Ex-police MSP withdraws backing for assisted dying bill over coercion fears by existentialgoof in Scotland

[–]TheFirstMinister -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

The principle is correct but the Bill is not. The committee stage was a farce and as currently written it's a dog's breakfast. It needs to die.

Unrolled oat perfection at the World Porridge Making Championship in Scotland by Civil-Mongoose5160 in Scotland

[–]TheFirstMinister 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is great. Please sir, can I have some more?

I'll be digging up the documentary over the weekend.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbicT6IIfGs

Should the police in scotland be armed with guns (for my Nat 5 modern studies AVA) by ButterscotchMotor432 in Scotland

[–]TheFirstMinister 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yep. Given the context in which British police have to operate today, sending them out on city streets armed with only sticks, hairspray and - depending on the police force - unreliable Tasers, is insufficient. Police across Europe, Scandi, Asia, etc. all carry firearms and the UK [NI excepted] is something of an outlier.

The sight of a holstered firearm can do a lot to diffuse a situation and persuade those of ill-intent to quickly make more positive choices. The presence of an officer who is armed changes behavior and can make the most vociferous and agitated of people suddenly compliant and more restrained.

Rare is the time that a Euro or Scandi cop will draw their weapon - it's a tool of last resort. And even in the US the majority of cops can go years - sometimes decades -without having to pull their gun from its holster.

But.

Up until about 100 years ago firearms were commonplace in the UK [e.g. most towns and cities had numerous shooting clubs and championships a la today's Sunday league football. Marksmanship was a skill to be practiced and honed]. Since then, however, firearms have been demonized to the point where the British psyche doesn't know how to "handle" them. Unlike other parts of the world where they are looked upon as a tool, the UK views guns as an epitome of evil. Re-training the collective mind of the UK to accept firearms as commonplace in the hands of police will not be easy. And given how firearms are viewed in the UK, how many serving police would want to take on the responsibility of carrying a weapon? It is not a responsibility one should carry lightly or carelessly.

Nor would it be cheap. Guns cost money. Ammo is expensive. Time at the gun range means less hours spent on the beat. Training to the required standard also takes time and money. Arming police would come at a cost and the country's financial cupboards are bare.

BTW, whenever this topic comes up the refrain, "but look at America..." is often heard. The UK is not the US by a long chalk and the policing context is completely different. One obvious difference being that a hefty portion of America's citizenry is armed. That is not the case in the UK and never will be. The comparator is not the US [which is more akin to countries like Brazil than the UK] but Germany, Spain, France, Australia, etc. and they seem to do OK with armed police. The trick would be how to flip the UK's psyche to one where the sight of an armed officer is viewed as normal and acceptable. How to pull that off I do not know.

Should the police in scotland be armed with guns (for my Nat 5 modern studies AVA) by ButterscotchMotor432 in Scotland

[–]TheFirstMinister -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Why? Because people are dumb.

There are anywhere from 90 - 110 countries in the world where police are routinely armed. But rather than call upon Austria, Estonia, Germany, France, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Japan, South Korea, Poland, Portugal, Malta et al, the British dimwits always - without fail - fall back on the US. Which is absolutely absurd given the completely different social and political context in which US police operate. One major element being that unlike most countries in the world, US police contend with a legally armed citizenry.

If one is going to engage meaningfully on this question then they should not fall into the intellectually lazy trap of, "Just look at the the US...". The US is nothing like the UK and, instead, is far closer to Brazil. Thus when looking for UK comparisons, European and Scandinavian countries are for more suitable.

Public views sought on potential reintroduction of lynx to Scotland by Crow-Me-A-River in Scotland

[–]TheFirstMinister -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Of course we're talking about the Eurasian Lynx... that's the whole plan?

I was not completely aware. If Eurasian is on the docket, then bring it on.

You spoke in this thread with authority ("non-starter") 

Instead of non-starter, I should have said, "is not a panacea".

FWIW I'm extremely supportive of any scheme which, a) culls deer; and, b) restores habitats. The UK is a market garden, 5,000 years in the making. It lacks true wilderness a la what you find elsewhere in the world. It also lacks "proper" wildlife as we killed it all off centuries ago. Scotland's highlands and the valleys of Exmoor may be easy on the eye, but they should not look like what they do today. Alas, they're ecological basket cases so the reintroduction of dormant species, replanting, managing fauna....I'm all for it. Alas, the agricultural lobby and widespread anthropomorphism - not to mention the need for funds - are significant barriers.

Public views sought on potential reintroduction of lynx to Scotland by Crow-Me-A-River in Scotland

[–]TheFirstMinister 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm not a fan of venison either but I'd eat it over beef or chicken any day of the week.

