We live, as they say, in interesting times. One of the many amusing snippets of information steered our way recently from one of our sources within the national party alleged that members of the SNP leadership were collecting a dossier of entries on the forum. This was being done, it was said, with a view to having the forum, if not the organisation, closed down on grounds of racism and xenophobia. The move would be encompassed under EU Framework Decision IP/01/1680 which states:

"The offences covered by this proposal include public incitement to violence or hatred for racist or xenophobic reasons, and directing, supporting or participating in the activities of a racist or xenophobic group. For these conducts, a "minimum maximum" penalty of two years is proposed. The public dissemination of racist material by any means, including the Internet, must also be regarded as a criminal offence."

So let's just examine this in some detail. The forum quite clearly states that it is open and unregulated, and that the views expressed are not necessarily those of the organisation, unless explicitly stated as such by Siol nan Gaidheal. Strong views are indeed expressed at times by some posters - and a few of these must be regarded as somewhat suspect in their motives. Shortly after we were warned of this move by the SNP, there was a sudden rash of postings to the forum which would most certainly have fallen into the categories of racist or xenophobic. Provocative, perhaps? Certainly suspicious, given the timing… These were answered by members of Siol nan Gaidheal in either a rational or a derogatory fashion, depending on which response they merited, but lending no credence whatsoever to the hatred expressed by the suspect posters.

It is time to remind some people of the aims of Siol nan Gaidheal. We are first, foremost and always a cultural organisation. With regard to our stance on certain matters, let us quote from some of the articles published on this web site, which they may not have taken the time or trouble to have read:

From our Foreword:
Siol nan Gaidheal has in relation to the ongoing predicament of our country a simple allegiance to Truth, Integrity and Compassion, a complete dedication to the well-being of Scotland and our people, and the unique ability to cut through all the ideological, economic, social and media-inspired barriers that have kept our people divided in the past.

From our Constitution:
We must unite as Scots against those visible unworthy forces which tend to damage our national character. In particular, prejudice and bigotry, which are so easily applied to colour, religion, party politics etc. We seek a society where harmony will replace discord, and animosity will be replaced by tolerance and compassion. We would celebrate the Spirit of Scotland and acclaim the rebirth of her people.

From our Principles:
We reject and condemn the religious sectarianism, racism and other forms of discrimination that abound in our country to the detriment and well-being of our people.

From our proposal Citizenship in the New Scotland:
These people who were so motivated to come and join us in Scotland have always been very susceptible to the message of Independence, perhaps due to their backgrounds in countries which have, at one time or another, suffered similar eclipse. At any rate, they have been to the fore in all parts of the Independence movement.

From our article A Nationalist looks at the Thistle Part 2:
An enduring and growing interest in Scottish history and culture has been noted among Scots since the honey-trap of devolution was first posited. According to book publishers, sales and records of visits to historical sites, etcetera, this interest continues to grow, albeit slowly. Public recognition of our past and ancient culture gaining ground, despite the ravages of Anglo-Saxon revisionism, and a thirst for knowledge about this long-hidden history is slowly being slaked. As the general level of public interest and knowledge grows, the remit of Siol nan Gaidheal as a champion of our unique heritage comes even more into focus, allied to our existing challenge to those who would deny our existence as an ethnic community with its own historical and cultural background.

Perhaps the SNP leadership would like to point out to us the racism or xenophobia inherent in these statements? We would certainly like to engage in a rational debate with them about this matter. Somehow, however, we doubt that this will be forthcoming. Instead of concentrating their energies on destroying the arguments of the alliance of Unionist parties currently ruling Scotland in London's name, the SNP leadership has steered a course of suppression of any external or internal dissent. Not only is this unhealthy for the SNP, it is, much more crucially, unhealthy for Scotland. The British Unionist Labour Party has left more than its fair share of openings which astute politicians could have capitalised on heavily. The disgraceful treatment of outspoken, individualist and popular MSP's such as Margo MacDonald and Dorothy-Grace Elder left more than just a sour taste - it has riven the party and its supporters.

Demonising 'fringe nationalists' such as ourselves is also treading a dangerous path, as it may backfire badly upon them. Who, after all, are the 'fringe nationalists'? The hard core of support for the SNP at the polls is the short answer to that question. Those whose belief in our country's independence is more than just a means to a cushy, well-paid sinecure on the Mound. In the case of Siol nan Gaidheal, an organisation of people whose dedication to Scotland costs them money, not earns them money, initiatives undertaken by members are self-funded, not state-funded. Perhaps this is what so upsets the leadership of the SNP - members of Siol nan Gaidheal are nationalists through belief, not because it's some pre-requisite of their employment.

The SNP leadership needs to take a long, hard look at itself. Why are they expending time and energy attacking those who, ultimately, have the same (alleged) purpose in mind - a free and independent Scotland? The real enemies of our country are the Unionists, those who would continue to see us tied to a country which drains our resources and people. We predicted at the start of 2002 that the year would bring dramatic changes to the SNP. These have not happened just as quickly as we had hoped, but they are surely on the way. The continued stewardship of Swinney and his minions has resulted in support for the party of Scotland now resembling snow off a dyke. Corralling public money in the form of 'voluntary' contributions from MSP's, and a string of begging letters and e-mails to supporters in Canada, the USA and elsewhere have still not resulted in enough money being collected to run anything resembling a decent campaign during this year's Holyrood elections.

The SNP now has nowhere to run, nowhere to hide, and no-one to blame but the leadership.