Talking-up Scotland

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Much of the funding for bigger established political parties comes from distinctly undemocratic sources such as rich individuals and corporations. Where the mass of the electorate, can support with many smaller amounts, this is a sign of a healthy inclusive democracy.  Typically, those politicians on the right, can raise much more. See, for example:

Tories raise 10 times as much cash as Labour in latest election donor figures

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/general-election-2017-tory-donors-ten-times-labour-union-money-cash-electoral-commission-a7766756.html

 We’ve known for some time that the only hope of the left in the USA was crowdfunding. See:

The Secret of Bernie Sanders: Crowdfunding!

http://bradshawlawgroup.com/secret-bernie-sanders-crowdfunding/

So, it’s pleasing to see this recent evidence of crowdfunding in Scotland in the run-up to the next general election:

Sixteen of the top twenty are SNP candidates and though the best funded from rich individuals and companies, the Tories only raised £190 from crowdfunding! Their supporters are mean?

The research was undertaken by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism and shows the SNP has raised more cash using this method than any other UK political party in the 2017 general election campaign.

Total raised in Scotland by political party crowd funding appeals

SNP                  £159 319

Labour             £40 170

Green Party     £7 693

Conservatives  £190

Notice anybody missing? Yes, that bar steward Carmichael.