Scottish Socialist Freedom Group

Welcome to the Scottish Socialist Freedom Group Website
The real Scottish Republican Socialists

Supporting an independent socialist nuclear free Scotland and Solidarity Scotland's Socialist Movement

"We believe in an independent Scotland where our vast wealth and abundant resources are harnessed and democratically owned for the benefit of all, not the obscene enrichment of the few."
http://www.solidarityscotland.org

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Join the Scottish Socialist Freedom Group

To join send an email to redlarry1962@googlemail.com and provide your real name, trade union organisation if any and political affiliation or belief. Or join our news and debate forum on
http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/scotsocialistfreedom/

The Scottish Socialist Freedom Group is the only genuine republican socialist organisation in Scotland. Unlike others we have not sold out to the constitutionalist SNP and remain true to Scottish Republican Socialism by revolutionary means through political activity.

Independence building a new society

The year is 2010 when the SNP will attempt to have passed through Holyrood a bill for an independence referendum with their preferred choice of a single option Yes/No on the ballot paper. Unfortunately there are no guarantees the Unionists won't create difficulties in the passage of the bill and force the SNP to accept a multi-option referendum in which the Scottish people could well vote merely for increased powers for the Scottish parliament.

If and when we did get independence would it be a smooth transition without difficulties? I doubt it. Washington and London are likely to be unhappy about Scotland's withdrawal from NATO and the removal of Britain's nuclear deterrent from the Clyde. London is likely to want a joint security agency for intelligence sharing. How independent is Scotland willing to be? One advantage for Scots being free would be to escape the obsession in Westminster with the 'surveillance state'.

Then there is the SNP proposed referendum to decide what we should do about the monarchy? Without a clean break and the establishment of a provisional government of a republic we are left with the problem of the crown powers and the importance that such powers would need to be defunct in Scotland. The nationalists give little thought to this and the need to overhaul and change corrupt institutions like the Scots legal system and the police. 

Which takes me to my argument to the need to campaign for a republic as republican socialists. Those on the fringes of the SNP within the independence movement are all too willing to presently trust the SNP as main negotiators with London come Scottish independence. 

A strong independent Scotland is going to be necessary if we are to make a fresh start. Do we really want to be like the Free State or Republic of Ireland? I do not think so. We would be better outside the bureaucratic and draconian European Union who do as much as the British state to erode civil liberties and independence of state. 

Stronger friendly and trade ties with countries of our choice is what we would need to aim for. Remember being close to London does not mean we should not be economically independent. Banks and financial institutions as a whole require to be nationalised. And the oil companies also as we should be seeking to maximise use of the remaining oil revenues and investing in alternative energy sources. Regulation of corrupt profiteers such as exist in the massive energy companies is what we should be looking to. 

Take the free market and independence look how the Republic of Ireland has allowed itself to be targets of British investment and economic dependence on private capital and Europe.

The Irish Free State model is not one I would want repeated in Scotland. But little political will exists except in the Scottish Left for revolutionary change in society. With this in mind I would be relieved by Scottish independence but far from happy. I will continue the fight for the Scottish Socialist Republic despite opposition from liberals and reformists in the SNP or its friends in the fringe groups. The groups on the fringe of the constitutional nationalists will likely continue as ceremonial nationalists and republicans and express their hatred for socialism. But nothing is new from the nationalist rightwards movement in Scotland.

With this in mind only republican socialism offers the way forward for real Scottish freedom by default and not by faith in the constitutionalists or their reformist parliamentary ways. We are going to have to be realists not romanticists, create worthwhile new institutions not merely breathe some life into the old order. Fly the red flag beside Scottish ones to remind the people we have a new society not one that is a shadow of the old system under the British state. 

True and genuine republican socialists will meet the challenges that independence brings but more than anything we must be willing to expose the reformist traitors in either the SNP or their fringe groups who tinker with the system and resist the building of a new society or new Scotland. And present our alternative programme for an Independent Scottish Workers Republic with revolutionary ideas and beliefs in mind.
Larry

*Red Star Solidarity
http://scottishsocf ree.blogspot. com/

Build a Republican Socialist Voice

What is necessary to create Democracy for Scotland in the coming months and years is for the Scottish Left to embrace the beliefs and aspirations of true republican socialism. That we are clear that the economic and social problems that weigh heavily down on Scotland have to be tackled with independence and socialism and a programme that is created by and for republican socialists in line with wishes of  the Scottish Left. 

