Honest, competent, transparent, safe… these are just some of the words I would never use to describe John Swinney. Although first minister by default, he is a failure. The loyal consigliere – his role now seems to be a reprise his last stint as SNP leader and take the fall for the next electoral defeat.Continue reading “Honest John?”
Tag Archives: Propaganda
Freezer Burn
The Scottish National Party’s (SNP) proposed council tax freeze is criticised for potentially damaging local government finances and services. Critics argue that the short-term benefit to taxpayers will result in long-term losses as councils will have to cut services due to funding shortfalls, affecting mostly those who are reliant on such services. Additionally, the policy is seen as undermining local autonomy by limiting councils’ ability to generate revenue. Various councils and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) have voiced their opposition.
Bold Claims
A 2021 article from ‘Briefings for Britain’ is still being shared, where it makes several claims about the impact of Brexit on the UK concerning the economy and trade. Their claims were over-optimistic at the time and, in the context of the past two years, are not a fair commentary on the impact of Brexit.Continue reading “Bold Claims”
Putting the Con in Constitution
A Constitution for an Independent Scotland: A Populist’s Dream or a Misuse of Public Funds? While the idea of a written constitution for an independent Scotland may seem appealing, the Scottish National Party’s (SNP) proposal is fraught with potential pitfalls, oversimplifications, and a lack of detail that raises serious questions about its feasibility and theContinue reading “Putting the Con in Constitution”
The Lady Doth Protest Too Much
The lady doth protest too much, methinks. Queen Gertrude, Hamlet, Act 3, Scene 2 In politics, the phrase “the lady doth protest too much, methinks” from Hamlet often rings true. This line, uttered by Queen Gertrude, suggests that an overabundance of denial or protestation can inadvertently reveal the truth. Politicians, in their quest to maintainContinue reading “The Lady Doth Protest Too Much”
Pushing the Envelope
When people of influence are caught with envelopes of cash, it rarely ends well for them It’s about as grubby and corrupt a scene as you can find in popular culture; the trope of “envelopes of cash” is often used in films and television shows to depict bribery and corruption. It has become a cliché,Continue reading “Pushing the Envelope”
Empire State
Scotland: Colony or Coloniser? “The primary aim of propaganda is, of course, to influence contemporary opinion, but those who rewrite history do probably believe with part of their minds that they are actually thrusting facts into the past.” Notes on Nationalism – George Orwell It’s sadly become a nationalist trope to claim Scotland is aContinue reading “Empire State”
Who were better? Take That, or New Kids On the Block?
Take That and New Kids on the block were both bands who gained commercial success from the early 1990s. While both groups have had their share of successes and devoted fans, there has been ongoing debate among music fans and critics about which group is superior. In this analysis, used music theory and statistical analysisContinue reading “Who were better? Take That, or New Kids On the Block? “
Textbook Disinformation
All Quiet on the SNP Front? In Scotland we see two, literally, textbook disinformation strategies from the Scottish National Party. The textbook in question being “Propaganda & Persuasion – Garth S. Jowett, Victoria O’Donnell”. As a communication process ‘disinformation’ is described by two models developed by Jowett and O’Donnell. The deflective source model, and theContinue reading “Textbook Disinformation”
The Populist's Playbook 