Horn Of Plenty

(source)

licquor pours across all floors

it is not possible to become

intoxicated today when

bota bag bleeds and seeps

its blood-red vintage while

weary herdsmen weep

and skin afresh, hanging

hircine hopes on kids

gathering yesterday’s grapes

for fresh pressing

remembering to decant

old with old, the new with new

and both willing the carver

with every bone in their bodies

to gouge with due caution

adhere with common sense

remember libation to providers

and secure for all, in celebration,

that the horn has plenty

Russian Roulette

This came as a song. Think one guitar, husky voice and slowish tempo. Or make up your own. I’m very democratic. 🙂 And I can’t quite get politics and the short and long term effects of austerity on so many people everywhere out of my head. 

Facing life’s rouletted wheel

Down barrel of a gun,

Bullet to the head would do,

Spent days nearly done.

Emptiness and hope devoid

One missile, once deployed,

Would end the pain, she can’t sustain,

Escape into the void.

He’s swept for mines upon his path

And joked at losing all,

Limbs and life and, lastly, hope

Prepared to take that fall.

A quicker blast than endless shells,

Wary everyday,

He’s the guy who’s being passed by

While gamblers poke and play.

Daughter, son, can’t be outdone,

They’re watching every stroke,

Nitro in their nostrils,

Aware they’re butt of jokes.

Nothing left to lose, they guess,

As parents lose their lot,

Power fracking system,

Systemic in its rot.

Grab the keys, on automatic,

Stakes higher than you know,

Hope berefted diffidence

Finds courage as it grows.

Dismal fog but headlights gleam,

Truth or dare the game,

No gamble on the future

When death and life’s the same.

You Need Us – Stop Abusing Us, Mister

What do you call it when someone says mean things about you?

What do you call it when someone says mean things about you that aren’t true?

What do you call it when someone takes from you but tries to make you feel bad about it?

What do you call it when someone tries to get others on side by lying about you?

There might be many alternative names for each of the questions.

Or one word that sums the whole lot up.

Abuse.

Look up the definition.

Noun or verb. Take your pick.

Scotland is NOT subsidised by the rest of the UK.

Yet again this morning I’ve heard that from another politician.

In fact, the records for the last 30 years tell the complete opposite.

Scotland’s Balance Sheet

Labour forced to admit Scotland isn’t subsidised.

The figures used are provided by GERS  – the same figures the UK government uses but manipulates to tell one side of a story.

The information is there. It has been there for years. Try the sixties – pre-oil boom. It is known by those who slander our name. It is known here. It needs to be known elsewhere. And widely.

One sure way to irrevocably break the union that the political mainsteam and media are so fond of is to continue to perpetuate the myth that we here in Scotland are the ‘subsidy junkies’, so earnestly spouted by every politician with a vested interest in maintaining the staus quo.

I am sick of listening to the lies.

I wanted independence so that we could manage our own affairs and not be dependent on the UK government allocating us a share that is less than what we contribute. Not because I don’t want to share. But because Scotland needs to run its own affairs completely to effect real change for the future of our children. Waiting for English controlled government via a bi-party monopoly to do so we will wait forever. Based on population size that’s a fact.

Do you think it was for love of union that the politicians fought the No campaign with promises of devomax? No way. The thought of losing Scotland’s taxes was more to the point.

Do you think the reason they are running scared of any deal with SNP is for fear of breaking up the union? No. They are afraid to be held account to promises made and run the risk of losing much needed revenue to prevent a much greater UK deficit than if Scotland were not contributing to the coffers.

But will they admit that? No chance. That the UK government should be dependent on a paltry nation of just over five million. In a pig’s eye will they admit it.

So let’s divide and conquer. Bite the hand that feeds. Vilify. Abuse. Negate any right to a voice.

In the absence of independence at this stage I want full fiscal autonomy. Keep the Barnett Formula. Keep English votes for English laws. I have no problem with that AS LONG AS we keep what we raise here. Being dependent on a proportionate share via policies decided elsewhere is not my idea of autonomy of any kind.

