General
Sunday, 29 July 2012 02:08
48 Comments
By G.A.Ponsonby
A senior press officer at Glasgow2014, the official name for the organising committee for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, has been accused of tweeting against Alex Salmond and the independence referendum.
Stephanie Todd, an ex BBC broadcast Journalist, who now works as the Senior Press Officer for Glasgow2014, is alleged to have tweeted the following on Friday evening, just before the London Olympics opening ceremony:
"Poke in the eye to @alexsalmond and the #indyref #openingceremony #london2012 #ProudtobeBritish"
The tweet has since been deleted from her account, following a wave of angry reactions from followers and other tweeters.
Following questions from Newsnet Scotland to both Ms Todd and her boss at the Commonwealth Games organisation, Ms Todd subsequently locked her twitter account.
The tweet from the former BBC journalist prompted angry replies from other Tweeters.
“@stephanie_todd A poke in the eye to those working hard to deliver a fairer more prosperous Scotland?”
“@stephanie_todd Following your shocking “Poke in the eye” tweet, I hope you’re considering your position. Minimum? Apology. Ideally? Resign.”
“Oh dear. Seems like @stephanie_todd has forgotten who she works for.”
“@stephanie_todd She probably got the job for her political views.”
“I suspect @stephanie_todd bosses won't be happy. Her personal view just politicised her job. #Sillygirl”
“Wonder what @janetteharkess head of media @Glasgow2014 thinks of press officer @stephanie_todd comment "Poke in eye to salmond and #indyref"”
Press Officers for Non Governmental organisations are normally required to refrain from taking part in any political activities - they must be seen to be politically neutral in order to do their job.
Speaking to Newsnet Scotland an unnamed source said it would be highly inappropriate for someone employed as a Senior Press Officer in a committee which is in partnership with The Scottish Government, and which is responsible for organising the Commonwealth Games in 2014, to take an active role in political campaigning.
Newsnet Scotland has contacted both Ms Todd and her boss, Janette Harkess at Glasgow2014 to ask them to comment on the Tweets, but have yet to receive a reply from either.
The apparent attack on the First Minister on the day of the London Olympic ceremony coincides with claims by Unionist politicians that the event will undermine independence.
Speaking in the Scotland on Sunday newspaper, Labour MP Douglas Alexander claimed the £27 million ceremony, orchestrated by film Director Danny Boyle, undermined the Yes Scotland campaign with a message that there was nothing better than remaining in the Union.
Mr Alexander said: ““Friday’s opening ceremony was a big cultural moment that will impact on our sense of ourselves and politics here in Scotland even after the athletes have headed home. To win the referendum the Nationalists need to convince us that the rest of the UK has become so foreign a place with such different values that we should split apart.
“Friday’s ceremony did something completely different – by attempting to capture and define the essence of Britishness it reminded millions of us what we so cherish.”
He added: “It captured authentically a modern Britishness that is confident, generous, warm, inclusive and funny.
“From the NHS to Gregory’s Girl to Chris Hoy it was about who we are today. As Scots we may believe there’s nowhere better – but Friday reminded us there’s something bigger and why on earth would we want to give up part of who we are?”
The newspaper also published comments from Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser, who added: “There is always a danger of reading too much into these things, but I think we have seen a reclamation of British identity over the last year with the Queen’s Jubilee and the passage of the Olympic torch.
“The ceremony wasn’t just about London or about England, it was about the whole of the UK. No matter where they lived, I think people will have associated themselves with a lot of what they saw.”
Pro-Union supporters also tweeted about the ceremony’s impact. “After last night and the genuine pride people felt across the UK, why would you want to throw it all away with independence,” said one.
Another added: “Right, well, that’s the campaign to save the Union sorted. Who wouldn’t want to be part of that Britain?”
A Scottish government spokesman called the claims by Scottish Unionists, that the London Olympic ceremony damaged the case for independence, “puerile”.
“This puerile attempt to politicise the Olympics certainly wouldn’t win any medals. With the latest poll putting the SNP even further in the lead than last year’s election landslide, and independence ahead of every other constitutional option, Douglas Alexander and his colleagues in the Tory-led anti-independence campaign are clearly getting desperate,” he said.
He went on: “The First Minister loved every minute of the opening ceremony, and the Olympics are a global celebration of sport – with over 200 nations across the planet fielding the very best of their talent. This is time to get behind our athletes and sportsmen and women and cheer them on to success – Douglas Alexander and his straw-clutching colleagues in the anti-independence campaign would do better just to watch the Games.”
Recent opinion polls show that support for independence is the most popular when voters are offered the choice of independence, devo-max and no change. However it also revealed a nine per cent gap between those in favour of independence (36%) and those against (45%) when a straightforward Yes or No question is asked.