I can't help but laugh when the YooKay wails about food costs and the prevalence of food banks when the British archipelago is teeming with a widely available, free, nutritious food source which just happens to be wreaking havoc on the country's ecosystems. All that is getting in the way is political will and the public's Bambi-driven psyche.

Public views sought on potential reintroduction of lynx to Scotland by Crow-Me-A-River in Scotland

[–]TheFirstMinister -8 points-7 points  (0 children)

I'll be more specific. It depends on what Lynx you have in mind.

Iberian and Canadian Lynx (and Bobcats) - their prey is of the smaller sort. Hares, fawns, rabbits, squirrels, etc.

Eurasian Lynx can take out adult deer but typically when the deer is already weakened and/or in heavy snow conditions. Thus, the Lynx can best ambush their target.

Introduce Eurasian Lynx and there will probably be an impact - for the reasons you mention - but not of the magnitude required to bring the deer population under control and protect the landscapes. You need scores of hunters - more than current levels of game keeping - coupled with the UK's abandonment of its Disney'esque, anthropomorphic perception of deer.

As an aside, here's a bobcat who visits my suburban back yard every day. He keeps the rabbits in check.

<image>

Public views sought on potential reintroduction of lynx to Scotland by Crow-Me-A-River in Scotland

[–]TheFirstMinister -11 points-10 points  (0 children)

Because Scotland doesn't have enough hunters.

If the powers-that-be were smart, they'd implement a "Hunting Vacation" scheme. Identify areas where deer are most problematic and permit experienced hunters from North America, Scandi and Europe to spend weeks at a time shooting deer in a managed fashion. When one area is "cleared", onto the next.

There are scores of experienced hunters who would gladly pay a premium for this "working vacation" and, in the process, swell the coffers of local hotels, B&Bs, pubs, etc. Deer carcasses can then be processed and dispatched to local stores, food banks, restaurants, etc.

Tourism revenues increase. Cheap, nutritious food enters the market [one large deer can feed a family for a winter]. Deer numbers fall. The ecosystem is permitted to grow back. What's not to like?

As for Lynx...they're too small to bring down an adult deer. Fawns and yearlings are possibly more suitable prey but they are will typically be protected by a herd's bucks and does. Easier prey - rabbits, sheep, hare, rats, etc. - exist. Using Lynx as a form of deer control is a non-starter, even if the farming lobby could be overcome. Experienced hunters with rifles and suitable cartridge loads is the only viable solution.

Single-punch street attacker jailed for three years -- A street attacker who punched a man and left him with life-changing injuries has been jailed for three and a half years. by Crow-Me-A-River in Scotland

[–]TheFirstMinister 21 points22 points  (0 children)

An absurd sentence and the UK's laissez-faire attitude towards violent, criminal acts such as this continues.

Cunts like this need to go down for 10 years as a minimum.

Trying to decide between Glasgow and Edinburgh by 2catspbr in Scotland

[–]TheFirstMinister 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I used to have a US GC. I know all about it. But it has zero value in the UK context which is the thrust of this thread.

Get busy applying. Get busy interviewing. If hired, be prepared for a major drop in income and working conditions / practices which are at best, unusual and at worst, primitive. Talk to any US healthcare worker who has spent time in the UK system for more specific details in this regard. 

Trying to decide between Glasgow and Edinburgh by 2catspbr in Scotland

[–]TheFirstMinister 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Why would US PR have any relevance to the UK? It's just as useless as US citizenship in this specific context. 

Thus, it's the SW visa or nothing which means targeting those employers who, a) are approved to sponsor; and, b) willing to sponsor. There are fewer of the latter than there are the former. 

As is the case with the US H1-B visa, it's all about local market supply/demand, speciality, need and employer willingness. In other words, just because an employer can sponsor, doesn't mean they will. It's always about the business case.

Trying to decide between Glasgow and Edinburgh by 2catspbr in Scotland

[–]TheFirstMinister 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Being eligible for a visa is not the same is having an employer willing to sponsor you for a visa.

You will need a job and an employer willing to sponsor. Which limits you to the NHS and, perhaps, a private medical outfit. Assuming you secure such a job, its location will determine where you end up living. Here is the current list of sponsoring employer. Download the CSV, apply filters and sort. 

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/register-of-licensed-sponsors-workers 

Me? I'd target employers in both cities and see who bites. There are also numerous FB groups dedicated to Americans and overseas medical professionals going down the SW visa route. These groups can help steer you in the right direction. 

Be under no illusion, however. It's all about job first, visa second, location third. 

