Merci Beaucoup DC Thomson

Today I drove to Auchterarder to attend the Hustings there for selecting an SNP candidate to represent our constituency, Ochil and Perth South, at the next General Election.

I've heard of Hustings (don't even know if it is a proper noun?) of course, but never had the slightest idea what they actually were.  Turns out it's kind of like an audition for candidates who have been approved by the party to appeal to the members for their votes.  Each of the candidates gave a wee talk, telling us about themselves and what they hoped they would be able to offer if they were selected.  Then there is a question and answer session, followed by tea and coffee, at which the audience has the chance to approach any of the candidates and ask them any question you want. 

What a marvellous system.  In the SNP at any rate, it is one member = one vote, so we all have the same influence in selecting the right person for the job in our area.  And it was a privilege to be in the audience and know that these people are prepared to give their all, 100%, to represent us.  It was also a privilege to look around the audience, and to see the wide range of people who had turned up on a snowy Sunday afternoon, to take seriously our opportunity to participate in democracy and free speech. 

Going home afterwards, I nipped into my friend, Mr Tesco, to pick up one or two bits for tomorrow's packed lunches, and I spotted the front page of the wee Sunday Post.  I haven't bought this Sunday paper for at least 35 years, and think of it as a parochial wee rubbishy rag whose main claim to existence is as the home of The Broons and Oor Wullie. 

But today, regardless of whatever else is in it, I was proud to see that our Dundonian neighbours have once again done us proud by making the iconic Wullie the front page face of solidarity with all those defending the rights of freedom of speech for all. 

Thanks DC Thomson. And thanks for giving AS his own column in the Courier.   And thanks to everyone who has ever made the ultimate sacrifice so that the rest of us can say what we want, when we want to, and to whom we want.