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What do you want to achieve in 2015?

felix said:
Well, we're doing our best. I've mentioned before that we've both joined the party recently. The next branch meeting is to decide which one of 4 people from the list are gonna run against our incumbent Labour Westminster MP. It's been an eye-opener to see how things are done at this level, but it's exciting and empowering to say the least.

It amazes and saddens me that the main "alternative" vote down in England is for some reactionary bunch of beer-swilling racists who are only pandering to the lowest common denonimator. Fuck that.
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Personally I think you're totally mad, each to their own though. I also don't think UKIP are racist in the slightest, certainly not by policy. Undoubtedly they have had some issues with cretins within their ranks but then so has every political party.

I don't really care about all that jazz though. Democracy is primarily a spectator sport for me and tbh I don't really believe in it.
 
Those who can do, those who can't teach.

I think base salary for a lecturer is a touch over $150 000, plus whatever you could bullshit your way in funding for some half cocked research assignment. I work on commission only base, plus a percentage of profits as my bonus. We turned over $3 million last financial year, with forecast of just under $4million this year. Our parent company is worth $5 billion and growing. And that's with me working Monday to Thursday. Trust me, only people who need an extra part time job because they are shit ever consider teaching in my profession.

I have a couple of recent graduates who I mentor. At least I then take a cut of what they generate.

There will be no more babies. Its great when your kids are old enough to critically analyse bullshit and become worthy minions. Up until then they are cute, but dead weight.

One of my mates flew london to Jamaica first class while his three kids sat back in economy and were baby sat by the air stewards. I didn't know that was a thing?? It's a holiday game changer. Although our sailing trip from Barcelona to Rome in April is strictly adults only.

Anyone know if Majorca is any good to go clubbing? I think we have a couple nights moored there
 
Lots of reasons. I don't see how Scotland will be better off as an independant nation for a start. How can a party fight for independance without having made provision for basic systems like currency/armed forces/trade relationships with other countries etc? What are you going to do when the Orkeny and Shetland Isles say hang on the rest of you can fuck off this is our oil? What are you going to do when the oil runs out?

I think it's a nice idea but not really thought through. Edinburgh's absolutely disastorous attempt at building a tram system doesn't exactly fill me with confidence for the country's ability to operate big scale projects either. Like I say I'm far from expert though.

Out of interest how does the SNP, a primarily socialist party, reconcile continuing to push for a policy that a majority of their countrymen have said they don't want with these basic principles?
 
THECATINTHEHAT said:
Lots of reasons. I don't see how Scotland will be better off as an independant nation for a start. How can a party fight for independance without having made provision for basic systems like currency/armed forces/trade relationships with other countries etc? What are you going to do when the Orkeny and Shetland Isles say hang on the rest of you can fuck off this is our oil? What are you going to do when the oil runs out?

I think it's a nice idea but not really thought through. Edinburgh's absolutely disastorous attempt at building a tram system doesn't exactly fill me with confidence for the country's ability to operate big scale projects either. Like I say I'm far from expert though.

Out of interest how does the SNP, a primarily socialist party, reconcile continuing to push for a policy that a majority of their countrymen have said they don't want with these basic principles?
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You talk as if there's gonna be an off/on switch come a successful referendum. Of course that's not gonna happen. It'll be a long drawn out process with concessions given on both sides.

We'll have our own armed forces. We'll have our own intelligence services. We'll continue to have major trade agreements with England and our other allies. (Plus Europe). Orkney & Shetland will be part of an independent Scotland whether they vote for or it or not - their oil funds will continue and will become an example to the rest of Scotland; they aren't under any threat. If they want to become even more independant from Scotland, that's a whole other campaign for them.

The Edinburgh tram system is a red herring. That's an example of local authority incompetence, not Scottish Government incompetence.

A majority of Scots at the polling stations were deceitfully and cynically robbed by a bunch of Westminster-based Tories/Yellow Tories/Red Tories whose only concern was the retention of the status quo. They rolled out one of the most hated ex-PMs of the past few decades to lie to us, and lo and behold, the day after the referendum, David Cameron added some last-minute & surprising caveats to those promised concessions in "THE VOW".

It's gonna happen. :)
 
Of course it's not an on/off switch, but if I was to be a voter (and I probably could have got a vote in the referendum if I wanted) I would want some reasonably solid plans for concerns such as currency. How can I throw my weight behind a campaign when they haven't even told me what their plans are?