Comments
#
2012-07-29 03:28
Point 1: the lady concerned should be fired, pity Alexander couldn't follow her. Point 2: even the panel on the BBC's 'Culture Review' programme on Friday night stated that the Olympics will be forgotten within a fortnight. Point 3: we don't need to convince that the UK has become foreign; we only need to show how much the English hate us. No matter the forum, the English don't have a good word to say about Scotland and the Scots. In the face of this hatred, the 'no voters' appear to suffer from Stockhom Syndrome.
Those of you who don't like such negativity exposed should consider that English hostility towards us is as great as at any time in their history.
Those of you who don't like such negativity exposed should consider that English hostility towards us is as great as at any time in their history.
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2012-07-29 05:15
She has not long started her new job and this tweet was from her personal Twitter account. A silly tweet for a young woman in her new role. But it has been removed. I don't think that this is news. Lets not make this story bigger than it needs to be or she may well do well out of it.
She feels British and in the run up to the Opening ceremony she got a bit carried away. I think that if her employers choose to take any further action, then that is up to them.
I thought the Twitter replies to her comments were well balanced and factual in response to the comments that were made at the time. there is no need to get any more excited. Lets let her stand or fall on her ability to do her job.
You can find her Twitter account by putting her name into Google. Nothing very interesting going back until 8th March. Transport Scotland Tweet where she was on the right side of poor use of a Twitter account.
Interesting that @transformscot delete a tweet without apologising for the content? #rewritinghisto ry pic.twitter.com/5fbc6Ect
Here is the Tweet she is referring to
twitter.com/.../large
As for Douglas Alexander - shameful opportunistic politicking of a world sporting event.Aside from the trolls on Newspaper websites which can be very nasty and vindictive the English people aren't foreign to most Scots. The UK Government policy most definitely is.
Murdo Fraser was much more cautious than Danny about making a fool of him self.
Give it a few months and the Olympics will be a summer memory. Give it a year and it will be in the distant past, people will be focusing on the issues of the day. Possible ongoing banking crisis fiasco, jobs , fuel costs, NHS and education back in the forefront of peoples minds.
She feels British and in the run up to the Opening ceremony she got a bit carried away. I think that if her employers choose to take any further action, then that is up to them.
I thought the Twitter replies to her comments were well balanced and factual in response to the comments that were made at the time. there is no need to get any more excited. Lets let her stand or fall on her ability to do her job.
You can find her Twitter account by putting her name into Google. Nothing very interesting going back until 8th March. Transport Scotland Tweet where she was on the right side of poor use of a Twitter account.
Interesting that @transformscot delete a tweet without apologising for the content? #rewritinghisto ry pic.twitter.com/5fbc6Ect
Here is the Tweet she is referring to
twitter.com/.../large
As for Douglas Alexander - shameful opportunistic politicking of a world sporting event.Aside from the trolls on Newspaper websites which can be very nasty and vindictive the English people aren't foreign to most Scots. The UK Government policy most definitely is.
Murdo Fraser was much more cautious than Danny about making a fool of him self.
Give it a few months and the Olympics will be a summer memory. Give it a year and it will be in the distant past, people will be focusing on the issues of the day. Possible ongoing banking crisis fiasco, jobs , fuel costs, NHS and education back in the forefront of peoples minds.
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2012-07-29 12:54
Lets let her stand or fall on her ability to do her job.
Well as has been clearly stated, part of her job description is remaining neutral on political matters, she has failed miserably on that score.
Lets also consider her job, she is a senior PR official whose job it is to get as much support, either public or private, for the Commonwealth Games. That may also include getting sponsorship monies. To go out and alienate firstly the Scottish Government and secondly, a large section of the population is nothing short of a complete disaster.
As for She feels British and in the run up to the Opening ceremony she got a bit carried away - I'm sorry, she's supposedly a PR professional with a history in journalism, she of all people should realise the importance of public perception.
If, as she has clearly demonstrated, she cannot keep her personal feelings out of her job, then she should be fired, simple as that.
Well as has been clearly stated, part of her job description is remaining neutral on political matters, she has failed miserably on that score.
Lets also consider her job, she is a senior PR official whose job it is to get as much support, either public or private, for the Commonwealth Games. That may also include getting sponsorship monies. To go out and alienate firstly the Scottish Government and secondly, a large section of the population is nothing short of a complete disaster.
As for She feels British and in the run up to the Opening ceremony she got a bit carried away - I'm sorry, she's supposedly a PR professional with a history in journalism, she of all people should realise the importance of public perception.
If, as she has clearly demonstrated, she cannot keep her personal feelings out of her job, then she should be fired, simple as that.
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2012-07-29 06:26
So because we have all this happening in london with the jubilee and the olympics that is the case for staying in the union, eh no it isnt not by a long shot our referendum is being hijacked because pure panic for the unionists is setting in, they are going to appoint some one in Edinburgh to do a bit of spying for around £50.000 until the vote in 2014 and here was me thinking that the four stooges who incidently i cant remember the last time i saw them the main one being mr darling is he still with us what about lamont she is being a bit quite these days and cameron or is he trying to pick a fight with another so called wofmd tyrant we know how the last one ended up there was none still went to war just the same, Another added: “Right, well, that’s the campaign to save the Union sorted. Who wouldn’t want to be part of that Britain?” me being one who thinks the union is finished and why it the word union got a capital? i rest my case, if we are to believe this rubbish then someone has left the rolls at the bakers The ceremony wasn’t just about London or about England, it was about the whole of the UK. No matter where they lived, I think people will have associated themselves with a lot of what they saw.”
