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1. Over the past couple of days I've been engaged in a prolonged series of exchanges of tweets with people who identify themselves as supporters of Scottish Independence. In what follows I share some preliminary reflections
1. Over the past couple of days I've been engaged in a prolonged series of exchanges of tweets with people who identify themselves as supporters of Scottish Independence. In what follows I share some preliminary reflections
2. The proximate cause for these exchanges was a tweet in which I challenged the claim that Scotland is a colony and described such assertions, along with planned protests outside UK Government civil servants buildings during a pandemic, as looking 'unhinged'.
3. There followed a significant number of responses and quote-tweets from accounts identifying as supporters of independence. In often abusive and intemperate language, some of these individuals maintained that Scotland is in fact a colony.
4. They argued their case primarily on the basis of a partial account of historical events, such as the Highland Clearances, and the current UK Government's refusal to agree to a transfer of powers to the Scottish Parliament for an independence referendum.
5. Attempts to respond to these assertion were frequently dismissed with epithets along with accusations from some that stating that Scotland is not a colony is incompatible with belief in independence. I decided to continue to engage calmly and reasonably.
6. The exchanges developed into a broader discussion of Scotland's current constitutional position and how independence could be achieved. I sought to set out the rationale behind seeking an agreed process with the UK Government
7. In particular, I highlighted the importance of obtaining international recognition to enable an independent Scotland to accede to international bodies such as the UN and the EU.
8. While some individuals sought to engage constructively, others took an overtly hostile approach. As with the 'colony' debate, accusations were made that I was not truly committed to independence, unfit for office and undermining the efforts to obtain independence.
9. I received sustained criticism for highlighting the position of the Spanish Government on Scottish independence, which is generally understood to be one of pragmatism so long as Scotland becomes independent via an agreed process with the UK Government.
10. While some sought to engage on the implications of Spain's position, others accused me of lying or doing the work of opponents of independence. My offence seems to have been stating facts that were associated with those who argue against independence.
11. A more general attack that developed was the characterisation of several SNP politicians, myself included, as motivated solely by advancing our careers and retaining the privileged position of elected office. One referred to the need for 'the swamp' to be emptied.
12. Underlying many of these attacks is, I presume, genuine frustration and a sense of alienation from the political process. However, there also seemed to be a brittleness and strong aversion to having views challenged - particularly from an elected politician.
13. There was anger and bitter criticism and often it was neither constructive nor seeking to offer an alternative prospectus. I also sensed a pattern and lack of originality in much of the language and insults used, suggesting a common source or sources.
14. Through immersing myself in these conversations with people I had never met I became acutely aware of how consuming Twitter debates can be and how rapidly one can become disconnected from the 'real' world.
15. I also experienced the most abuse I have yet received on social media, with attacks on my educational attainment, professional background and not being "heard of", with the implication of being an inactive and underachieving politician.
16. There were also more positive exchanges, with individuals thanking me for continuing to engage and expressing sympathy with the abusive I was receiving. Others, including constituents, wrote supportive tweets.
17. There were also more positive exchanges, with individuals thanking me for continuing to engage and expressing sympathy with the abusive I was receiving. Others, including constituents, wrote supportive tweets.
18. I'm conscious that sharing these experience may come over as self-indulgent and perhaps it is. However, I've watched folk get abused on this site for quite some time and like other have just ignored it. Who cares - it's only Twitter, right?
19. However, I was reflecting on the recent events in the USA. In particular the cowardice of so many Republicans who failed to stand up to Trump, even as he incited insurrection. I asked myself what would I have done in that situation?
20. If one thinks about it, its not too difficult to see why some of those politicians would be cowed into silence. Who would want to go up against a billionaire in the White House armed with Twitter & millions of loyal followers. Not just a risk to career but to personal safety.
21. But that doesn't change the fact that they failed in their duty and failed in it long ago. They were happy to court the votes of people whom they knew espoused conspiracies and were quick to abuse others. We've learned that what starts on twitter can pass into the real world.
22. So what of other politicians? We can hardly point the finger at meek members of Congress if we're content to be passive bystanders in our own political worlds. If we choose to give a pass to those who spread misinformation and abuse others then who will raise their voice?
23. My view is that the vast majority of folk, on all sides of Scotland's political debates, are reasonable people with sincere views that are can be and often are passionately expressed.
24. However there is also a vocal minority who are seemingly impervious to reason, convinced of their own infallibility and certain that those who disagree with them are not just wrong but are flawed characters deserving of abuse and intimidation.
25. It's for every politician and other public figure to decide how they will respond. However, to repurpose words from a former Presdents's inugural address: "those who foolishly sought power by riding the back of the tiger ended up inside."
