''It is very hard to get at the truth, and yet [leading Labour Party peer] The government of Scotland has released convicted Lockerbie terrorist bomber and mass murderer Abdel Baset al-Megrahi on "compassionate grounds." The government of the United Kingdom has washed its hands of the entire affair, allowing the Scottish government total freedom in taking this perfidious action against the families of the victims of Pan Am Flight 103. The actions of the Scottish government are inexcusable. A man who is responsible for the mass murder of 270 innocent civilians must be held accountable for such a cold blooded and ruthless act. Freeing a terrorist in order to further ties with the tyrannical Libyan regime of Muammar al-Gaddafi and to further the commercial interests of British Petroleum in that region is repulsive and sickening. We urge all Americans to protest this action by boycotting the United Kingdom and Scotland in full. Don't travel to Scotland or do business there (or in the United Kingdom in general) and don't buy any British or Scottish products. Most especially after the horrific events of 9/11, the world needs to be reminded that terrorism must be punished and never rewarded. Terrorists must never be shown compassion or mercy, for these people have no respect for human life. The British, who ironically have themselves been victim to numerous acts of terrorism on their own soil, seem to have forgotten. They need a reminder, and protesting by boycotting travel and business with Scotland and the United Kingdom is the best way of doing so. Americans need to respond to this outrageous miscarriage of justice and betrayal of the victims' families, who were mostly fellow Americans, by refusing to spend their tourist dollars in Scotland and avoiding any kind of business there. Boycotting is the only way to send a clear and direct message to both the Scottish and British governments that Americans will not tolerate such a flagrant betrayal. "To my friends in Scotland; the
Scottish National Party, and Scottish Prime Minister, and the Foreign Secretary, I praise
their courage for having proved their independence in decision making, despite the
unacceptable and unreasonable pressures they faced. Nevertheless, they took this
courageously right and humanitarian decision ... my friend Brown, the Prime Minister of
Britain, his government, the Queen of Britain, Elizabeth, and Prince Andrew, who all
contributed to encouraging the Scottish government to take this historic and courageous
decision, despite the obstacles." No words can ever express the sorrow that those of us who lost loved ones in that terrible tragedy at this moment in time. To show your solidarity with the families of the victims, please spread the word to your family and friends and remind them to never forget what the Scottish government has done and to take this into account whenever they consider a trip to the British Isles. Here in the United States, boycott all BP gas stations, since the money you spend there ends up in the pockets of those in the United Kingdom responsible for this travesty. Mr. MacAskill, the so-called "Justice" Secretary of Scotland, you should be ashamed of yourself. You know nothing of justice, nor will we ever forgive your heinous action, and it is our sincere hope that the people of Scotland will strongly voice their opposition to what you have done. You have shown to the international community that your government and the United Kingdom as a whole will stop at nothing to pursue the neverending and relentless acquisition of oil revenues. When will it ever end? "On the occasion of this
historic event, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Government of Scotland
for taking this courageous decision ... I would also like to personally thank our friends
in the British government who played an important role in reaching this day, and I can
assure them that the Libyan people will never forget the courageous stand of the British
and Scottish governments. I can also assure them that the friendship between our people
