Equalities

All of the political parties say similar when it comes to equalities, but words are easier than actions aren’t they. Equality is huge, it is important, it is vital but meaningless all the same because it is only when it suits. The poor, the disabled, people of colour, sexuality, housing, employment rights, access, religion, the list is endless of where equality is a dream that is so distant you can’t see it. Like the law, I think you get the equality you can afford.

When I think about equality I think about fairness, that equality should be the outcome of the choices we make. I am not talking about making everyone the same, no one wants that do they, but we should aim for a Scotland where everyone can thrive. Some people will have more than others, but the disparity shouldn’t be to the extent that some people live in squalor without dignity while others step over them as if they don’t matter.

 

 

The UK for me is one of the most unequal places on the planet, we saw that during the Elizabeth Windsor forced mourning, we see it in Tory Policies that favour the rich over the poor, we see it in so called gender reform that on the face of it removes protections from women, we see that Ukrainian refugees appear to be worth more than those crossing the channel in plastic boats.

The reality is that when we pursue the ideals of equality, diversity, and inclusivity, everyone wins. If life were a race, equality would not be about everyone crossing the finish line at exactly the same time. It would be about making sure that we all start from the same place. (Givebody)

The above is the ideal that we need to tell our political leaders is the line that we won’t cross, anything less maintains a status quo that has failed us all badly since time began.

The Alba Party say that it recognises that by dint of birth and happenstance, we are not all created, nor do we live our lives as equals. Scotland’s history involves multiple injustices where chance or privilege have dictated outcomes, and today, poverty continues to be the biggest driver of inequality and a blight on our society. These days should by now be past. Surely this modern world and an independent Scotland can cater for all without loss to any.

The SNP focus on gender equality in the main, they don’t appear to have a statement that covers equality as an overall aim.  They also cover race, to poverty, to disability. The Tories focus on making the rich richer, Labour and the Liberals see it as a seat in the House of Lords.

None of the parties have a decent record on equality, some are better than others, while some have never been in power to make a difference. So, my message to them all is that a Scotland not based on fairness is not a Scotland that I want to be a part of. Equality has to be more than a word and right now the Tories and the SNP are failing in every way, from the war against women’s sex-based rights to the war against the poor, both should hang their heads in shame while I live in hope that Alba stays true to their words.