In all honesty, I don’t think I particularly care for any of the following four comments. They’re all so studiously political. But it’s clear to me which two indicate a narrow, monochromatic sense of identity and which two represent a broader, more inclusive ideal.Des Browne: “As with millions across the country, I have been closely following the progress of the British team in the Olympic Games. Chris Hoy and his British teammates’ achievement yesterday in the team sprint was an exceptional feat of sporting excellence. But for Chris to crown it today with another gold and a silver for Ross Edgar is remarkable. It is a great source of pride to all of us in Scotland that Chris and Ross are among the many Scots competing as part of Team GB.”
Alex Salmond: “This is a fantastic achievement for Chris Hoy and Ross Edgar, and Scotland's greatest sporting moment at the Olympics of all time with Scots winning a gold and silver in the same event. This was the Braveheart final, and Chris and Ross did Scotland proud.”
David Hoy (Chris Hoy’s father) when asked about flags: “It’s GB at the Olympics, so it’s the GB flag. On Commonwealth Games business it’s the Saltire and Lion Rampant. First of all Scotland would have to build three velodromes at £50m a time to match UK facilities. Then there’s world-class performance funding (£4m a year). And it takes eight years to get a medal. Multiply that across all sports, and Scotland would be facing a huge sports bill.”
Ayelestin (a Herald CyberNat): “Stuff theBrits, There not a Nation. there are plenty of good proper Nations to support, like any that are competing against the Brits. Chris Hoy was seen to be singing the dirge of his poltical state which supports foreign governance over my nation,among other crimes. That make's him an Imperialist and a racist in my eyes. NO roll model for any Scots child. Stick yer British flag up yer Union Jacksy Chris.”
UPDATE: The nationalist cyberactivists are not happy about Team GB success.
Mr SU might not agree with the comments from Alex Salmond or Des Browne but one is all things British and one is all things Scottish so im not surprised by the comments. David Hoy,s father has it about right but i would also like to add that the Scottish Saltire should have a place amongst any compo in which Scotland is taking part in.
Mind you with indepenence we would not have any trouble with which flag to fly..would we Mr SU ?
Actually, while Alex Salmond's comment uses "Scotland"/"Scots" four times, Des Browne's uses "British" and "Scotland"/"Scots" twice each. For what it's worth.
With independence, some Scottish sportsmen would continue to represent Team "rump GB" while others would represent "Team Scotland". Those are the IOC's rules. It's a lose-lose scenario.
With independence, some Scottish sportsmen would continue to represent Team "rump GB" while others would represent "Team Scotland". Those are the IOC's rules. It's a lose-lose scenario
Well Mr SU, i think i would happily see Scotland lose a few sports men/woman and the odd gold medal in turn for an independent Scotland. BTW if you want to be predantic on how many times Alex Salmond mentions Scotland!! What about Gordon Brown and that played to death word "British?" Even the English are tired of hearing about his British values.
Anyway politics and sports dont mix.