will continue to be strengthened and that this past chapter is now firmly behind us." NOTE: While most emails have thus far been very supportive, whether they be from Americans, British citizens, and many others, there have been a few British and Scottish individuals who have sent threatening and extremely defamatory messages towards American relatives and friends of the Lockerbie victims. Lest there be any doubt, this boycott is not aimed against the people of Scotland or the United Kingdom, but against the governments of Scotland and Britain. The unfortunate reality is that initiating boycotts against the tourism, banking, and oil industries of a particular country are necessary in order to force that government to listen and understand and admit their error. The influence of British Petroleum in this entire charade has been well known and discussed quite often, most especially in the United Kingdom. But thus far the British and Scottish legislatures have refused to take any action or admit that such commercial interests have taken precedence, rather than such dubious claims of "compassion." To those brave souls in Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom who stand against the corruption of their politicians and are willing to stand with us in protecting the memories and legacy of the victims of Pan Am Flight 103, your support is graciously appreciated. A STATEMENT REGARDING BLIND NATIONALISM VOICE YOUR OPPOSITION Mr. MacAskill may be emailed at kenny.macaskill.msp@scottish.parliament.uk Mr. Alex Salmond, Leader of the Scottish National Party, has also snubbed the families of the victims of Pan Am Flight 103 and dismissed our concerns. He may be emailed at Alex.Salmond.msp@scottish.parliament.uk Prime Minister Gordon Brown has thus far remained silent regarding the matter, nor has he condemned the Scottish government for its reprehensible actions. Why should he, considering that his own government is complicit with the Scottish National Party in this sordid travesty? The Office of the Prime Minister may be emailed via the following web form. According to their site, however, postal mail is preferable to email. Oppose any attempt by American industries, particularly the oil companies, to take advantage of the Lockerbie scandal by writing to President Obama and making clear that any trade relations between Libya and the United States is an insult to the victims of Pan Am Flight 103. In 2006 the Bush Administration removed Libya from the list of state sponsors of terror and we do not expect that this will ever be reversed by the current administration. However, the Obama Administration must take a stand and condemn any attempt by American corporations to take advantage of the current situation to justify business with a brutal regime on the grounds that the British are doing the same. Write to your representatives in Congress and let them know that you will not tolerate any trade relations between the United States and Libya and encourage them to voice stronger condemnation of the Scottish release of al-Megrahi. 50 members of the House of Representatives are part of the Friends of Scotland Caucus. American oil conglomerates and big business interests have long awaited a window of opportunity to exploit and the governments of Scotland and the United Kingdom have provided them with one. As tax-paying American citizens, we have the power to make sure that doesn't happen. If your current representatives are not willing to take a stand against trade with Libya, vote them out of office during the next election. The memories of the victims of Pan Am Flight 103 will not and must not ever be desecrated in the name of corporate greed and international "diplomacy." The recent outrage and backlash against the actions of the Scottish and British governments should serve as a constant and uncompromising reminder to American politicians and corporations to not make the same mistake. “Above all, I believe that the
public are entitled to know what you think of the decision to release Megrahi, and whether
you consider it was right or wrong ... The fact that the decision to release was taken by
the Scottish Justice Secretary does not preclude you, as the Prime Minister of the United
Kingdom, from now expressing your opinion on a subject that is of great public concern,
and which affects Britain’s international reputation and our relations with our
allies.” EXTERNAL LINKS The Official Website of the Victims of Pan Am Flight 103 National September 11 Memorial & Museum Statement by the White House on the release of Abdel Basset Mohamed al-Megrahi Letter from FBI Director Robert S. Mueller, III, to Scottish Minister Kenny MacAskill Indymedia: Painting in Memory of Lockerbie Pan Am Flight 103 by George Vernon Tripping Up Trump: Stop Donald Trump In Scotland ONLINE PETITIONS The first petition reached 1,320 votes and is now closed. The second petition is still open. The Boycott Scotland campaign did not initiate these petitions, but supports the work of those who did and thanks them for their efforts. Boycott Scotland for releasing Megrahi, Lockerbie Bomber Scottish petition to reject the decision to release Al-Megrahi HISTORY OF BRITISH PETROLEUM The British-instigated overthrow of democracy in Iran in 1953 BRITISH AND SCOTTISH BOYCOTTS OF ISRAEL Jerusalem Post: British trade unions to boycott Israeli goods Jerusalem Post: Top Scottish trade union body supports Israel boycott San Francisco Chronicle: Filmmakers, festivals under attack ON COMPASSION AND MERCY HUFFINGTON POST: The
