I have always believed that while a political party can change a government, only a movement can truly change a country. Or the world.I got a glimpse of the power of a movement during the Quebec student protests.When for a while at least, young and old came together to challenge the
Continue readingTag: Scottish independence
Montreal Simon: Scottish Independence and Some Lessons for Canada
With just 15 days to go before the Scottish referendum, a new poll has confirmed the trend that I wrote about yestarday. The YES side is surging, and Scotland could be soon heading for independence. The poll by YouGov showed the unionist lead had shrunk to 6 percentage points from 22
Continue readingMontreal Simon: The Harperland Summer and the Country Where Hope Lives
It's Labour Day. The Snowbirds are roaring over my house for the last time, heading for the CNE air show on the other side of the island. It feels like summer is over.And the roar of the jets only reminds me of what a cataclysmic summer it has been. The
Continue readingMontreal Simon: The Scottish Referendum and the Patronizing NO Lady
With just three weeks to go before the independence referendum things are definitely heating up in Scotland.Especially since the leader of the YES side was declared the winner of last Monday's TV debate.And polls suggest the gap between the two sides is narrowing as the momentous decision approaches. Read more »
Continue readingMontreal Simon: Scottish Independence and the Struggle for a Con Free Country
It's now less than a month before the people of Scotland will vote YES or NO to independence.And some Canadian newspapers have been running stories, mostly comparing the campaign to the one during the last Quebec referendum.But after spending a couple of weeks in Scotland recently, I have to say
Continue readingMontreal Simon: Scottish Independence and the Search for the New Left
OK. So it's probably not the best time to leave Canada. Not in the middle of that tragically short warm period we call summer in the Great White North.But politically it's the dead season here, or even deader than usual.While in Scotland where I'm going, it's very much alive. Read more »
Continue readingMontreal Simon: How To Motivate Young Canadians to Vote (Part Two)
Last week I wrote a post looking at how important it is to get more young Canadians to vote in the next election.Because if more of them do vote, we will almost surely defeat Stephen Harper. I said that if you want them to cast a ballot, first you must move
Continue readingMontreal Simon: Robbie Burns and the Scottish Independence Question
Well today is Robbie Burns Day, and all over the world tonight the Tartan Army is marking the bard's birthday, piping in the haggis, and no doubt drinking heavily.And although I don't drink, and I don't eat the awful offal.I'm extremely proud of my Scottish heritage.And this is a momentous
Continue readingMontreal Simon: Scottish Independence and Some Lessons for Canadians
Well for a brief moment today I was able to escape the grim, grey, reality of Harperland. My body was in soggy Toronto, but my heart was in Edinburgh. Because one year from now Scotland will hold a referendum to determine whether it wants to become an independent country. And
Continue readingMontreal Simon: Robbie Burns and the Rebel Voice
Well today was Robbie Burns Day, the most sacred day of the Old Scottish Calendar.And no doubt all over the world the Tartan Army was drinking heavily, and eating the horrible haggis.But not me eh?Because although I'm extremely proud of my Scottish heritage, I don't drink, I don't touch the
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