While the Left Unity initiative should be welcomed for socialists and trade unionists to provide a united front to the electorate what is also required is a programnme of intent for republican socialists to present as a new model for activism as a basis to rally around our beliefs and campaign for the objectives of the Scottish Socialist Republic.

What is needed is alternatives to the moribund and inept tenets of nationalism. 

That the SNP alone cannot liberate Scotland from issues of social decline or poverty it has suffered through the years.

That activism goes beyond misplaced faith in parliamentary solutions and represents core principles that we can unite and fight around to secure a new society based on need instead of greed.

That to secure democracy is not just about independence but removing the exisiting institutions and representatives of the British state and building and creating new ones. That Scotland no longer lives under the shadow of the crown or it's powers.

That Scottish independence is a necessary first step to a socialist republic so republican socialists actively campaign for a referendum on independence.

And activism means street activity to go out to the people and sell the beliefs and message of republican socialism.  That a programme of action be drawn up that goes beyond one party input or sectarianism and persuades sections of the Scottish Left of the importance and lack of contradiction in utilising republican socialists principles and beliefs when fighting for a Socialist Republic with a monarchist system.

The above is set out by the Scottish Socialist Freedom Group more will follow. 
 

Join The Forum for Scottish Democracy

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/scottishdemocracy

This group supports the establishment of an independent Scottish republic that is socialist and egalitarian. Members are welcome who wish to debate about constitutional change for Scotland and the future of the nation. Also there should be support for an independence referendum.

The group recognises that debate on constitutional change for Scotland is not merely the preserve of the SNP in the independence movement. A wider debate is more healthy concerning constitutional change.

Supporters of Scottish nationalism, republicanism or Scottish socialism welcome

Note this is a broad based and non-sectarian forum.

Moderators
Forum for Scottish Democracy

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Scottish Republican Socialist Newsletter

http://dawnofliberation.blogspot.com

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Bring on the Scottish Workers Republic!

Today let us look at the Internet based organisation The Scottish Socialist Freedom Group (SSFG) and what we represent. The SSFG has been in existence for around two years promoting the most genuine beliefs in Republican Socialism. In more recent times we have set up a Yahoo news & discussion group.

With a small membership our political belief's are clear. Our minimum demand is a Scottish Republic and our maximum goal is a truly Independent Scottish Workers Republic. We support debate using the tool of the Internet to get our message across.

In the community we seek active solidarity for political prisoners and International "left Wing socialist" struggle. Unlike any other movement who claim to be Scottish Republican Socialist we reject the idea that the parliamentary model or constitutional nationalism will deliver true Socialist Freedom for the Scottish people. In short the reformists who have taken to supporting the SNP have abandoned the socialist struggle for a Scottish Workers Republic.

Alternatively the SSFG set up a website to present a layout from support for Solidarity Scotland's Socialist Movement to setting out our Scottish Marxist principles. unlike others we believe in Scottish independence that begins with a Republic and end's with a Scottish Workers Republic. Changing the flag from buthcher's apron to Saltire alone is meaningless for workers without any attempt to bring about a social system to serve need instead of greed.

We do see Solidarity as the platform at present to build the Socialist Movement in Scotland and view those who support the SNP to build a fair society are like flying a kite in a tornado. You go round and round and everywhere and get nowhere.

A referendum for Scottish independence is only significant where we can secure a Scottish Republic. However to lend support to any type of referendum on independence is not the wrong thing to do. Even a referendum that is drawn up by reformists in constitutional nationalism will throw a spanner in the works and create some panic for unionists in the future.

Significantly with costitutional change must come revolutionary change. Without public control of our banking and financial institutions and widespread radical & revolutionary change to the capitalist system then independence alone is worthless. Independence should mean an end to the queen and her crown powers in Scotland and the formation of a true accountable state in a Scottish Republic.

