Impossible List - 15 September
How far I've come over the course of the last month in regards to the impossible list of goals I've set for myself.
The Scottish Green Party was founded in 1990, with the goal of promoting environmentalism, social justice, and grass-roots democracy. In the beginning the party focused on issues such as nuclear disarmament, sustainable development, and human rights. Over time, the party broadened its focus to include other issues such as housing, education, and healthcare.
The Scottish Green’s philosophy is based on four core values: ecology, equality, radical democracy, and peace and non-violence. The party believes that protecting the environment is essential for the well-being of society, and that environmental degradation ultimately harms human society. The Scottish Green Party also prioritizes social and economic justice, campaigning against discrimination and promoting cooperation and respect. The party advocates for a more participatory and decentralized political system, in which individuals have more control over the decisions that affect their lives. Finally, the Scottish Green Party opposes violence and supports a more peaceful and non-violent world.
“And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and my soul.” — John Muir
They are perhaps best known for their focus on environmental issues, particularly climate change. The party advocates for bold action to reduce carbon emissions, such as investing in renewable energy, expanding public transportation, and retrofitting homes and buildings to be more energy-efficient. The party also supports a transition away from fossil fuels and towards a low-carbon economy.
In addition to environmental issues, the Scottish Green Party is also committed to social justice. The party supports policies such as a living wage, affordable housing, and universal healthcare. The party also advocates for electoral reform, such as proportional representation, to ensure that every vote counts and that smaller parties are represented in government.
The party has seen a surge in popularity in recent years. In the 2021 Scottish parliamentary election, the party won 8 seats, up from just 6 seats in the previous election. This represented the best-ever result for the party in a Scottish parliamentary election. The party has also seen success in local elections, winning seats on councils across Scotland.
The Scottish Green Party has faced criticism on various fronts, including accusations of being too focused on environmental issues at the expense of other policy areas. Some have also criticized the party for being too radical or extreme in its policy proposals, which could alienate more moderate voters. Additionally, the party has faced accusations of being vague or inconsistent on its stance on Scottish independence, with some suggesting that it is using the issue for political gain rather than providing a clear vision for an independent Scotland. The party's ties to protest movements have also been a source of criticism, with some accusing the party of not respecting the rule of law. Finally, the Scottish Green Party's record on council management has been criticized by some, who argue that the party has mismanaged councils and failed to deliver on its promises. However, it's important to note that not all of these criticisms are universally accepted, and the Scottish Green Party has many supporters who believe that its policies and values are crucial for creating a more sustainable and just Scotland.
The Scottish Green Party is well-positioned to continue growing in influence and popularity in the coming years. With a growing awareness of the urgent need to address climate change and other pressing issues, the party's focus on sustainability and social justice is likely to resonate with many voters. The party will also have an opportunity to build on its recent electoral successes and continue to make a meaningful impact on Scottish politics.
The Scottish Green Party is an important player in Scottish politics, with a clear focus on environmental sustainability, social justice, and grass-roots democracy. The party has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, and its future prospects look bright. Whether the party can continue to build on its successes and make a meaningful impact on Scottish politics remains to be seen, but there's no doubt that the Scottish Green Party is a force to be reckoned with.