HARRY Reid is entirely correct ("Whatever the result, we are all winners in this debate ...", The Herald, September 2).
We Scots, of whatever background or inclination, should be very proud of the way in which we are approaching our momentous decision and the way in which those disillusioned by the political process are awakening to its importance. On September 18, whatever else happens, we will for 15 hours have the right of self-determination, and it has been secured entirely through the democratic process. It is hardly surprising that feelings are running high and that a handful of people on either side are over-excited and behave outwith the norms of political debate.
I am a great admirer of Jim Murphy and have long seen him as a dangerous opponent of my cause. The egg-throwing was inexcusable, but there must be many politicians who envy him the ability to so wound his opponents as to provoke such conduct by a stupid fanatic. If you stand on a soap box you risk what you get. I, long ago, stood on a soapbox at Hyde Park Corner and was subjected to entirely intimidating abuse. It is part of the game but physical threats or attacks are outwith the rules even if the risk is always there. To imply that one side or the other is to blame in this extraordinary constitutional and democratic debate is to belittle the process.
As we approach these final days, moderation of argument is neither desirable nor likely: moderation of language and behaviour most certainly is desirable. It is entirely unhelpful to the democratic cause for Mr Murphy to talk of the risk of "absolute carnage" at polling places ("Warning of polling station clashes as tensions rise", The Herald, September 1). It is not only preposterous, it is insulting to the electorate and the upholders of order within our society. Moreover, it is contemptuous of those in many nations who literally do risk their lives to vote. In many of these nations the Westminster establishment, of which Mr Murphy is a part, has played a deep and bloody role.
Here we have the democratically-achieved right to decide our own future and, if the result is as I wish, I look forward to Scotland having people as able as Mr Murphy acting in Scotland's interests.
KM Campbell,
Bank House,
Doune.
OVER the last few days one would think that the independence referendum campaign in Scotland has descended into civil unrest. Jim Murphy has an egg thrown at him and is heckled by a crowd, and it appears that law and order and the very basis of civilized society itself has collapsed. Interestingly, Mr Murphy failed to comment on the woman assaulted by pro-Union activists in Glasgow or those attacked outside Tynecastle Stadium by a group of Union flag-carrying individuals.
Let us, however, reflect that these are the extremes to what has generally been a highly good-natured and respectful campaign, delivering a level of political activism and discourse not seen in Scotland for many a year and of which our southern neighbours are envious.
The notion, indeed, that there will be "carnage" around polling stations on September 18 is of course patent nonsense and is symptomatic of scaremongering and desperation.
This is an opportunity to reflect on the fantastic level of debate and discourse that has set Scotland ablaze; let's not lose sight of that in the desire by some to achieve political capital from the actions of a tiny number on the extreme fringes of both sides.
Alex Orr,
Flat 2, 77 Leamington Terrace, Edinburgh.
THE dismissal by Harry Reid and some of your correspondents of the treatment of Jim Murphy by some Yes supporters as trivial, does not stand up to examination. A couple of thrown eggs are neither here nor there. Mr Murphy himself dismissed them as irrelevant. I took the trouble to watch the sequence through and was appalled. Being confronted by an apoplectic bunch of bullies is not trivial and not normal heckling. To use the words "traitor", "Quisling" and "paedo" is far beyond the bounds of reasonable political disagreement or heckling. The people who behaved in this manner should be disowned by the Yes camp and their actions condemned as unacceptable political behaviour.
If this kind of behaviour is so easily dismissed, I would not be surprised if there were to be disorder at some polling stations on referendum day.
John Craig,
The Grange,
Maddiston Road,
Falkirk.
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