Pro-Union supporters also tweeted about the ceremony’s impact. “After last night and the genuine pride people felt across the UK, why would you want to throw it all away with independence,” said one. well we would still be part of this just like everyone else who turned up for this drivel and they feel proud im sure as an Independant nation even much prouder some contradiction as per usual, here is someone else with rubbish to ofload Speaking in the Scotland on Sunday newspaper, Labour MP Douglas Alexander claimed the £27 million (ye pull the other one try billions and over budget) ceremony, orchestrated by film Director Danny Boyle, (Danny this has nothing to do with politics) undermined the Yes Scotland campaign with a message that there was nothing better than remaining in the Union. yes there is just like when you left home to get married to buy a house to have kids to buy a dog to put up the picket did you not feel there is nothing better than when you left home, the same applies here we want to leave,
Mr Alexander said: ““Friday’s opening ceremony was a big cultural moment that will impact on our sense of ourselves and politics here in Scotland even after the athletes have headed home. To win the referendum the Nationalists need to convince us that the rest of the UK has become so foreign a place with such different values that we should split apart. (I wish you would give me a positive just one that would convince me to stay in the union)
“Friday’s ceremony did something completely different – by attempting to capture and define the essence of Britishness it reminded millions of us what we so cherish.” (well there is only 5 or so million of us so what millions are you talking about)
Pro-Union supporters also tweeted about the ceremony’s impact. “After last night and the genuine pride people felt across the UK, why would you want to throw it all away with independence,” said one. well we would still be part of this just like everyone else who turned up for this drivel and they feel proud im sure as an Independant nation even much prouder some contradiction as per usual, here is someone else with rubbish to ofload Speaking in the Scotland on Sunday newspaper, Labour MP Douglas Alexander claimed the £27 million (ye pull the other one try billions and over budget) ceremony, orchestrated by film Director Danny Boyle, (Danny this has nothing to do with politics) undermined the Yes Scotland campaign with a message that there was nothing better than remaining in the Union. yes there is just like when you left home to get married to buy a house to have kids to buy a dog to put up the picket did you not feel there is nothing better than when you left home, the same applies here we want to leave,
Mr Alexander said: ““Friday’s opening ceremony was a big cultural moment that will impact on our sense of ourselves and politics here in Scotland even after the athletes have headed home. To win the referendum the Nationalists need to convince us that the rest of the UK has become so foreign a place with such different values that we should split apart. (I wish you would give me a positive just one that would convince me to stay in the union)
“Friday’s ceremony did something completely different – by attempting to capture and define the essence of Britishness it reminded millions of us what we so cherish.” (well there is only 5 or so million of us so what millions are you talking about)
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2012-07-29 12:38
How can a ceremony including a lengthy and emotive homage to the NHS be seen as making the case for the Union? Surely it's quite the opposite.
Personally I thought it was grotesque, are the English so brainwashed that they saw no irony?
Personally I thought it was grotesque, are the English so brainwashed that they saw no irony?
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2012-07-29 06:44
You hsve to admire the gall of the Unionist do you not?
We have just witnessed the opening parade of the Olympics, 205 nations participated.
Now Unionists ask yourselves this how many of these nations on parade have in the past been ruled by Westminster? How many of these nations missed Westminster so much that they reapplied to rejoin their Union?
Now instead of coming out with ridiculous and frankly quite pathetic comments sit back and enjoy the sport.
This girl seems to be in the wrong job and I hope she finds another job soon.
We have just witnessed the opening parade of the Olympics, 205 nations participated.
Now Unionists ask yourselves this how many of these nations on parade have in the past been ruled by Westminster? How many of these nations missed Westminster so much that they reapplied to rejoin their Union?
Now instead of coming out with ridiculous and frankly quite pathetic comments sit back and enjoy the sport.
This girl seems to be in the wrong job and I hope she finds another job soon.
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2012-07-29 08:03
The Limpicks.
I was very interested in the show to see how Danny Boyle was going to pull the whole thing together. He did it, even if at times it was a bit confused and risky, he put together a spectacle. It was show case London with very little of the rest of Britain in it. He could have shown the famines, and the Highland clearances for example. The fight for Irish identity with the the Black and Tans brutally supressing Ireland. Irish freedom. The Ulster troubles. The colurfull walls in Belfast dividing the religious sects. The courfull murals and sectarian graffiti.The arrivals in Canada of dead and diseased people crammed on to the cattle boats from the Highlands and Islands. The concentration camps of the Boar wars. The theft of Scotland oil. But that would have been way to honest in the way that his Trainspotting movie was.
