OUR children and grandchildren drew rainbows and we put

their drawings in our windows to show we cared about our society and our healthcare system, which was there – and is still there – to protect us all from

a deadly virus.

As lockdown eased, cracks appeared and the rainbows started to fade. We saw our politicians in Westminster bluster and blunder.

In July we saw our two elected MPs in Dumfries and Galloway vote to allow our NHS to be part of trade deals with the USA. This was as

they were saying they would protect the NHS.

We saw a UK Chancellor

allocating much-needed protection for jobs with borrowed money, which was right. However, at the same time he was firmly blocking Scotland from borrowing money which could be used by the

Scottish Government to target

job protection and expansion of

the Scottish economy.

We heard talk of our “friends in Europe” from a government in London which seeks at every opportunity to tear up our links with our nearest neighbours in Europe and effectively cut the UK adrift in this interconnected world.

Now – like the majority in Scotland, according to a string of recent opinion polls – we see a way forward by joining with the small countries of Europe, like Ireland and Denmark, and making our own way successfully in the world. We do not seek to retain the trappings of a “world power” or a nuclear-armed nation. We simply seek to be able with honesty, openness and compassion to live with others in this complex world and to give every one of our citizens a say in

our future.

Something has gone very wrong with the governance of this United Kingdom, which we were told represented a democratic model in the world. The past is now past and we must consider moving on from the history of an empire and share our resources and talents as the world fights climate change

and inequality.

The rainbows that appeared in windows showed that ordinary people still care about others. We know this feeling and desire has

not gone away, but if we believe in

a future here in Scotland in which we can all play a part with the

talents every one of us has, then it

is right that we are able to decide

our own future.

Scotland sits with enormous resources in a potentially environmentally better world. These are backed by the ultimate resource – the people who live here. We are ready to play our part.

In Dumfries and Galloway, the Borders and across Scotland there are many views about what is best for the future, but we must remember that the future we decide on is also the future for our children and grandchildren. Do we believe

in rainbows?

Of course we do, because

rainbows actually exist. Look what happens when the sun starts to

shine through the rain.

Stuart Campbell

Moffat

IT has been interesting to hear Nicola Sturgeon speaking about a National Care Service – or rather the vague possibility of one somewhere down the line – in the context of a review of adult care including setting out the options

for an NCS.

This raises many questions, the main one being whether such a system would replace the for-profit model which has failed our elderly for so long.

When Labour leader Richard Leonard raised this point, the First Minister told him it is easier to call for such measures in opposition than implement them in government. However, carrying out such necessary measures is the very

point of a government. Perhaps especially one which claims to be “Stronger For Scotland”.

On the nature of an NCS, the Scottish Socialist Party agrees with the Labour leader.

Quite apart from how morally repugnant the current system of individuals profiting from the care of our elderly is, the Covid crisis has highlighted the fact that it is woefully unfit for purpose.

Meanwhile, as the SNP set up a review which might or might not conclude there is a better way to care for our elderly and Richard Leonard talks the talk (though as the FM cruelly pointed out, his coat’s on a shoogly peg anyway), the Scottish Socialist Party continues to campaign on the streets for a publicly funded and run NCS which is free at the point of need.

This campaign is proving extremely popular, particularly with care workers who know from personal experience how profoundly such a new model is required.

To more than 2000 Covid deaths one must add the recent revelation that care inspectors refused to name the care homes with the greatest number of fatalities because it

would prejudice their profitability. On top of that these homes spend a paltry £6.00 per day for residents’ meals and employ underpaid, overworked staff.

The conclusion is clear. Scotland needs a publicly funded and run National Care Service that is free at the point of need.

And we need it now.

Michael Davidson

Scottish Socialist Party