Regarding the Orkney/Shetland Isles it is a campaign for them, but it's an issue for Scotland. The entireity of the economic plan was based on fossil fuels that essentially would belong to them if they wanted independance. What would happen if they decided that? Say no they can't have a referendum? Seems a hypocritical thing to do. The oil funds won't continue either, at some point they will run out. Ian Wood who is generally reckoned to be the industries foremost expert (as supported by Salmond) has said there's probably only 35 years of production left, maybe as little as 15.

Do you not think it's a touch rude of you to assume that the people who voted know don't know what they want or that their opinion is less valid than yours. Do you believe in democracy? Misled or not they gave their voice and the SNP as a supposedly socialist party is persevering with a policy shown to be unwanted by a majority in open democratic elections. If I had voted no I would be extremely offended that you were taking that view and second guessing my opinion like I was some sort of idiot simply because I had a different view.

I admire your optimism in believing it's going to happen, but it simply isn't imo. The only way I can see for it to happen is armed struggle and frankly no one in Scotland actually cares enough to organise that. Certainly not enough people to form a significant group, and even if there was the lessons of NI should probably teach that it's not the greatest idea. If it was my country and I honestly felt that my it's sovereignity had been violated against the will of the people to the detriment of the people then I would take the armed struggle route, but then I don't really believe in democracy...
 
THECATINTHEHAT said:
Of course it's not an on/off switch, but if I was to be a voter (and I probably could have got a vote in the referendum if I wanted) I would want some reasonably solid plans for concerns such as currency. How can I throw my weight behind a campaign when they haven't even told me what their plans are?

Regarding the Orkney/Shetland Isles it is a campaign for them, but it's an issue for Scotland. The entireity of the economic plan was based on fossil fuels that essentially would belong to them if they wanted independance. What would happen if they decided that? Say no they can't have a referendum? Seems a hypocritical thing to do. The oil funds won't continue either, at some point they will run out. Ian Wood who is generally reckoned to be the industries foremost expert (as supported by Salmond) has said there's probably only 35 years of production left, maybe as little as 15.

Do you not think it's a touch rude of you to assume that the people who voted know don't know what they want or that their opinion is less valid than yours. Do you believe in democracy? Misled or not they gave their voice and the SNP as a supposedly socialist party is persevering with a policy shown to be unwanted by a majority in open democratic elections. If I had voted no I would be extremely offended that you were taking that view and second guessing my opinion like I was some sort of idiot simply because I had a different view.

I admire your optimism in believing it's going to happen, but it simply isn't imo. The only way I can see for it to happen is armed struggle and frankly no one in Scotland actually cares enough to organise that. Certainly not enough people to form a significant group, and even if there was the lessons of NI should probably teach that it's not the greatest idea. If it was my country and I honestly felt that my it's sovereignity had been violated against the will of the people to the detriment of the people then I would take the armed struggle route, but then I don't really believe in democracy...
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The referendum was a referendum for Scottish/UK Independence; not a referendum for Scottish/UK/Cornish/Northern Ireland/Orkney&Shetland Indepependence. If the islands want to make an issue of it, they'll have more chance doing so in an independent Scotland, and as far as I'm personally concerned, let them do so.

Ian Wood ( my ex boss, btw) is only spoken of as an industry expert by the "no" parties"; not by Salmond. His only concern is to retain the status quo and go for that Lordship next. He's a mouthpiece for the government. He has no respect even in Aberdeen, let alone the rest of Scotland. He's a has been, the only thing he's achieved is to milk the actual oil companies dry via his service companies. He's made a shitload money out of the status quo and has zero interest in the betterment of Scotland.

Of course I believe in democracy (more than ever in my life), but democracy is a slow process. We are not just up against votes; we're up against powerful invested interests who will do anything to retain the status quo to keep the fucking British Establishment alive.

We have a shitload of Scottish Westminster MPs who only care about their status, impending knighthoods, lordships, and fucking expenses that need to kick to the curb. The sooner we get them down the road and replace them with actual normal people, the better.
 
I have no personal politican ambitions. I'm part of the grassroots.

And aye, I've watched The Wire, three times ;)
 
I noticed new jobs were high on people's list of priorities in 2015. While I hope I don't sound like too much of a prick saying this but have any of the good folk seeking work ever considered training to be a paramedic?

