Walter Humes
What did you find most encouraging?
I have become progressively disillusioned with many of the major institutions which should embody the civic values we aspire to. But I continue to find encouragement in the actions of individuals who strive to discover the truth in the face of official obstruction, who fight against injustice, and who stand up to the rich and powerful. Thus the tireless campaign of Dr Jim Swire to find out exactly what happened to Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, while coming to terms with the tragic loss of his daughter, is a wonderful example of courage. Similarly, the tireless efforts of Mrs Rose Gentle, whose son Gordon was killed in Iraq, to press Tony Blair and the Ministry of Defence for answers should inspire us all. And surely we were all given a lift when Michael Forbes stood up to the arrogant power of the Trump organisation in assuming that a golf course was more important than people's homes.
What did you find most discouraging?
As a nation, Scotland's capacity for self-deception is unrivalled. We mythologise our history, make extravagant claims about our democratic and egalitarian values, and allow puffed-up politicians to use expensive diversions (such as Homecoming 2009 or the Commonwealth Games) to deflect attention from the real issues of poverty, inequality, poor housing, declining health and an inadequate education system. We seem blind to the bleak and depressing nature of many of our towns and villages, scarred by ugly buildings, boarded-up shops, vandalism and litter. The situation is not helped by the mainstream media, which has far too cosy a relationship with the bureaucratic and political establishment, or by professional classes who, too often, put self-interest above public responsibility. That is why we have to look to courageous individuals rather than traditional institutions for a remedy.
Which public figure did you most admire?
The 'public figures' I most admire are writers who help me to understand what is happening in the world or enable me to see things in new ways. Let me mention three, two of whom died in the last decade. John le Carre's angry and passionate novels 'The Mission Song' and 'The Constant Gardener' reveal how the West continues to exploit the poor in Africa, colluding with multinational companies and corrupt African leaders. The late J G Ballard, in a series of brilliant but disturbing novels, has exposed the shallowness of modern culture, driven by corporate greed and controlled by sophisticated technology. The 'Millennium Trilogy' of the Swedish writer Stieg Larsson was published only after his death in 2004. On the surface his books are simply clever crime novels: dig deeper and you will learn much about political intrigue, international finance and media manipulation.
Which public figure did you least admire?
There is no shortage of candidates in this category. I toyed with nominating Sir Fred Goodwin, but he has been edged out by Michael Martin, the disgraced Speaker of the House of Commons – not terribly disgraced in the eyes of his 'peers', of course, since he was elevated to the House of Lords as Baron Martin of Springburn. It should have been a story of 'local boy makes good' but instead it followed a sadly familiar pattern of Martin losing touch with the people who put him there and becoming dazzled with the trappings of power. His rise, decline and fall (albeit with a very soft landing) is a potent symbol of how far the Labour party has lost its way. One voter in the run up to the Glasgow North-East by-election was asked 'Are there any Tories in this constituency?' He replied: 'Michael Martin?' That says it all.
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