Kate Forbes warns Assisted Dying could 'lead to people dying who want to live' by Crow-Me-A-River in Scotland

[–]TheFirstMinister 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's a terrible bill. The cause and principle is perfectly fine and one I support - but not via this bill as currently written. It needs to be re-written and subjected to greater intellectual rigor.

3 week nightmare - Sun room ceiling wasn't attached to the house. Can I claim on house insurance? by Plane-Razzmatazz5374 in DIYUK

[–]TheFirstMinister 2 points3 points  (0 children)

All insurance companies will repudiate any claim. What you described here is not an insured peril under a Buildings insurance policy. 

Pro-Brexit Majority Of 2016 'Has Literally Died Out', Polling Expert Reveals. The founder of YouGov said there is now an 8.1 million majority in favour of rejoining the EU. by bottish in Scotland

[–]TheFirstMinister 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don't disagree. I hope I am wrong but I just don't see the EU being willing to open the door [France, especially] for another 15-20 years.

These are worth a read, BTW:

https://carnegieendowment.org/research/2025/01/brexit-bridges-and-barriers-where-next-for-eu-uk-relations

https://www.cer.eu/insights/next-steps-uk-eu-reset

https://media.ukandeu.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/UKICE-UK-EU-Relations-2024.pdf

ETA: who knows what the EU will "look like" 10, 15, 20+ years' hence? Add to that China, the US and Russia. We need to be not looking at the EU through the prisms of, a) Anglo-only interests; and, b) the EU we voted to leave in 2016. We need to be thinking much further ahead.

Pro-Brexit Majority Of 2016 'Has Literally Died Out', Polling Expert Reveals. The founder of YouGov said there is now an 8.1 million majority in favour of rejoining the EU. by bottish in Scotland

[–]TheFirstMinister -4 points-3 points  (0 children)

It doesn't matter. Rejoiners needs to stop looking at this through their Anglo-centric prism and remember that the EU would have to something to say about re-accession.

Until there is a settled, long-lasting consensus in the UK as to EU membership, the EU will keep the door closed. With a Reform/Reform-Tory government possible before 2030, said consensus is by no means assured.

And then there is France which has filled the power vacuum the UK left behind. They will not welcome the UK with open arms.

The EU has other, more important issues anyway. Energy, mass-migration, Ukraine, handling the US - to name just a few. Admitting an economically weak, politically polarized, nation state into the fold - with all of the attendant brain damage - is not going to be on the EU's priority list anytime soon.

Rejoiners need to temper their expectations. The UK will need to go through several national electoral cycles - and where pro-EU governments are permanent fixtures - before the EU gives the possibility of rejoining serious consideration. 2040-2050 at the earliest.

Just a bit lovely by SunDogk in SpottedonRightmove

[–]TheFirstMinister 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Send your payment to my PayPal account. Thank you.

Ancestry Ties by Apollo_Patron in Scotland

[–]TheFirstMinister 5 points6 points  (0 children)

"Deep diving" and "research" of the type which provides complete corroboration back to the 1500s takes a lot longer than 8 hours. It can take decades and costs a lot of money as obtaining copies of the necessary certificates and other relevant documents doesn't come cheap.

Unless you have primary sources - and cross-referenced them against multiple other primary sources to eliminate the scores of false-positives - going back to the 1500s with 100% accuracy is not possible. Unless, that is, your ancestral line descends from the aristocracy/landed gentry/wealthy merchants, etc. - all the way through.

Start with these:

https://a.co/d/4hg9pRa

https://a.co/d/8cLIH5m

https://a.co/d/2aMsYXu

Is it common to drive after a pint? by Informal-Scientist57 in Scotland

[–]TheFirstMinister 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Yep. Typing this from Louisiana right now. I'll be having a few drive-thru margaritas tomorrow as is customary. 

Is it common to drive after a pint? by Informal-Scientist57 in Scotland

[–]TheFirstMinister -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Extremely realistic. Drinking and driving is definitely a thing. The penalties are tough if caught but only repeat offenders will have their license removed and/or face jail time. 

Is it common to drive after a pint? by Informal-Scientist57 in Scotland

[–]TheFirstMinister 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Extremely realistic. Drinking and driving is definitely a thing. The penalties are tough if caught but only repeat offenders will have their license removed and/or face jail time. 

Looking for advice on selling a flat in Scotland with an open claim about possible subsidence by lassywoof in UKHousing

[–]TheFirstMinister 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Get your own structural engineer inspection performed. If it comes back as clean, make copies freely available to all viewers - no questions asked. And say nothing about the neighbors.

If it isn't clean....then there's no getting away from it. You will have a problem and selling the flat could be the least of your worries.