The one glaring omission for me however was on the parade of the teams, when it came to S!
Saint Kitts and Nevis Islands,
Samoa,
Saudia Arabia,
S- - - - - - - -
Senegal,
Serbia,
Seychelles,
Singapore,
Slovakia,
Slovenia,
Solomon Islands,
Somalia,
South Africa,
South Korea,
Spain,
Sri Lanka,
St Vincent and The Grenadines,
Sudan,
Suriname,
Swaziland,
Sweden,
Switzerland,
Syria,
São Tomé and Príncipe.
There is one to be added for 2016 Rio.
What would we say to these groups of athletes if they were to be told, "you must only fly one flag for you all to compete under, trust us you will be much stronger, all other flags are to be banned, and you must all learn the same anthem, and jolly well sing it."
The gap between Saudi and Senegal will be filled by Scotland. Can you imagine the cheers as we enter the stadium proudly flying the Saltire? Can you imagine the chocking stangled vowels being forced out of the English Broadcasting Corporation commentators? Can you imagine the wave of pride and national fervour sweeping Scotland.? Can you imagine the pride felt by the athletes as they walk round the field? Can you imagine the Scottish Broadcasting Corporation going wild? Why should I be denied that just because a bunch of skint landlords sold our country from under us in 1707. Can you imagine Boris Johnston, Allan Cochrane, Douglas Alexander and Jim Murphy and the rest of the unionist cabals tweets then?
I pray to God I will live to see that.
I was very interested in the show to see how Danny Boyle was going to pull the whole thing together. He did it, even if at times it was a bit confused and risky, he put together a spectacle. It was show case London with very little of the rest of Britain in it. He could have shown the famines, and the Highland clearances for example. The fight for Irish identity with the the Black and Tans brutally supressing Ireland. Irish freedom. The Ulster troubles. The colurfull walls in Belfast dividing the religious sects. The courfull murals and sectarian graffiti.The arrivals in Canada of dead and diseased people crammed on to the cattle boats from the Highlands and Islands. The concentration camps of the Boar wars. The theft of Scotland oil. But that would have been way to honest in the way that his Trainspotting movie was.
The one glaring omission for me however was on the parade of the teams, when it came to S!
Saint Kitts and Nevis Islands,
Samoa,
Saudia Arabia,
S- - - - - - - -
Senegal,
Serbia,
Seychelles,
Singapore,
Slovakia,
Slovenia,
Solomon Islands,
Somalia,
South Africa,
South Korea,
Spain,
Sri Lanka,
St Vincent and The Grenadines,
Sudan,
Suriname,
Swaziland,
Sweden,
Switzerland,
Syria,
São Tomé and Príncipe.
There is one to be added for 2016 Rio.
What would we say to these groups of athletes if they were to be told, "you must only fly one flag for you all to compete under, trust us you will be much stronger, all other flags are to be banned, and you must all learn the same anthem, and jolly well sing it."
The gap between Saudi and Senegal will be filled by Scotland. Can you imagine the cheers as we enter the stadium proudly flying the Saltire? Can you imagine the chocking stangled vowels being forced out of the English Broadcasting Corporation commentators? Can you imagine the wave of pride and national fervour sweeping Scotland.? Can you imagine the pride felt by the athletes as they walk round the field? Can you imagine the Scottish Broadcasting Corporation going wild? Why should I be denied that just because a bunch of skint landlords sold our country from under us in 1707. Can you imagine Boris Johnston, Allan Cochrane, Douglas Alexander and Jim Murphy and the rest of the unionist cabals tweets then?
I pray to God I will live to see that.
#
2012-07-29 08:54
DonaldMhor
Well said - show the real history resulting from the butchers apron and the tools of division used by Westminster to maintain control.
The opening - It was OK as a piece of stage craft - However it was not the history of this island.
Well said - show the real history resulting from the butchers apron and the tools of division used by Westminster to maintain control.
The opening - It was OK as a piece of stage craft - However it was not the history of this island.
#
2012-07-29 08:42
I am intrigued by the gushing praise heaped on the opening ceremony by so many in the press.
Personally I thought to cut 90% of it, keep one or two bits that weren't altogether awful, concentrate on the teams arrival and the fireworks ( I sincerely hope that the organisers of the Commonwealth Games do just that ,with a hundred pipers and a'!)
Having read "Breathtaking " in the Herald and the underline comments ,it seems I am in the minority .
That has not however ,stopped a commentator from publishing a piece of anti SNP invective .
Curious!
Did the chap bother to read the comments ,or merely take instruction from on high and add his unwarranted attack?
Personally I thought to cut 90% of it, keep one or two bits that weren't altogether awful, concentrate on the teams arrival and the fireworks ( I sincerely hope that the organisers of the Commonwealth Games do just that ,with a hundred pipers and a'!)