There is a massive countrywide shortage at the moment and we're desperate to take new people on. Yes it's long hours and sometimes thankless but the sense of achievement is overwhelming. Money isn't brilliant either with a newly qualified paramedic starting on 21,500 (27,950 for London) and rising after a couple of years to 27,950 (36,400 for London). That's basic wage though and you get a hefty unsociable hours bonus for night shifts and there is fuck loads of overtime so that can easily add another 30% to those figure making a qualified paramedic in London with a few years under their belt on 47k (ish) which isn't terrible.

The main good point about it is that while for most careers if you want to go to uni to get your degree and qualify it will land you in massive debts but the Ambulance Service pay for your studying years (IIRC it's 80% of the bottom of band for the first year then 85% in the second). The you come out with a degree in Paramedic Science and you're qualified. There's also amazingly cheap lease car scheme and loads of other benefits....not least of which is the incredibly sexy (not) green uniform, plus a fleece for winter, and a pair of Doc. Martins AND a high-vis jacket....I mean come on! Who could ask for more than that! :) :).

Seriously though, if you want to become a millionaire it's not the job for you...neither if your easily ruffled or squeamish but to go home at the end of the day and be able to say you've saved someones life is the best feeling in the world!!

I forget what the academic requirements are but they're not that high. The only thing that you MUST have is a driving license with no more than 3 points on it with full C1 entitlement (vehicles over 7 tonnes). Anyone who passed their test before 1996 automatically has this but if it was after that then you will need to take your C1 test. Also it's immediate rejection if you have ever been convicted of drink or drug driving. While there is a CRB check, having a criminal record won't automatically bar anyone depending of course what the conviction was for.

While I fully realise it's not the job for everyone there are some clever, empathetic folks here on EADD who I'm sure would be really good at it.

If anyone is (even remotely) interested drop me a PM and I'll get you all the details :) <3
 
I don't think my degree is going to get finished, I haven't even checked the score for my latest assignment :( So I think I'm going to write them a letter saying that although i've got plenty of time to do it, my brain is scrambled and all i can manage is painting and making things.

On the bright side, I'd love to properly start my business this year selling those things :)
 
felix said:
Nah in all seriousness I doubt if you really have your finger on the pulse. If you honestly believe Jim Murphy is going to lead a "bloodbath" in Scotland during the GM (sorry, GE), then I don't know what to tell you. Labour are finished up here.
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Err, I said labour are the ones facing a bloodbath. i.e. they're going to get slaughtered:

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felix said:
The referendum was a referendum for Scottish/UK Independence; not a referendum for Scottish/UK/Cornish/Northern Ireland/Orkney&Shetland Indepependence. If the islands want to make an issue of it, they'll have more chance doing so in an independent Scotland, and as far as I'm personally concerned, let them do so.
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How do you propose Scotland would survive without the income from fossil fuels?

Alex Salmond was repeatedly praising of Ian Wood's work throughout the independance campaign until he started speaking up about the fact that both sides were misquoting him and falsely representing his work.

There's no need to be so defensive, I would like to see a prosperous annd successful Scotland just as much as you and don't really care whether that's as part of the UK or as a seperate sovereign state. I just don't think there has been evidence of Scotland having the organisation to carry themselves independantly yet and remain as prosperous as they currently are.
 
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THECATINTHEHAT said:
Nah in all seriousness it will probably be Sturgeon looking at the bloodbath Labour seem likely to face in Scotland, but that's not going to bring independance a blind bit closer imo.
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Sorry - I misunderstood what you said here.

Didn't think I was being "defensive", really, I'm just stating my position as I see it.
 
I would seriously like to get myself a fulltime job. Throughout me being ill and having to go through chemo etc, my best friend of 20 years who is also my flatmate has been a Godsend to me. HE would cycle up to the hospital in the pouring rain after doing a full day at work to come & visit me & bring me books,magazines etc. At home he bought all fruit and healthier food than what we would usually eat and all of this he has helped me with while working a minimum wage job.
What a fucking great friend he is, if you ever have a friend as good as he is then you should consider yourself extremely blessed. Anyway the reason i want a job is so i could save up the cash to buy him the one thing he wants most which is an XBox One. I would love to see the look on his face when hopefully i can get to present him with one. He has tried saving to buy one but whenever he's built up a little bit of cash a bill comes along and wipes out his savings.
So yeah my ambition is to get him his XBox One as a thankyou for all he has done for me
 
maxalfie said:
I would seriously like to get myself a fulltime job. Throughout me being ill and having to go through chemo etc, my best friend of 20 years who is also my flatmate has been a Godsend to me. HE would cycle up to the hospital in the pouring rain after doing a full day at work to come & visit me & bring me books,magazines etc. At home he bought all fruit and healthier food than what we would usually eat and all of this he has helped me with while working a minimum wage job.
What a fucking great friend he is, if you ever have a friend as good as he is then you should consider yourself extremely blessed. Anyway the reason i want a job is so i could save up the cash to buy him the one thing he wants most which is an XBox One. I would love to see the look on his face when hopefully i can get to present him with one. He has tried saving to buy one but whenever he's built up a little bit of cash a bill comes along and wipes out his savings.
So yeah my ambition is to get him his XBox One as a thankyou for all he has done for me
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That's one fucking nice thought right there
 
