OPINION
— On his first day, Donald Trump pardoned January 6 rioters, emboldened extremists, and signed a vague economic order, raising deep concerns about his emboldened presidency and unpredictable future actions.
OPINION
Diverse perspectives and personal viewpoints on politics, society, and culture. With thought-provoking commentary from seasoned writers, this section invites readers to engage with bold, often challenging viewpoints that spark debate and encourage critical reflection on today's pressing issues.
OPINION
— Democrats’ 2024 loss highlights their failure to embrace the “MAGA lesson”: unwavering loyalty to leadership. By abandoning Joe Biden and over-relying on Kamala Harris, they handed Donald Trump a decisive victory.
OPINION
— Elon Musk’s criticism of Nigel Farage highlights the billionaire’s deepening involvement in British politics, promoting far-right agendas, stoking racial tensions, and undermining democracy, Wee Ginger Dug writes, adding that urgent reforms to political donations are essential.
OPINION
— Higher energy bills mark 2025, alongside discontent with Labour’s unfulfilled promises and Keir Starmer’s declining popularity. Rising far-right influence threatens Westminster, bolstering Scottish independence momentum amid political dissatisfaction.
OPINION
— Labour faces backlash for scrapping pensioner benefits and denying compensation to 1950s-born Waspi women, contradicting prior pledges and ombudsman recommendations, sparking criticism for alienating key voter groups.
OPINION
— Elon Musk’s potential funding of Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party highlights the influence of dark money in British politics, threatening democracy and raising concerns for Scotland’s 2026 elections and independence movement.
OPINION
— Wee Ginger Dug condemns Elon Musk’s X/Twitter for fostering hate speech and divisive content, highlighting BlueSky instead as a friendlier and more inclusive alternative for online interaction.
OPINION
— Noel Conway wanted to die with dignity, yet he died slowly in pain. This month MPs can finally help others like him.
OPINION
— Trump’s election victory has fuelled far-right nationalist gains, threatening minority and migrant rights in the US and intensifying right-wing populism in Scotland. Reform UK’s recent growth in Scotland now signals a potential rise in anti-immigration and climate-sceptic influence at Holyrood.
OPINION
— Donald Trump’s re-election campaign, marked by his divisive platform, dishonesty, and lack of accountability, leads B. Jay Cooper to argue that Trump’s conduct contradicts American values and lacks presidential integrity.
OPINION
— As Donald Trump prepares for another presidential term, B. Jay Cooper suggests a unifying gesture: acknowledging the 2020 election was not rigged. Such honesty could foster reconciliation amid widespread anxiety. Will he do it, though?
OPINION
— Despite a narrative suggesting a close race, B. Jay Cooper predicts that Kamala Harris will win decisively, bolstered by strong support from women, shifting demographics, and Donald Trump’s divisive rhetoric, particularly following his campaign’s recent attacks on Puerto Ricans.
OPINION
— B. Jay Cooper criticises the Washington Post for avoiding a presidential endorsement before a critical election, accusing its owner, Jeff Bezos, of yielding to political pressure and risking democracy, signalling an authoritarian threat.
OPINION
— The Scottish Languages Bill aims to grant official status to Gaelic and Scots, enhance support for these languages in education, and address widespread ignorance about their historical and cultural significance in Scotland.
OPINION
— B. Jay Cooper rejects Trump due to his authoritarian rhetoric, dishonesty, and failure to deliver key promises. He argues Trump prioritises self-interest over national welfare and warns undecided voters against supporting him.
OPINION
— Alex Salmond, a towering figure in Scottish politics, has died unexpectedly in North Macedonia, leaving a profound legacy. His transformative leadership championed Scottish independence, reshaping Scotland’s political landscape indelibly.