And yes there will be ups and downs. We know that. The UK government knows that. Ask them. Selective representaion of numbers evades the fact that the UK proportion of deficit exceeds that of Scotland. It evades the fact that the proportionate UK contribution to GDP is less than Scotland’s contribution. But waxes lyrical about the Barnett Formula.

The fact that politicians and media are still purveying the lie that Scotland takes more than it gives leads to the divisiveness being created NOT by SNP or any other Scot but by those who should know better and do better. Or maybe they don’t read their own statements. I doubt it. Read, masticated, spat out. Nasty taste.

At the point of no return from such divisiveness is the scenario where the union will end. Not by referendum. But in any spirit still hanging by a thread. And by the hands of the ones who claim to support and defend it.

Get the facts on the table.

You need us.

If you don’t want us, fine. I’m good with that. We can go. And take with us what is ours. Our national pride and right to autonomy. But you can’t have it both ways. Abuse will be answered one way or another.

It is no accident that SNP has grown in stature and volume here. They represent us, our voices, our needs.

The mistake the government is making is in believing or suggesting that SNP are the bogeyman.

We are the bogeymen. People informed. Because we made ourselves be. We needed to be. There is no going back from what has been put into public domain. Economics is one factor.

But just one.

The right to fair representation is the force.

I’m not even an SNP member but I will vote for them until the time comes that I can vote Green.

In my ideal UK right now there would be a force for change wrought by the voices of those from the Green party and other parties/independents who have real social justice and environment on their mind. There would be enough representation the length and breadth of the four countries to take every seat in parliament, rid ourselves of eltist, self-servers and work for the good of the whole nation and the rest of the world.

I know I’m a dreamer.

But I’m not the only one.

It’s time to give politics back to the people. Or take it.

But I will take no more abuse.

And neither will my children.

Not from anyone.

Would any mother or father do less?

That’s all we’re doing.

Defending ourselves and kids from abusive power

Wee Lassies’ Army…cooking with gas

It goes on,

Don’t let the facts get in the way

Of a story,

Resurrect the ogre,

Perpetuate the myth,

Decreed from history, told long ago,

Those fucking Scots, how very dare they,

Spin the stories,

Let’s just take the piss.

 

Imagine, how they dare,

Can you believe it,

Pretenders to the power,

Tin pot clans,

Might succeed in being somewhat pivotal in the ‘minster,

Well, fuck that joke, boys,

Something’s out of hand.

Tactical shall be the new way forward,

Vote for us – or enemy – now friend,

Let’s thwart the mighty minions

North of the border,

God forbid the union ever ends.

Rehash that tag, all ‘Better Together’,

You know the one, where we’re all family,

Make some empty promises and threaten,

Talk the talk but let’s not walk it,

Let’s not support what stands for democracy.

Let’s forget that maybe

They can read some,

Don’t hunt haggis with the heather up their kilts,

Don’t decorate the fronts of tins of shortbread,

Let’s keep on prodding till they’ve had it to the hilt.

I’ll scratch you up if you will scratch me,

I’ll grease your palms, I’ll even rub you down,

Just keep those SNP and that ‘wee lassie with a tin helmet,

Out of fair old, mighty London town.

We’ll crack some racist jokes, those Jocks can take it,

A hardy crew with wind blown up their arse,

We’ll blow a bit some more cause we’re all blawhards,

Let’s preach the poisoned politics of farce.

We’ll run a smear campaign,

But keep on with the mantra,

Blah, blah, blah and blah, blah, blah and Them

We’re all one nation, blah, blah, blah,

Well, of course, we are

If in nothing else, in name.

Could it be that some facts may be missing,

That anything to left just can’t be right,

That every other party joined in union

Are feart to speak some sense, so just talk shite.

http://politicalcompass.org/ 2015

It’s no secret that I voted Yes in the referendum for Scottish Independence in September of last year. Around 45% of the populace did. 55% did not. Whatever their reasons for voting No, democracy was seen to be served. More or less.

