Out of Touch
The Scottish Parliament has been called some colourful names - down the years - by its supporters and detractors alike.
Billy Connolly once famously described Holyrood - as a 'pretendy' parliament - in the days before devolution.
More recently, First Minister Alex Salmond, said that Holyrood - is a 'pocket money' parliament - because of the funding arrangements - which mean that the Westminster Parliament in London holds all the purse strings.
But whatever else the Scottish Parliament is - it's clearly out of touch and badly so - because yesterday by a majority of 85 votes to 16 - MSPs voted against Margo MacDonald's End of Life Assistance Bill.
Yet only a week ago an opinion poll in The Herald newspaper - claimed that 80% of Scots were in favour of the proposal to decriminalise 'assisted suicide' - in specific and controlled circumstances.
Just 12% said they did not agree - in the poll commissioned by the Green Party - whose two MSPs both voted in favour of Margo's bill.
Whether the true level of support amongst the general public really is 80% - is very much beside the point.
Because the crux of the matter is freedom of choice - and the right not to be deemed a criminal - for exercising that choice.
Billy Connolly once famously described Holyrood - as a 'pretendy' parliament - in the days before devolution.
More recently, First Minister Alex Salmond, said that Holyrood - is a 'pocket money' parliament - because of the funding arrangements - which mean that the Westminster Parliament in London holds all the purse strings.
But whatever else the Scottish Parliament is - it's clearly out of touch and badly so - because yesterday by a majority of 85 votes to 16 - MSPs voted against Margo MacDonald's End of Life Assistance Bill.
Yet only a week ago an opinion poll in The Herald newspaper - claimed that 80% of Scots were in favour of the proposal to decriminalise 'assisted suicide' - in specific and controlled circumstances.
Just 12% said they did not agree - in the poll commissioned by the Green Party - whose two MSPs both voted in favour of Margo's bill.
Whether the true level of support amongst the general public really is 80% - is very much beside the point.
Because the crux of the matter is freedom of choice - and the right not to be deemed a criminal - for exercising that choice.
So it's not about majorities - large or small - but about the right of individuals to make such decisions for themselves.
Free from the moral and religious sensibilities of other Scots - who may disagree.
I hope Margo gets returned to Holyrood in next year's elections - the country needs more MSPs like Margo - because she is in touch with the views and life experiences of ordinary people.
