InsaneJournal

Tweak says, "It's wingardium leviOsa"

To the Editor of the Daily Prophet,

As a native of Scotland and member of the Ministry, I'm heartened to see my countrymen's renewed interest in politics. After the terrible events of the war and the freedoms that were taken away from so many, the upcoming referendum is an important reminder of the rights that we were denied, and of how very important these rights are.

The creation of a Scottish Affairs department may seem to some like an unnecessary change at this time, just like some would -- and do -- call Quidditch a frivolous pursuit in the wake of the war, one which uses resources that would be better spent elsewhere. And yet, all you have to do to see what the public wants is to go to a Quidditch match and look at the number of seats filled and the faces of those sitting in them. At times, what isn't strictly necessary, and what may even seem superfluous, can still be a positive benefit.

Would the creation of the proposed department use up time and resources? Undoubtedly. Everything that happens in the Ministry does. But the Ministry are no strangers to reallocation of resources and personnel. Upheaval is inevitable in the rebuilding of a nation, and it will take time, but there are few worthier goals than the promise of having our needs as a people and as a culture better met.

I understand the concerns that some have as to timing. If this vote were taking place immediately after the war, I might agree that it's too soon. However, while Britain is still recovering and the repercussions of the recent war, like the previous (and, indeed, like all wars) will be long-lasting, that does not mean we must hold off on making any other changes. When a family is in a time of crisis all must band together to strengthen the group. But when the worst of the crisis is past, may not individuals begin again to think of individual concerns without being accused of being selfish or divisive?

The Referendum proposes a separation, it is true, but hardly a secession, as some mistakenly believed early on. It merely asks that we be allowed to look after our own interests, as the people who know best how to do so. A small number of dedicated witches and wizards devoting their time to the land they live in and love can scarcely be seen as the whole of Scotland abandoning the rest of Britain. Does it not strengthen us all when each part of us is stronger?

If the Referendum fails, Scotland will survive, as it always has. But I would ask my fellow Scotsmen and women, do we want to just survive, or do we want to thrive? I, for one, have spent enough time of late merely surviving. I want to see what my people and homeland can really do when given the opportunity.

All residents of Scotland must vote their own conscience and I cannot in good conscience myself urge any particular vote simply because I believe the thing to be best. However, while I would never presume to tell people how to vote, I am perfectly comfortable saying that I intend to vote AYE.

Desmond Parkin
Wigtown, Scotland