We need to create a new positive message about independence

We see constant tropes from independence supporters who have divergent and authoritarian views on how their opinions are the holy grail to independence, and who attack all the other equally dogmatic independence supporters while ignoring that we need to move forward and create a new positive message which can be heard and supported by those open to persuasion who currently have their fingers in their ears to shut out the din from the activists who run with a persecution complex.

READ MORE: Poll finds most Scots want second independence vote within 10 years

I look to the American model currently on offer and you only have to see the positive, happy, smiling version of a campaign from the Democrats as opposed to the growling, persecuted message coming from Trump to see which is the most attractive option to entice the undecided to their campaign.

Independence supporters need to be less self-indulgent, arrogant and clutching at snippets of historical reasons on how Scotland should be independent while ignoring the current reality of the supremacy of the UK Parliament, and start listening to those experts with knowledge and data on how to actually run a successful campaign.

The power will come from the people who will like and believe the message and vote for independence. I for one do not wish to live in an independent Scotland that is full of people aggrieved with how the decision that only half the country wanted has affected their lives. We only have to look to Brexit to see the reality of that decision and it is not pretty and ultimately reversible unless we take the population on the journey willingly.

Christine Smith
Troon

I AGREE with Robin McAlpine that the Yes brand no longer works and should go.

It’s not exactly subtle and is the kind of blunt word that inevitably leads straight into the kind of polarised black-versus-white argument that just gets people at loggerheads.

I’m afraid to say that the Yes campaign has become fossilised, boring even, and has resulted in many just switching off or even opting out of politics altogether.

READ MORE: Hundreds rally for Yes on 10th anniversary of indy referendum

We certainly need a fresh start.

The campaign needs to be re-invented with a big, broad word such as FREEDOM at its core.

Freedom or even “Free” is a concept that’s difficult to argue against and that gets straight to the injustice of our current paralysis. “Freedom” should appeal to young and old, left and right, and will clearly identify us with other struggles for national liberation: Palestine, Kurdistan, Catalunya, Ireland, Quebec etc.

We should avoid the slightly exclusive “Freedom for Scotland” and instead just go for plain, unadulterated “Freedom”. Who could possibly argue against it?

Rhodri Griffiths
Alford

HERE we are, ten long years on and no further forward – some would say back the way. Support both for the SNP and independence would appear to have disappeared like snaw aff a dyke. Could this be because the factual messages are not getting out there!

Scotland is about to lose farmland, forests, green space to erect giant and unsightly pylons from north to south. This is supposedly to ease the shortage of electricity – but not here in Scotland, oh no, for over the Border where energy is cheaper than in Scotland. Hm, something doesn’t add up there, don’t you think? Taxes of all shapes and sizes don’t stay in Scotland but go to feed the gorgon that is Westminster. OK, we have been granted some crumbs from the table to appease us yet again – to keep us quiet but nevertheless keep us impoverished.

If our parliament controlled all the revenue that is made in Scotland to stay in Scotland for the benefit and growth of Scotland, would that not be a better future? (And believe me – it is possible.) That is surely a future we should own?

We must stop being wee cowerin’ timorous beasties and get vocal, active, angry even against the cruelty – for that is what it is – of Westminster’s greed. England does not subsidise our country, the opposite. I am reaching the latter part of my life would like to see the up-and-coming generations working, living and enjoying the fruits of Scotland’s labours and to stop listening to the lie that we are too poor, too timid, too feart. Being fearties never gets things done – get some smeddum.

Frieda Burns
Stonehaven

I FEEL compelled to respond to Graeme McCormick’s letter “Focus on poverty will not win the SNP middle-class voters" (Sep 13). I do not share Mr McCormick’s opinion that the Scottish Government and leadership are not up to the task of winning independence for Scotland. It would be remiss of the Scottish Government not to be tackling poverty. After all, as Mr McCormick alluded to, “poverty is an awful thing and has no place in a rich Scotland”.

Mr McCormick suggests “the poor don’t generally vote”. This is something we must change, and we will not do that by ignoring the poor. Middle-class voters, as Mr McCormick suggests, need reassurance that their “lifestyles will not be adversely affected”. Is that because none of them want to experience poverty, or are they just carrying on regardless of the poor?

We must tackle the roots of poverty, this is not negotiable. Then and only then will the “poor” come forward and register their votes.

Catriona C Clark
Falkirk