Having read "Breathtaking " in the Herald and the underline comments ,it seems I am in the minority .
That has not however ,stopped a commentator from publishing a piece of anti SNP invective .
Curious!
Did the chap bother to read the comments ,or merely take instruction from on high and add his unwarranted attack?
#
2012-07-29 08:53
I couldnt give a toss for the olympics,happil y it will be history in a fortnight, a bit like andy at wimbers lizzies jubilee the torch relay in scotland.Let the unionists work themselves into a british frenzy of excitement jingonism and selective memory loss,this will all be a distant memory come 2014 when the real prize will be up for grabs and we all become winners in the battle for our freedom again 700yrs later not with swords this time but the mightiest weapon in our hands the humble pen,when we can all put our wee st andrews cross in the box that stands for freedom, then realy will 5 million pens will truly be mightier than than 60 million swords.
#
2012-07-29 09:06
I think this Stephanie Todd is entitled to her own opinions regarding politics,but she is in a job where she should keep her political opinions private.
As for the Commonwealth games in 2014,how about a pipe band made up of pipers and drummers from all over the Commonwealth? Would we really need much more ? At the Commonwealth games in Glasgow,one Saltire will have more impact than a thousand.Or a thousand union flags in London.I hope the SG keep that in mind.
As for the Commonwealth games in 2014,how about a pipe band made up of pipers and drummers from all over the Commonwealth? Would we really need much more ? At the Commonwealth games in Glasgow,one Saltire will have more impact than a thousand.Or a thousand union flags in London.I hope the SG keep that in mind.
#
2012-07-29 11:31
Perfect!
Like the Tattoo opening ,the groundswellof sound makes the hair on the back of ones neck stand!
Like the Tattoo opening ,the groundswellof sound makes the hair on the back of ones neck stand!
#
2012-07-29 09:10
I see there is no reporting anywhere in the British press or media about the 50+ cyclists who were confronted by they police before the ceremony started,some arrested and a disabled one pepper sprayed.
London police charged four of the 182 people arrested in scuffles on Friday
Find it in RT.com
London police charged four of the 182 people arrested in scuffles on Friday
Find it in RT.com
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2012-07-29 09:17
There's little point in complaining to Ms Todd's boss, Glasgow 2014 Head of Media, Janette Harkess, she's married to former Labour angry spindoctor Mike Elrick.
I'm sure the overt politicisation of a tweet submitted as a 'personal view' has no bearing on the way Ms Todd views her post in dealing with the International press and promoting the Commonwealth Games, a mere three months before the expected referendum on Scottish Independence. Heaven forfend.
I'm sure the overt politicisation of a tweet submitted as a 'personal view' has no bearing on the way Ms Todd views her post in dealing with the International press and promoting the Commonwealth Games, a mere three months before the expected referendum on Scottish Independence. Heaven forfend.
#
2012-07-29 10:07
So presumably the Commonwealth games will also be used in every way possible to mindlessly support London rule over Scotland.
#
2012-07-29 10:24
One would hope not. However, the issue of pro-Union placemen and women in our Quangos five years on is still a major consideration...
#
2012-07-29 09:22
Aye, I remember after Beijing 2008 I desperately wanted Scotland to be ruled by China. Before that it was Greece. Olympics have that effect on people.
#
2012-07-29 12:03
Lol very true.
I sat down to watch the Olympics opening ceremony with a can of Pepsi and a plate of McCain oven chips. 20 minutes in I started to realise my error and a sense of shame set in.
A quick trip to the shops saw me back in my chair with a can of Coca Cola and an order of large fries from McDonalds. I felt a different but significantly better person and by the time Sir Sebastian Coe made his speech I felt properly British and he didn't seem pious, smug or patronising at all.
I sat down to watch the Olympics opening ceremony with a can of Pepsi and a plate of McCain oven chips. 20 minutes in I started to realise my error and a sense of shame set in.
A quick trip to the shops saw me back in my chair with a can of Coca Cola and an order of large fries from McDonalds. I felt a different but significantly better person and by the time Sir Sebastian Coe made his speech I felt properly British and he didn't seem pious, smug or patronising at all.
#
2012-07-29 15:11
Quoting scottish_skier:
My thinking exactly SS. Who is it that they imagine sits in front of the telly and goes "Aye, I've missed feeling British, but after seeing that I'm away out to buy a Union Flag"........it is embarrassingly awful.
I didn't see one minute of the Opening Ceremony, but the fact that Danny Boyle had a piece about the NHS in it, would suggest more than a touch of irony. Maybe I'm wrong.
Aye, I remember after Beijing 2008 I desperately wanted Scotland to be ruled by China. Before that it was Greece. Olympics have that effect on people.
My thinking exactly SS. Who is it that they imagine sits in front of the telly and goes "Aye, I've missed feeling British, but after seeing that I'm away out to buy a Union Flag"........it is embarrassingly awful.
