“THE National was created not to be a balanced newspaper but to be the one that provided balance.” These were the words of Richard Walker, the first editor of The National in his column of November 29.
As one of those stubborn independence supporters who continues to write letters to pro-Union newspapers, such as The Herald and The Scotsman, in attempts to provide at least a little balance to the constant denigration (generally without appropriate UK context) of the SNP, the Scottish Government and the independence movement overall, I both appreciate and support this noble objective.
READ MORE: Richard Walker: I founded The National 10 years ago. It has not always been easy
Regrettably though, when I read the contributions of some who appear fixated on issues related to the SNP and who offer little or no such balance, it makes me wonder whether they are genuine supporters of independence or simply using the cause of independence and The National to fuel their own personal political gripes, some perhaps being long-time ex-Labour “malcontents”.
Of course there must be space in The National for criticisms of all aspects of the “Yes movement”, including the SNP and its leadership, but when I read letters like the one (on early prisoner release) from Glenda Burns of the same day, and those of some others on earlier days, it’s disappointing to assess that such criticisms (like those that occupy most of the letters pages of pro-Union newspapers) are often devoid of relevant balancing context as well as realistically constructive suggestions of positive steps to progress our presumably common goal.
Almost every newspaper that I could pick from a newsstand, apart from The National, will contain subjective criticism of the SNP Scottish Government and although these newspapers are generally promoting the Union, none will generally mention comparable performances elsewhere in the UK except in the relatively few areas where those performances appear to be better.
READ MORE: With an election on the horizon, it’s time to put the past behind us
Whether supporting the SNP, Alba, the Greens or no political party at all, we should all as independence supporters be seeking to use the invaluable space provided by The National’s letters pages to advance our common cause with positive messages, not only to aid jointly progressing our own ambitions for Scotland but to encourage those yet to be convinced of the many merits of independence (hopefully an increasing number are now appreciating the journalistic quality of this newspaper as well as the informative Scottish content).
There are many avenues open to those who wish to pursue personal agendas, but if we wish to increase support for independence to 60% and beyond then we need to make the best use of the relatively limited resources we have to compete with the overwhelming resources of the pro-Union UK mainstream media.
If we can manage to do this then there is hope that not only will The National still be successfully in print for at least another ten years but that it will soon be the leading Scottish newspaper in an independent Scotland.
Stan Grodynski
Longniddry, East Lothian
I HAVE some sympathy for Gregg Wallace as he steps back from the day job while allegations of his making inappropriate sexual jokes are investigated.
Had Wallace been an Anglican archbishop investigated over several years for covering up the activities of a serial child sex abuser, he could have carried on regardless as a Member of the House of Lords, buried a queen and crowned a king.
Alistair McBay
Perth
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