Alex Salmond delivers address at Georgetown
During his visit, the First Minister will also give the keynote address at the Burns Symposium taking place in the Library of Congress in partnership with the Scottish Government.
In his address to Georgetown University, the First Minister will focus on the measures needed at both international and domestic level to overcome the economic downturn.Mr Salmond will say:
“Amid the turbulence of these economic times, this year we are also celebrating the lives of two people of enduring quality.
“In Scotland it is the 250th anniversary of the birth of our country’s finest son, the poet Robert Burns.
“For America this year marks the bicentenary of one your greatest Presidents, Abraham Lincoln. A man whose spirit and example will light America’s path for centuries to come. And a man whose name evokes, in the minds of your friends worldwide, the very highest image of America.
“In honour of Robert Burns, Scotland is celebrating a Year of Homecoming. We are reaching out to a Scots Diaspora of 40 million worldwide, and a family of millions in the United States, to turn a threatened tourism downturn into a visitor boom.
“Through Homecoming we are inviting everyone to renew their ties of culture and kin. To experience once more the true magic of Scotland.
“It is said that before entering politics, as a young lawyer, Lincoln always had with him a copy of Burns’ works. Certainly, in the White House, he had his son recite Burns’ poems to guests after dinner!
“So part of my mission here in America is to pass the invitation to each of you, and to all friends of Scotland, to join us for this special Year of Homecoming.
“Today, we in Scotland - our politicians and our people - can draw our inspiration from you and your great nation.
“It is time for change.
“The immediate economic challenge is rightly the focus of international debate. These are unprecedented times. And it is why, in Scotland, we need a new approach.
“Today we are striving, big and small nations together, to protect workers, families and businesses. To preserve livelihoods and ways of life.
“The government I lead, and governments across Europe, recognise and are drawing heart and inspiration from the strong sense of purpose and urgency shown here in Washington.
“I have been hugely impressed by what I have learned of America’s new stimulus package.
“However, the UK framework for devolution, now a decade old, does not give Scotland’s government the ability to reflate the economy in the same way – or indeed in any way.
“Later this week, in London, I will meet with the UK Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, to discuss the economic crisis. At that meeting I will advance the case for new financial freedoms for Scotland’s government and parliament.
“And in particular I will make the case for Scotland to have the same ability to borrow as other nations, and indeed the US States, have – in order to do our bit to inject demand and confidence into the economy.
“From what I have seen from the action of your Congress and your President these past few weeks, I know that America ‘gets it’. Many more do also.
“Scotland’s government ‘gets it’ too. We have the same positive attitude. We are ready to act.
“You are borrowing to invest because in this unprecedented economic environment it is the right thing to do.
“For these reasons, the case for Scottish independence becomes even more pressing, if we are to protect our communities and create the stimulus we need to see our economy grow.
“I am here in Washington at an extraordinary time. Politically, your nation is embarking on a proud new chapter. The tests facing your society and your government are the toughest in decades. But you have the resolve and the vision to succeed and to lead.
“Scotland faces similar challenges, and we have the same resolve. But, for now, we do not have the same freedoms and responsibilities to respond.
“That is why my government is committed to advancing the debate on Scotland’s future. To seeking the responsibilities that Scotland needs now in adversity – and to succeed in the long term.
“Our shared mission is not just to protect jobs and promote recovery. It is to lay the foundation for a new, fairer economy – and a fairer, stronger society.
“In Scotland, you have a partner that shares your vision, shares your ambition. And a partner willing and ready to work with you to help build a better world and a better future.”
