David Maddox: Are some people more equal than others?
Remember these words when Alex Salmond prior to taking the oath to become an MSP in 1999 and again in 2007 (pictured top right)?The statement of course was worked out to assert the importance of the people over the monarch in line with the underlying sentiment of the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320. This treasured document supported Robert the Bruce's claim to the throne but made it clear it was on the basis of support from the populus rather than any divine right and could at a future time be removed.
Which makes you wonder why Mr Salmond missed the National Conversation event with the people of Dundee this morning so, according to his spokesman yesterday, he could be present at the Queen's garden party this afternoon.
In fairness people of Scotland were present at the garden party too, just in posh hats.
Labels: David Maddox, Declaration of Arbroath, MSP oath, Queen, Royal garden party, SNP, sovereignty
posted by Administrator at
15:15
10 Comments:
"This treasured document supported Robert the Bruce's claim to the throne but made it clear it was on the basis of support from the populus rather than any divine right"
No, it didn't.
Or at least it is rather difficult to prove that claim. Perhaps all the Declaration meant that his claim was dependent on the support of the nobility - after all, it was only signed by 40-odd Men with Fancy Titles and Hats.
That's a fair point sm753 and you are right in terms of how it played out in reality in that only the nobility ended up having more of a say. The same is true of the Magna Carter.
However, many people do believe that in theory the Declaration did at least establish the Sovereign's right as being based on the populus rather than divine right.
In that sense both the Declaration of Arbroath and the Magna Carter set Scotland and England on the way to democracy, even if it was a long and tortuous road. - David
I suppose it is just a matter of belief, but I hope you now realise Smee that this belief is not just confined to ''nutty nats'' but is actually fairly well known in wider circles.
On the subject of Salmond, I don't think that ''sovereignty of the people'' means you have to shun the Monarch. He's the First Minister of Scotland and was presumably invited on that basis.
We mustn't be inverted snobs, posh folk and royalists are people too.
"Which makes you wonder why Mr Salmond missed the National Conversation event with the people of Dundee this morning so, according to his spokesman yesterday, he could be present at the Queen's garden party this afternoon."
Because if he hadn't, blogs like this and hacks across the media would be roundly condemning him for snubbing the Queen, and promoting his "narrow nationalist"/republican agenda instead of making devolution work.
Which, Mighty, will bring us neatly on tomorrow's coverage and the "snub" of the Queen by around 50 of the MSPs.
I don't think Salmond is a republican is he ? And who cares anyway, the Monarchy is unlikely to be abolished as long as Betty is on the throne so it's hardly a pressing issue is it. It is however one that could divide (and rule) supporters of independence.
Ah, the old ones are the best.
It would be interesting to find out where the SNP really stand on the monarchy. I remember an interview with Alex Salmond a while back where he said that a referendum on the monarchy would be held within a year of Scotland becoming independent. Then more recently Nicola Sturgeon said that that the SNP are committed to an independent Scotland with the Queen as head of state. I suppose the two positions aren't entirely in contradiction to each other, but it would be good to know exactly what their intentions are.
the english can pay for her,but she is always welcome to come to scotland for a holiday she seems to like it hear,always a smile on her face,have you noticed? and i vote SNP and i dont mind.
Re: "and i vote SNP"
I had deduced that when you said "the english can pay for her".
Re: Scottish Unionist
and as you well know there are plenty of Labour supporting unionists who would use similar unfortunate pejorative statements such as "the English can pay for her" to assert their republicanism. A sad fact, but a fact none the less.
I think your constant smearing of all SNP supporters (and supporters of independence more generally) due to the actions of a tiny number of "cyber nats" is lamentable. Anti-English racism is a problem for ALL our society. I personally have heard avowed unionists utter some of the most appalling anti-English statements. Does this make all Labour supporters anti-english? No. Of course it doesn't. I have stood by and watched as sectarian idiots have polluted our streets with hate in the name of their religion and in defence of the union. Does that make every unionist a religious bigot? No. Of course it doesn't.
All decent citizens have a duty to tackle prejudice in all its forms and guises. The fact that you constantly slander your fellow decent citizens who in desiring an equal, internationalist and independent Scotland simply disagree with your constitutional preference is a counterproductive distraction in that fight.
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