I didn't see one minute of the Opening Ceremony, but the fact that Danny Boyle had a piece about the NHS in it, would suggest more than a touch of irony. Maybe I'm wrong.
#
2012-07-29 09:29
RTP
That bastion of democracy ! the daily mail had a small article on it . Some of the comments about the cyclists were almost as bad as the anti scottish comments you see in that rag . I tried 5 times to comment on the ladies not singing g.s.t.q and because I criticised the olympics and corporate greed as well as telling the d.m that they were doing a better job of promoting Scottish Independence than the S.N.P not 1 got through .
That bastion of democracy ! the daily mail had a small article on it . Some of the comments about the cyclists were almost as bad as the anti scottish comments you see in that rag . I tried 5 times to comment on the ladies not singing g.s.t.q and because I criticised the olympics and corporate greed as well as telling the d.m that they were doing a better job of promoting Scottish Independence than the S.N.P not 1 got through .
#
2012-07-29 09:44
I suppose we,ll be getting told soon... There,s no guarantee an Independent Scotland will be allowed to compete in the Olympics ... presumably in case we try and get Tossing the Caber recognised as an Olympic sport... or something equally as mental...
#
2012-07-29 23:25
The modern Olympics owes much to the tradition of Highland Games in Scotland via the United States.
In the 19th C American universities nearly all had Highland Games associations which held sporting events.
Because these were 'professional' in that there was usually a prize for winning, a rival organisation with the the ideal of amateurism was formed.
It was those amateur American College Ganes Associations which popularised the modern Atletics gaes we know.
Events like the hammer, shotput etc come straight from Highland Games. Even the Pole Vault was the invention of a Scots American for the Highland Games Associations.
In the 19th C American universities nearly all had Highland Games associations which held sporting events.
Because these were 'professional' in that there was usually a prize for winning, a rival organisation with the the ideal of amateurism was formed.
It was those amateur American College Ganes Associations which popularised the modern Atletics gaes we know.
Events like the hammer, shotput etc come straight from Highland Games. Even the Pole Vault was the invention of a Scots American for the Highland Games Associations.
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2012-07-29 09:50
I find it difficult to believe that a supposedly educated man like Douglas Aleaxander could be impressed by the indescribably naff Opening ceremony - and then to suggest that this made us all proud to be "British" and would succeed in persuading us all to remain in the UK is crass.Circuses for the masses to follow the jubilee circus - subjects not citizens.
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2012-07-29 10:11
Do the Scottish public really think that people watching around the world know which members of 'Team GB' are from Scotland? They don't, surely we would take more pride in our sportsmen and women if people actually knew they were Scottish. How many times has Andy Murray been referred to as English and yet there he is with his brother wearing Union flag sweat bands. It's a joke.
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2012-07-29 10:15
Can I just say - after reading the comments - how happy I am to have found a forum where there actually people who thing as I do about this issue. I have felt very isolated - as a Scot living and working in England - and I have been made to feel that I am some sort of freak of nature because of my views. SO thank you so much for making me understand that I am not going mad!
On the issue - it has struck me that the Tories are trying to use one of the oldest tricks in the book, it's 'bread and circuses' (without the bread)!
That they try to placate those who have grievances by putting on a spectacular show really illustrates just how bankrupt they are for real policies. In particular the Tories blatant tactic of beating the patriotic drum in an attempt to drown out the legitimate concerns of Scots is despicable.
I find myself ostracised in my office because I am seen as a 'party pooper' and moaner.
On the issue - it has struck me that the Tories are trying to use one of the oldest tricks in the book, it's 'bread and circuses' (without the bread)!
That they try to placate those who have grievances by putting on a spectacular show really illustrates just how bankrupt they are for real policies. In particular the Tories blatant tactic of beating the patriotic drum in an attempt to drown out the legitimate concerns of Scots is despicable.
I find myself ostracised in my office because I am seen as a 'party pooper' and moaner.
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2012-07-29 10:21
My comment is the same as on many similar occasions, get used to it. By that I don,t mean we should be complacent, but this type of smear will happen more often as the date of the referendum approaches. The full weight of the MSM will be aligned against us, becoming more shrill as decision time comes near. Be prepared.
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2012-07-29 10:29
Danny boyle conveniently left out the Darian Venture which led to financial ruin and huge loss of life when the english pulled the plug and abandoned their agreement
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2012-07-29 10:44
This to me shows the cancer that is the "system" in Scotland. Labour and their cronies in positions of power and influence be it in the media or as in this case the games committee.
The thing is though all of this is done to help the climb up the greasy pole of perks and benefits with absolutely no such benefit to the poor and deprived who live in the mostly Labour strongholds.
Champagne socialists who try to tell themselves that they really are men and women of the people.Parasites!!
The thing is though all of this is done to help the climb up the greasy pole of perks and benefits with absolutely no such benefit to the poor and deprived who live in the mostly Labour strongholds.
Champagne socialists who try to tell themselves that they really are men and women of the people.Parasites!!
