Rules of Engagement – independence

As the debate on Scotland’s future kicks off in a confused and confusing scurry of claim and accusation, I’ve heard it wistfully voiced how fine it would be were all parties agreed to rules of engagement, beginning with an undertaking to speak more quietly, reasonably, with respect for one another and – even more – their audience.  Imagine if these had been in force when the Referendum consultation document was issued and the politicians gathered to let us know their thoughts?

Promises to read it carefully, reflect and return with considered opinions.  Undertakings to explain where issues were perhaps not quite as clear as they might have been and to deal quickly and sensibly with any others arising.  Closing with good wishes and undertakings on all sides for a clean debate and nothing that might smack of personal attacks.

Never happen, pal.  The stakes are high and passions mount to meet them, but even so, there is a point to be made, because after the last couple of weeks the prospect of another 2 ½ years listening to politicians shouting or sniping at each other in the same way on the same subject brings on thoughts of cancelling the newspaper and disabling the TV news channels.

Here’s a few words we’ll be hearing more of from the professionals as they battle to persuade us where to mark the referendum voting paper: what the people of Scotland want is….

Well, I don’t know what the people of Scotland want in terms of the debate to come, but for my part it would be a very good thing if everyone taking part desisted from name-calling, cynical efforts to whip up emotions, unsubstantiated and unverifiable threats or promises about where Scotland and the Scots will end up if we vote the wrong/right way.

In short, if we can’t play nicely with shaking of hands and the odd exchange of compliments on a good point well made, at least let’s play positively and openly.

So for a start, please, no more jibes that the anti-independence teams are anti-Scottish.  No more accusations that the pro-independence team is trying to rig the ballots.

Then, we can start to discuss in a way that also allows us to start to listen.

And here’s one undertaking in that spirit: in covering the debate as it develops, Mobbly.com will report facts, offer fair question and comment, and try very hard to avoid falling in the trap of telling you what you should think.

Because there’ll be enough people telling you precisely that.