The SSFG seeks like minded individuals to promote real change for Scotland and struggle for a Scottish Socialist Workers Republic. The SSFG can now be found on bebo
and anywhere ideas and positive ideas for change can be encouraged on the Internet.
Larry

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Sheridan & Galloway ask PM to Drop Bank Charges

Sheridan & Galloway ask PM to Drop the Charges

Solidarity Co-Convenor Tommy Sheridan and Respect MP George Galloway have launched an online petition, with a call to the Prime Minister to put an end to punitive bank charges.

Sheridan said:

"Gordon Brown has the shares, and therefore the clout, to demand an end to this practice in HBOS, RBS and Northern Rock"


George Galloway, MP for Bethnal Green & Bow added:

"The government is pouring hundreds of billions of pounds into the banks, at the very least we, the public, must have a say in how these part-public-owned banks operate.

The petition states:

We, the public, as owners of Northern Rock, majority shareholders in RBS and the biggest shareholder in HBOS, ask the Prime Minister to instruct these banks to end the system of excessive, punitive bank charges immediately.

and can be signed at:

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/stopthecharges/

Tommy Sheridan said on the launch of the petition:

"It can easily be forgotten that these 'poor' banks who got the bail-out are the same banks who in recent years have been declaring billions in profits and dividends, while charging their poorest customers excessive amounts for slips in their finances. Many people are still locked in a court battle with the banks, who want to protect their right to extort money from customers. Gordon Brown has the shares, and therefore the clout, to demand an end to this practice in HBOS, RBS and Northern Rock"

George Galloway, MP for Bethnal Green & Bow added:

"The government is pouring hundreds of billions of pounds into the banks, at the very least we, the public, must have a say in how these part-public-owned banks operate.

"Bank charges have been a con for years, hitting the lowest paid who often slip into exceeding their overdrafts by mistake.

"They should be ended now and the government should use its stake in the banks to ensure that. Mortgage repossessions by Northern Rock are up, despite the fact that it is wholly publicly owned. There should be no punitive charges and no evictions. What was a matter between consumers and banks is now a plainly political issues between the people and the government. Gordon Brown has been given fair warning."

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Scottish Socialist Freedom Discussion Group

http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/scotsocialistfreedom

News & Debate group on political and cultural issues affecting Scotland and Internationally.

"We believe in an independent Scotland where our vast wealth and abundant resources are harnessed and democratically owned for the benefit of all, not the obscene enrichment of the few."

To join give a short bio of yourself in a brief paragraph regarding your political views and interest in an independent socialist Scotland.

We are essentially republican socialist and support Solidarity Scotland's Socialist Movement. socialist activists and/or Solidarity members welcome.
SSFG (Alba)

Defend Tommy Sheridan Rally on 7th June 2008

Defend Tommy Sheridan For up to date information on the campaign and messages of support.

In a massive show of support for the Sheridan 7 and defiance of Rupert Murdoch over 250 people packed Langside Halls on the 7th June to attend the Defend Tommy Sheridan / Defend the Sheridan 7 rally.

Messages of support were read from Bob Crow and Ricky Tomlinson and others who were unable to attend, however, a series of impassioned speeches were heard from prominent Trade Union speakers and Miscarriages of Justice speakers amongst others including Tommy Sheridan.

Fortunately most speeches were recorded and some of these can be replayed from You Tube by clicking on the links below

Paddy Hill Birmingham 6 and Mojo

Gerry Conlon Guildford 4 and Mojo

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May Day Rally in Edinburgh on Saturday May 3rd

 The May Day Rally kicked off in Edinburgh on Saturday from Market Street along Princes Street and onward to Princes Street Gardens. Despite a smaller than expected parade it was a good day culminating in hearing speakers from Colombia and CND. May Day events are great family outings for folks and I hope many others not just in the Labour and Trade Union Movements will take advantage of these world wide events in the future.

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: dotSCO Scottish Government E-Petition

Hi,

Help the dotSCO campaign and sign the Scottish government e-petition on lead up to the .sco application process; 


http://epetitions.scottish.parliament.uk/view_petition.asp?PetitionID=216

We need as many signatures as possible to help get support from the
Government. 
 
Thank you! 
 The dotSCO Campaign 
 
http://www.dotsco.org/ 
 
Sign the e-petition today and help give the dotSCO campaign a massive
boost! 
 http://epetitions.scottish.parliament.uk/view_petition.asp?PetitionID=216

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