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2012-07-29 10:45
It was almost a certainty that the opening ceremony would be spectacular. They had Danny Boyle directing it, oodles of money thrown at it and the support of the British Government and Establishment. It was spectacular but it always was going to be spectacular. There were a couple of jarring notes though.
I was quite surprised by the inclusion of "Flower of Scotland" as the Scottish anthem and the choice of the verse which talks about sending King Edward II of England home to, "think again". It’s a line in the song celebrating the defeat of the invading English to secure Scottish independence for another 400 years. There’s another line in the song about how Scotland can, "be a nation again". As a song in an event celebrating Britishness it stood out like a sore thumb. The organisers didn’t seem understand its significance to many nationalist Scots.
There was also the piece about the UK NHS. There is no UK NHS and never was. The Scottish NHS and English and Welsh NHS were created as two separate organisations in 1948 and they always have been separate. There are now four NHS type organisations in the UK, the Scottish NHS, Welsh NHS, English NHS and Northern Irish Health and Social Care Service (HSC).
There's a hint of naivety in the idea that a big theatre set with dancing nurses, Mr. Bean, cyclists and dancing girls and lots of lights is going to stop the SNP in its tracks. It's almost as if their idea of political argument doesn't go beyond flashing lights and a big parade.
I was quite surprised by the inclusion of "Flower of Scotland" as the Scottish anthem and the choice of the verse which talks about sending King Edward II of England home to, "think again". It’s a line in the song celebrating the defeat of the invading English to secure Scottish independence for another 400 years. There’s another line in the song about how Scotland can, "be a nation again". As a song in an event celebrating Britishness it stood out like a sore thumb. The organisers didn’t seem understand its significance to many nationalist Scots.
There was also the piece about the UK NHS. There is no UK NHS and never was. The Scottish NHS and English and Welsh NHS were created as two separate organisations in 1948 and they always have been separate. There are now four NHS type organisations in the UK, the Scottish NHS, Welsh NHS, English NHS and Northern Irish Health and Social Care Service (HSC).
There's a hint of naivety in the idea that a big theatre set with dancing nurses, Mr. Bean, cyclists and dancing girls and lots of lights is going to stop the SNP in its tracks. It's almost as if their idea of political argument doesn't go beyond flashing lights and a big parade.
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2012-07-29 11:04
" It's almost as if their idea of political argument doesn't go beyond flashing lights and a big parade."
I predict that the current massive outpouring of british nationalism will give a major boost to the yes campaign. Poll evidence suggests the jubilee may have helped a little, so the much bigger jack-fest that is the olympics could well deliver too.
Certainly, anyone who seriously thinks the olympics will reduce support for independence/devo max should give up political commentary and take up basket weaving or something.
I predict that the current massive outpouring of british nationalism will give a major boost to the yes campaign. Poll evidence suggests the jubilee may have helped a little, so the much bigger jack-fest that is the olympics could well deliver too.
Certainly, anyone who seriously thinks the olympics will reduce support for independence/devo max should give up political commentary and take up basket weaving or something.
#
2012-07-29 13:14
What about "Abide with Me" as the requiem for a dying nation, self-defined as England? Sorry if that's insensitive, but apart from some very impressive scenes it was all about past glories, including the NHS. Some "celebration".
Scottish people seemed to enjoy it - but surely they can't take it seriously? Hope that's a rhetorical question ...
Scottish people seemed to enjoy it - but surely they can't take it seriously? Hope that's a rhetorical question ...
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2012-07-29 10:57
I think Danny Boyle knew exactly what he was doing by including Flower of Scotland.
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2012-07-29 11:23
The cycling road race - a breakaway group of separists does better than Team GB - better together ?
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2012-07-29 11:27
I'm baffled. Why does Douglas Alexander think that wasting 27 million pounds of taxpayers money on the opening ceremony to the Olympics is likely to endear me to the Union, especially when many of our athletes struggle to get any financial support and sponsorship to help them get there in the first place?
I was just glad Hazel Irvine was intepreting the significance of it for me, otherwise I had no idea half the time what it was all about.
The bit I liked the best was when the actual athletes came on - but if only there had been a Scottish team to cheer for!
I was just glad Hazel Irvine was intepreting the significance of it for me, otherwise I had no idea half the time what it was all about.
The bit I liked the best was when the actual athletes came on - but if only there had been a Scottish team to cheer for!
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2012-07-29 11:40
I thought the opening ceremony was impressive but as an advert for the union, I just don't get it. I think it will have zero impact on the 'YES' campaign.
If anything, I could not help thinking that it looked like they had spent a vast amount of money, Scotland barely featured [as several people have mentioned to me] & ultimately it looked like a London vanity-fest.
And the parade of all those Independent countries ? Well if you need to have it explained to you, you probably will never understand.
If anything, I could not help thinking that it looked like they had spent a vast amount of money, Scotland barely featured [as several people have mentioned to me] & ultimately it looked like a London vanity-fest.