Immediately after the referendum, and since then, membership of the Scottish National Party has swelled. The popularity of the once favoured Labour Party here in Scotland has plummeted.

Where once Labour represented people who cared for a fairer and more just society, it has become almost indistinguishable from the Conservative Party, political pioneers of the ‘I’m alright Jack’ club.

Labour lost all credibility to many voters when they made a pact with the Tories and Lib Dems to help keep the union together no matter the consequences to the people and ideology they purported to represent.

This, together with their ongoing self-sabotage, while attempting to pursue self-preservation, has made them a joke in many parts of Scotland. And elsewhere.

There is, according to current polls, the distinct possibility that the SNP will take the vast majority of seats here in Scotland sending, according to some polls, in excess of 50 MP’s to Westminster out of a possible 59 allocated. Seats that Labour were complacent about, sure forever of their strength here. Cock-sure, you might say.

Losing so many seats to the SNP would be an affront to them and impact on whatever position they may hope to hold in central government. Either in power or as the main opposition party.

The major parties are in a shambles, trying to cobble together ‘what if’ scenarios, making for some strange bedfellow combinations. At least, in name. Not perhaps so strange when their political compass is identified.

Perhaps the, yet again, negative scaremongering that abounds comes more from the fact that SNP are left of centre in their politics rather than the fact that they still threaten the union.

But let’s feed the masses what fuels the fire.

Perhaps no one will notice.

We might even get to keep the status quo.

Perhaps.

And we all know where that leads us.

Right, right, right again, straight ahead and saluting authority and austerity at every right turn.

It’s all in the name, you see. The name of the game.

If you’re interested in knowing your own political compass the test can be taken here.

https://www.politicalcompass.org/

Apart from offering revealing insights into your own place on the map it makes for interesting viewing of some other countries.

You might not vote.

Why bother?

All the same.

All the part of the game.

 Just a name.

Till you find your aim.

A wee lassie with a tin helmet?

Naw!

How very fucking dare they!

This is a wee lassie with a tin helmet.

My wee lassie.

I’m not fighting for Scotland as an entity over all others. I’m fighting for justice and freedom from right wing authoritarianism. I don’t care what you call the parties. The only parties I’m interested in are all the wee lassies and lads. From wherever they hail. Party enough for me. And, by the gods, I’ll party when we have a government that’s for the people, serves the people and has aspirations beyond self-serving agendas.

Find your political compass.

Vote with that. At least let it be from your heart.

Mums, dads, anyone who gives a shit, find your compass. And, for fuck’s sake, vote with that. At least let it be because you know and not because you believe what you are told.

You want to talk tin hats, India!! America!  Australia! Canada! New Zealand! The E fucking U!

Don’t tell me that we have democracy as it was ever once envisaged. Left to right and every which way. THEY, not you or I, name the game.

My pot’s on. Such as it is. It is not THEIR world. It’s OURS! Pots and pans and weans. Wee lassies? I don’t think so.

Lads, today, you’re lassies! Tomorrow, we’re all people. All cooking with gas. Blaw that up yer kilt!

 

 

 

 

Keepers Of The Family Jewels

P.1 Oops!

P.2 What now?

P.1 I think I’ve dropped the economy…

P.2 Fuck! Not again!

P.1 It wasn’t my fault. (whiny voice inserted)

P.2 Well, we know it wasn’t your fault! It’s no fucker’s fault…never is. Just remember that line. Spin it and do the best you can to clean this mess up. It looks like you’ve whipped a tablecloth out from beneath the Thanksgiving table….what a mess. And hide that broken gravy boat or there’ll be hell to pay with the keepers of the family jewels.

P.1 The Royal Family?

P.2 (rolls eyes) No, Joe Public. Very attached he is to small mementoes and little matters like traditions and the family table.

