edinburgh, they held a news conference the next day.
Even McIntyre marveled.
“That’s the quickest action of any caucus I’ve been involved in,” he said.
Rep. Mike McIntyre carried the day for Scots all over the world.
END.
And that's it for this week and hope you all have a great weekend and mind and keep your distance, wash your hands and stay safe. Don't be stupid or selfish and instead be considerate of others and wear a mask if going shopping or into a crowded place and consider whether you should indeed go into a crowded space in the first place.
Also there are no free lunches. While we are spending billions on this pandemic it will need to be paid back by the tax payer in the years ahead.
Alastair