And the parade of all those Independent countries ? Well if you need to have it explained to you, you probably will never understand.
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2012-07-29 11:53
I know that the Labour have done the usual and tried to get people planted in a variety of jobs,so that they can gain power this is not in the interest of the people or democracy.So nothing surprises me that much,Labour as usual will sacrifice the country for their party,I think the majority of people now see Labour for what they really are.
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2012-07-29 12:04
The article about the cyclists event, which RTP mentioned above, can be found here: rt.com/.../...
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2012-07-29 12:54
The present London Olympics are annoying and irritatating
-a successful London olympics would be a positive thing.
-a successful London olympics would be a positive thing.
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2012-07-29 14:01
Positive Olympics? See the "empty seats controversy", a triumph for corporate Britain (Guardian):
"This is dangerous for the organisers because it reinforces the perceptions of some that the Games is as much about corporate sponsorship and sporting officials in blazers being chauffeured to venues in Games lanes as a public celebration of the best sportsmen and women in the world. Locog has promised a "full review" but finding a solution will not be easy. IOC rules mandate a certain percentage of tickets for the Olympic family at every venue for every session, yet there is an acknowledgement among organisers and politicians that they can't continue to have a situation where there are hundreds of empty seats visible to members of the public who failed to get tickets."
That together with cancelling the streaming abroad of most BBC news programmes just points to where the UK is going.
It's one thing privatising/sponsoring, it's another locking the public out entirely, when in theory the purpose of privatising/sponsoring is cheaper/better service for the public.
"This is dangerous for the organisers because it reinforces the perceptions of some that the Games is as much about corporate sponsorship and sporting officials in blazers being chauffeured to venues in Games lanes as a public celebration of the best sportsmen and women in the world. Locog has promised a "full review" but finding a solution will not be easy. IOC rules mandate a certain percentage of tickets for the Olympic family at every venue for every session, yet there is an acknowledgement among organisers and politicians that they can't continue to have a situation where there are hundreds of empty seats visible to members of the public who failed to get tickets."
That together with cancelling the streaming abroad of most BBC news programmes just points to where the UK is going.
It's one thing privatising/sponsoring, it's another locking the public out entirely, when in theory the purpose of privatising/sponsoring is cheaper/better service for the public.
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2012-07-29 23:40
Lord Seb yesterday was going to name and shame the corporate culprits. Today it is not a problem. I think Dave had a wee wordy with him.
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2012-07-29 14:22
So far to me it seems like the Olympics is giving us a taste of what a fascist dictatorship would be like
Unionists need to realise that it will all be over in 2 weeks and the opening ceremony -however good they seem to think it was - will be a distant memory come the 2014 Referendum
Unionists need to realise that it will all be over in 2 weeks and the opening ceremony -however good they seem to think it was - will be a distant memory come the 2014 Referendum
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2012-07-29 15:28
Hundreds of Sick children in hospital beds in the middle of the olympic stadium. Words so large, they could be seen from space- NHS!
Do you think Danny Boyle was trying to tell us something?
Surely Boris and call me Dave couldn't have missed it. How long before it doesn't exist in England?
Do you think Danny Boyle was trying to tell us something?
Surely Boris and call me Dave couldn't have missed it. How long before it doesn't exist in England?
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2012-07-29 15:37
Keep wondering how come the Olympic Games include millionaire professional footballers, to name but one group; always thought it was sport that was to be celebrated.
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2012-07-29 18:09
I thought MATT's cartoon in Friday's Daily Telegraph was a good one.
It was about the SouthKorea/North Korea flag debacle and David Cameron's comments and showed a newspaper seller and his billboard saying: It was an 'honest mistake' says PM Alex Salmond.' Nicely morphing the Olympics and Independence.
It was about the SouthKorea/North Korea flag debacle and David Cameron's comments and showed a newspaper seller and his billboard saying: It was an 'honest mistake' says PM Alex Salmond.' Nicely morphing the Olympics and Independence.
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2012-07-29 18:16
Douglas Alexander a staunch Labour Unionist who, by far, prefers his country be governed by a foreign nation and was once our arch-enemy, would obviously have this opinion and no other. To even make his remarks newsworthy is of no interest to anyone except the Unionists!
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2012-07-30 12:30
Danny Boyle played a blinder if you realy take another look at the opening ceremony, He stuck two fingers up to the establishment with alot of what he done on the subliminal level. listen to the songs he used with the likes of Going Underground, the Who's My Generation Queens bohemian rapsody and the Pistols pretty vacant. The NHS slot did you not notice the nurses giving a timeout signal whilst thieves were running around in amongst them then the lights go out one by one on the NHS. Look at the finale when the house disappears for no apparent reason and what are you left with nothing but the inventor of the internet telling us to go out and find out the truth about the world.
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2012-07-31 02:58
Give it a few more weeks and the Olympics will be remembered only for the empty seats, the bad organization and the way it sucked money from the rest of the UK.
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