Maxalfie - that's what you call a new year's resolution ('ere raasy - now that's some real christian(/human) behaviour)

Kate: Become more active in the SNP and fighting harder for an independent Scotland.

Laudable - i wish you and scotland the best of luck.

Note of caution on the SNP (not to patronise...). Do you read Craig Murray's blog? He's a bit egocentric sometimes so not sure how to take it, but i found it worrying what he said about being turned down for being an MP the other day. He says he was interviewed by the party and one of the questions was 'would you support the bedroom tax?' - he said no, and (he says) it lead to him being turned down. I guess the question was just to see how loyal to the leadersip he'd be in the event of a labour coalition, but it seems a worrying mentality to me (though an unsurprising one for professional politicians) - it doesn't seem to match the grass-roots independence campaign.

https://www.craigmurray.org.uk/archives/2014/12/disbarred/

I worry that the SNP was pretty neoliberal originally (eg ex-oil company man wee eck), and the move towards social democracy was a strategic move in the wake of labour's move to the right - i hope that the massive membership surge they've had since being more lefty will keep them honest.
 
I did read that, yes. At first glance it looks kinda outrageous - "SNP supporting the bedroom tax with the Tories???" - but it was clearly a HYPOTHETICAL test to see if he would follow party discipline when it comes down to it. It was probably an outrageously extreme example to give him, no doubt, but there may come a time in a coalition government when these people will have to suck up some short-term shit for the longer term greater good.

I'm sure most people are acutely aware of how quickly the Lib Dems sold themselves down the river as soon as they gained a semblance of power. All eyes will be on SNP members if they even think of pulling that shit too.

Btw our new First Minister is in no way a "Tartan Tory" who only shifted to the left as a popularity move. She's more left wing than Salmond, and that's saying something. Just cause Salmond used to work for the oil industry decades ago doesn't make him a bad person. Look at me. ;)
 
Wow you really are optimistic! If we hadn't just had the referendum I might beinclined to agree, I would be surprised if that didn't set you back a long time though.
 
felix said:
I did read that, yes. At first glance it looks kinda outrageous - "SNP supporting the bedroom tax with the Tories???" - but it was clearly a HYPOTHETICAL test to see if he would follow party discipline when it comes down to it. It was probably an outrageously extreme example to give him, no doubt, but there may come a time in a coalition government when these people will have to suck up some short-term shit for the longer term greater good.

I'm sure most people are acutely aware of how quickly the Lib Dems sold themselves down the river as soon as they gained a semblance of power. All eyes will be on SNP members if they even think of pulling that shit too.

Btw our new First Minister is in no way a "Tartan Tory" who only shifted to the left as a popularity move. She's more left wing than Salmond, and that's saying something. Just cause Salmond used to work for the oil industry decades ago doesn't make him a bad person. Look at me. ;)
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I just recognise how this works once you join the club and become more and more detached from the grass roots - we need to go away from that type of centralised party politics imo - i trust the loose collection of people called the radical indpendence campaign more on this score (and a model like Podemos is more my preference for how we should do politics - pie in the sky maybe, or an idea whose time is about to come...).

It's difficult as i also recognise the reality of how you have to be 'pragmatic' to get anywhere in how the system is structured now - i've just never seen anyone successfully reform the system from the inside (they just become the system, and what's left of their principles become small tweaks that help to maintain it), so the point has to come when you make a break of some sort - with the apparent political consciousness currently about in scotland, this might be the opportunity to actually do it (it doesn't need 'revolution' in the traditional sense, just something like chavez's political education of the lower classes to take control of their own politics (as has already been happening)).

I did have the idea that sturgeon was already on the left of the party, like leanne wood is in plaid cymru (was she originally given her deputy position as part of the strategy to attack labour from the left though?) - i just hope she doesn't succumb to the 'realities' of self-sustaining professional political life like the rest.
 
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