Olympic ceremony as Unionist fantasy
Instead I find a fantasy reaction whereby some connection is identified with the Scottish independence campaign.
John Milne (Letters, 31 July) leads the way, describing the event as an “inspired narrative portrayal of Britain”. What was portrayed was apparently various scenes from British life and history, but to depict that as strengthening the case for preserving the UK would suggest that they wouldn’t have happened otherwise.
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Hide AdMr Milne went on to describe the happening as “quintessentially British” – such Britishness presumably being regarded as grounds for supporting the national status quo.
It’s a bit unfortunate that he also regards as appropriate descriptions of UK quintessence the words “bizarre”, “eccentric” and “surreal”.
All three certainly apply to the farcical hijacking of a worldwide sporting event to counter independence, but any suggestion of having them applied to Scotland would surely have the opposite effect.
Robert Dow
Ormiston Road
Tranent, East Lothian
After reading his latest anti-SNP diatribe (Perspective 1 August), I’d love to know which world Brian Wilson lives in.
He states that “any rational person could have seen that the Olympics would be as great for Scotland as any other part of the UK”.
Well, for the record, Mr Wilson, I know many rational people, myself included, who would take exception to that statement.
In your next column would you please itemise the vast benefits the Olympics have brought to Scotland and compare them with the benefits London has gained in reality. One of those lists will be very short indeed.
C Murphy
West Calder
West Lothian
When was it decided that the success of the London Olympics would be judged on numbers of UK medals won? We have opened our doors to the world. The opening ceremony was brilliant. There is a real buzz. Let’s leave the naysayers to themselves.
Bring in Leonard Cohen for a a rendition of the Anthem:
“Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack, a crack in everything
That’s how the light gets in.”
Gavin Cargill
Edinburgh Road
Linlithgow