Scottish Politics Postings
| Scottish Politics Postings |
This is a new page, which we started on 7th May, 1998. | Postings here from: Alison |
Alison ...
Hello there. I have just spent sometime surfing the internet looking for Braveheart sites... I am very
happy to have surfed onto yours...well done!
My name is Alison and I live on Long Island in New York. My mum is from Edinburgh! She's a
Cochrane! Needless to say I was brought up heavily with pride in my Scottish roots (dad is German
Irish but states "he is just an American"). Never a year passed that I didn't have tartan in my
wardrobe! My first birthday was celebrated back in the old country as I was visiting my
grandparents...and believe it or not I actually remember my birthday party (being woken up from a
nap to celebrate at a long table full of strangers...relatives and friends).
Went back in 1971 summer before kindergarden started - for 6 weeks with mum. By that time my
grandparents had retired to the Lake District in England (and other relatives moved into that southern
country too), but we made it to Edinburgh. I remember the Royal Mile, the castle and mons meg
firing! Dying to get back. I would like to take my brother Colin with me as he's never been overseas.
I would say that I was brought up loving British comedies and the British culture. I have vivid
memories of mum waking me early to see Princess Anne's wedding and being allowed to take the day
off from school since I was up so early. I didn't know a thing about the royal family until then. Didn't
think kings and queens existed really - guess that American blood was there. I became a royal family
fan especially during the days of Diana (we won't begin to discuss that...I still can't believe she is
gone!).
Now, loving British culture I had a respect for things Scottish- as I learned that there was a difference
between the two. Joined my mum at her Scottish ladies lodge meetings, Burns supper (since I was
about 7) and the Scottish games held here on LI each year. I've even dabbled in Scottish Country
Dancing which I intend to return one day.
But BRAVEHEART.....with an adult mind I started researching the cause of Freedom and the
possibility of independence for Scotland. I joined the SNP and visit their website often. I see it is
possible financially to be self-supportive. Now Scotland herself has to believe. I know how England
has robbed Scotland of much through the centuries and even now. How about that Mr. Blair?
I hope politics will gain you the freedom you justly deserve. In America we are constantly being
reminded of the Irish struggles (lots of Irish in the US). If freedom is good for them, why not
Scotland (tired of people thinking we Scots are Irish here in the US. Same thing they say - NOT
however both Celtic). BRAVEHEART helped me explain Scotland's plight and history to others.
Nothing like an Oscar winning movie. "FREEDOM" is an awesome battle cry. It is something many
people don't think much about when they have it.
Phew! Was that a novel or what?
I will come back and visit your page many times it's so good. Sorry I missed that convention. My
heart was with Scotland during the anniversary (I have a mind for dates and histor) and during the
vote! Funny how dates in history come round again.
Dashing off to watch my copy of the movie - afraid I don't think I am close to 42 times, but......
Warm wishes, Alison
PS - I have a Scottish Lion decal on my car window. It's fun having people try to figure where
Scotland is and all (those poor Welsh people really get lost over here - ignorant Yanks!). Seen a few
Scots on the road with me too!
7th May, 1998
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[This page last updated 6th May, 1998]
