Scotland V Basque Federation

[Derek Howie]

So Derek, what is your main argument?

Second paragraph in my previous post.

[Patrick McGovern]

sorry Derek you have lost me; you say in your second paragraph that it is not your main argument. So I still dont know your main argument, humour an old man and explain it to me, thanks

[Phil Thomas]

Derek,

Your argument seems very clear and lucid to me. To assist other readers I have copied your 2nd paragraph below. Other quotations of your posts consistent with the paragraph below were available.


I believe CS should remain apolitical. There's a difference between being one of a hundred countries that go to play in Russia, for example, and where Scotland's specific presence could be used both in Spain and domestically for political purposes.

[Alan Jelfs]

I doubt very much a chess match between Scotland and the Basque Federation would register in the media in Scotland or in Spain. Remember the Basque Federation don't even have a website.
Just seems like a good chance for players to get international experience to me.

[Patrick McGovern]

Derek,

Your argument seems very clear and lucid to me. To assist other readers I have copied your 2nd paragraph below. Other quotations of your posts consistent with the paragraph below were available.


I believe CS should remain apolitical. There's a difference between being one of a hundred countries that go to play in Russia, for example, and where Scotland's specific presence could be used both in Spain and domestically for political purposes.

this is a statement of opinion; still does not explain where the political content of the invitation is or where Derek's explanation of his comments on the invitation are.

[Keith Ruxton]

Just to point out I played in this event a number of years ago (and that was not the first time Scotland had competed in it) and am happy to confirm that we were not swamped with reporters or, indeed, anyone. Also, there was no political agenda nor even political conversations as far as I remember. It was just a very friendly team competition.

Chess Scotland as a pawn in a political game? hate to break it to you but we are just not that important...

Cheers,
Keith

[Douglas Bryson]

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[Derek Howie]

this is a statement of opinion; still does not explain where the political content of the invitation is or where Derek's explanation of his comments on the invitation are.

Of course it's an opinion.

I believe it's fairly clear to most why I have that opinion, even if they don't agree with it. It seems many posting here don't think it's much of an issue, which again is their opinion.

I fail to see why the wording of the invitation needs to expressly state political content for there to be an issue and it's moving into the realm of debating for the sake of it to get into that.

The paragraph that Phil quoted expresses my main concern, although I do have others which I expressed earlier in the thread.

[Derek Howie]

http://www.chessscotland.com/archives/barcelona2003.htm

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Both of these had at least one other country involved. Have other countries been invited this time as well as us?

[Alex Gillies]

If they are going to pay Scotland costs they are clearly using it as a marketing campaign - presumably for the referendum. This will get local coverage - it might be a little bigger as they will be aiming for national/international coverage.

I've no problem with anyone going or deciding not to go or anyone voting in our out of any referendum. Just think players going ought to be aware that it may be picked up and it could be taken out of context.