P.1 He’s half the problem. Always wanting more and needing taken care of. If it weren’t for him and all his welfare needs I could make a much better job of this.

P.2 Sure you could, handsome. You just keep telling yourself that. And him.

P.1 But it’s true! He’s always looking for a free ride and needing health care and wages and stuff.

P.2 Hmmhmm. That’s right, so he is. Cheek of him, eh? Imagine him wanting us to spend his money on stuff he wants. What a liberty!

P.1 Well, it is. He doesn’t understand the global, socio-economic, political spectrum…

P.2 Neither do you. That’s why you keep dropping the damn thing. It’s slippery. Just try to keep a firm grip on the handle and not drop it again…at least, for a while.

P.1 But it’s broken now beyond repair. (eyeing fragments on the floor). What will I tell them? What’ll I do? (desperate whiny voice)

P.2 (covering ears) Stop with the whining already. It’s painful to listen to. And, if Joe hears it, we’ll all be up the creek without the thingies.

P.1 (can’t help hmself) But, what will I say?

P.2 Make a statement. Here, I have one prepared…I knew this was gonna happen again. I’ll get onto the banks and corporations, have a word with the other masters and get a replacement gravy boat ordered.

P.1 (scanning statement) Oh, this is good….tightening belts, living within means, stringent measures…Although it seems a bit familiar…

P.2 (rolling eyes) Yeah, well it would do. You made the same statement last time. I just rehashed it for you.

P.1 Aw, yeah! D’uh! I’d forgotten.

P.2 Well, let’s hope Joe Public has. Let’s go. We have a country to run….

(mumbles) ….into the ground.

(lights fade to shadow)

 

 

Pain’s Sin

Positioned for the flogging, bending double,

Head to knees, hands to ankles grasp and firmly grip,

Exposed back sweats anticipation, ears awaiting

Swish! another crack of whip.

Bleeding from the wounds not self-inflicted

But not tied or tethered there by chains or cord,

Safety self-assured by strongly spoken,

Enough! Desist! Over! Similar word.

Pain received or given, if consenting, strange to me

Tho’ all kinds it takes to make this world to spin,

But inflicting same, in name of austere measures

While quaffing champagne, that to me, is sin.

 

Follow, Follow, We Will Follow……dah, dah, dah

Numbers are a funny thing with only ten small digits.

0 up to number 9, attached to little widgets,

Reflecting much but not at all

For though they disappear,

It doesn’t mean an alien

Has suddenly appeared

And grabbed all people by their neck

And whisked them clean away,

I’m sure these lovely people are

Still at work or play.

 

It reminds me of when bankers said

That money had all gone.

Well, that can’t be true. Who’d burn it

Or why? They’d be stupid or forlorn.

The only answer I can see

For both, if there’s a reason,

Is someone’s hidden sacks and hoards

And plans on open season

For festive days with others’ stuff.

It makes me sick,

I’ve had enough

Of little games that people play

Or programs that

Go weird, astray.

 

I’m not too fretful of the ‘follows’,

No doubt it will be sorted.

I’m more concerned with politics

And how truth is so aborted.

Jiggling numbers nought to ten

Counting up then down again.

 

Looking for an honest one

A political superhero

Instead we get a load of rot.

We’re forced back down to zero.

I’ve said it once,

I’ll say it twice.

People don’t just melt

But, lucre? Well that’s different

You get the cards you’re dealt.

How sad to say that fiscal goals

And elaborate accounting

Destroy the truth and hope for some,

Leave honest citizens doubting.

 

Just to finish, let me say

If I’ve followed you before

And it looks like I’ve abandoned you

I’ll come knocking at your door.

Fickle, not is in my plan

But then that’s only me

I never really learned to count

Much more than up to three.

One for good, two for bad

And three, somewhere between.

All the rest is calculus

Not my forte, you will glean.

Place value I can understand

And find it fascinating,

But lying politicians, bankers,

These I find disgracing.

Just sayin’. 🙂