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MOST independence supporters imagine it will lead to a state of more democracy, more openness and more transparency in Wales.
It was slightly alarming therefore to see those principles absent without leave in the election process held over the weekend by Wales’s main independence campaign, YesCymru.
The group chose it’s 8 central committee members at its AGM by means of an on-line vote, with a seemingly impressive 400 people in attendance.
Unfortunately, that number only equates to 3% of its total membership level (18,500).
The question that has to be asked is why such a popular movement, which has grown so quickly over the past year, was not able to engender more enthusiasm for this election.
And why the obvious route of a postal vote for all members was not chosen to include everyone and build upon the enthusiasm of the membership base.
Especially with the organisation so awash with cash right now, with almost £200,000 in the bank.
And perhaps an intriguing tweet put out today on an account called ‘@BookSocCY’ gives some further cause for concern.
The tweet celebrated a ‘leftist’ takeover of YesCymru, with it’s ‘foes’ put to flight completely.
With the 3% turn-out further presented as a well-orchestrated manoeuvre to all intents and purposes.
YesCymru’s success has been built on the premise of being able to reach out to people across the political spectrum to support the idea of Independence.
With all able to set their political affiliations to one side, for a time at least, to pursue Independence as a joint goal.
But it now seems that this notion has been ditched entirely, with a ‘victors’ and ‘foes’ war mentality taking over at the heart of the organisation.
It’s almost as if some people have given up on Independence, so they might as well enjoy some alternative form of control.
Shaping YesCymru to fit their own ideological perspectives fits the bill perfectly in that respect.
A spokesman for Gwlad said it now appeared that centrist and centre-right supporters of Independence were no longer considered part of the YesCymru family.
‘It’s a complete own goal, because it’s obvious that Independence will not be achieved unless such people feel they can get on board with the project as well’ he said.
‘However, there will be a very warm welcome for these individuals within Gwlad, where we will continue to make a reasoned and pragmatic case for Welsh Independence.’
The 8 members chosen for the Central Committee might well prove to be fine individuals, committed to the cause of Welsh Independence.
It’s just a shame that their election has been overshadowed by such a pitiful percentage of members casting a confirmatory vote.
THE ABOVE AND WHAT JAC SAYS ON SAME SUBJECT CORRECT AND ALL VERY WEL BUT WHAT YOU REALLY GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?
TIME TO FIGHT BACK AND ADVANCE TO OVERWEALM THE ‘YESSSERS’. LIKE THEY YOU NEED TO GET OUT IN ACTION BUT NOT JUST FLAG WAVING POINTLESSLY BUT DYNAMICALLY WITH PURPOSE IN CAMPAIGNING TO RECLAIM OUR LAND NOT SET IT UP FOR ‘Y CRACHACH NEWYDD’ AS THAT IS WHERE WE ARE HEADING FOR SURE.
EIN GWLAD?
GETHIN .
AGJ and Gethin – the rigging of that YC election was uncannily similar to a similar project executed last year when Plaid managed to limit voting to “those in attendance” at the rough equivalent of an old style phone kiosk ! Evident therefore that the ultras that have invaded YC share a playbook with those that invaded Plaid. I call them “ultras” because they have no real foundation of socialism, except for a dash of National Socialism perhaps, and their approach to engaging with alternative thinking smacks of extreme Fascist values. I share the suspicion of others that the group driving these moves is ultimately controlled/manipulated by elements of the UK security services who have conducted a similar operation aimed at derailing the SNP.
The matter of long term response is hard to articulate publicly. Obviously the democratic channel remains the preferred choice, but if these people continue to move around sabotaging each and every body that is created to promote liberty then there comes a time when updated versions of James Connolly and Michael Collins’ ideas may have to be adopted to “clear the air”. After all, these clowns think it’s a hoot to suggest violence against certain identified so maybe they ought to understand what that really means.
last sentence should have read …. “these clowns think it’s a hoot to suggest violence against certain identified persons so maybe they ought to understand what that really means.”