"A charity has said
it is wrong that MSPs can claim expenses for council tax and TV licences when 100,000
Scottish pensioners live in poverty.
Lindsay Scott, of Help the Aged, said MSPs should give the elderly concessions before
helping themselves." BBC News OL, 17th June 2005 It's just this sort
of cynicism that the Scottish Parliament was set up to combat, as this script for a
upcoming TV charity appeal amply demonstrates.
"Every day, throughout Scotland, a group of people who’ve given a lifetime of
service to the Scottish people are subject to grinding poverty and abuse. Take the example
of Jack. While still only in his early forties, Jack already suffers the traumatic effects
of a lifetime spent in crushingly boring Constituency Labour Party meetings endured to
further his political career.
And then there’s David, leader of the Scottish Tories. David’s memory is
failing so badly that he can’t recall why how he racked up a massive taxi bill
swanning around Edinburgh that we, the public, paid the tab on.
And let’s not forget Nicola either. Before embarking on a political career that
would eventually see her stab John Swinney in the back, Nicola was a full five foot eight
in height.
Just look at her now.
So please, dig deep, for only £100 grand a year per head, including salaries, expenses
and secretarial support, we can continue to support each and every MSP in this brave
experiment of care in the community.
We’re appealing especially to the older members of the community. By giving up the
little things, like food, heating and health care you’ll be helping us continue this
vital work. And let's face it, you’ll be dead soon anyway so you won’t really
miss it."