Scots and the Terrorist: He That Pities the Brute RICHARD MARQUISE: Response to Lucy Adams at The Herald HIGH CRIME RATES IN SCOTLAND AND THE REST OF BRITAIN New York is today the safest major city in the United States and among the safest in the world. The crime rate in other major cities has likewise continued to diminish since the 1990s. Why is the reverse happening in the United Kingdom? Why is the United Kingdom more violent than the United States? Perhaps the politicians in Scotland and the rest of the UK should show some real compassion to their own people and clean up their own mess instead of showing "compassion" to mass murdering terrorists. THE TIMES: Scotland tops world league for violent crime THE TIMES: Crime on rise in half of Scotland DAILY MAIL: The most violent country in Europe: Britain is also worse than South Africa and U.S. DEADLINE PRESS: Scotland’s
crime-ridden train network SCOTS WHO ARE CRITICAL OF MACASKILL As the facts regarding the miscarriage of justice carried out by Mr. MacAskill become more evident, increasing numbers of Scots are beginning to voice their opposition. Why did Mr. MacAskill show "compassion" to a convicted terrorist, and yet has consistently gone to great lengths to avoid displaying true compassion to his fellow Scots? Many have attempted to raise numerous cases of injustice before him, and have continued to be ignored by this so-called "Justice" Secretary. INVERNESS COURIER: MacAskill showing us no compassion COMPANIES IN SCOTLAND AND SCOTTISH PRODUCTS TO BOYCOTT We have been receiving many emails asking about companies doing business in Scotland to boycott. A number of people have suggested expanding the Wikipedia list of companies doing business in Scotland. There are web directories of British businesses and companies in Scotland. Visit the official Made in Scotland website for a comprehensive list. According to the Scotsman, "Americans are the biggest contributors to Scotland's £980 million overseas tourism market, accounting for 14 per cent of foreign visitors." Already the negative effect upon the Scottish tourist industry is being sharply felt, no matter how hard the Scottish Tourist Board tries to spin the facts. The best way to boycott the Scottish decision is to simply not travel to Scotland. Ireland has been advocated by many as the best alternative to those who regularly travel to and conduct business in Scotland. The Province of Nova Scotia in Canada, which offers a wealth of Scottish heritage and culture (the name "Nova Scotia" means New Scotland), has also been suggested as an excellent alternative. Many have advocated avoiding Scotch whisky and opting for American, Canadian, or Irish whiskies. We have received several dozen emails from those who have expressed their intention to no longer watch or purchase the films of Sean Connery. Mr. Connery, who has long been a loud and vocal supporter of the Scottish National Party, has defended Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond's role in the Lockerbie controversy. However, he has not yet commented on whether or not he supports the decision to have released al-Megrahi. We are awaiting a response from Mr. Connery, as we believe it best to give him a chance to clarify his views. If he does indeed support the decision to release the convicted mass murderer despite the outrage in America, a country which is responsible for his artistic and commercial success, then we absolutely encourage a boycott of his films. From the very beginning we have advocated the boycott of British Petroleum and other major British companies that have been lobbying for closer trade relations with Libya. As the news continues to unfold, more and more evidence is mounting regarding BP's role in this affair, as well as that of other major British industries seeking a foothold in the increasingly lucrative Libyan market. It has now become clear that the release of al-Megrahi was a concession made towards this end. “The SNP Government has consistently mishandled the whole issue and has been found wanting on the international stage. If any part of Mr Salmond's Government has any connections to Libyan businesses then they need to come clean.” BRITISH NEWSPAPERS THAT YOU CAN CONTACT If you wish to write to the editors of major British newspapers voicing your support for the campaign, here are the following links. THE HERALD: letters@theherald.co.uk SCOTLAND ON SUNDAY: Contact Form NEWS ARTICLES AND COMMENTARY
STV:
Court hears hotelier glassed American guest during Lockerbie bomber discussion UTICA OBSERVER-DISPATCH: Relatives of local Pan Am 103 victims join Schumer in call for BP probe AOL NEWS: BP Lobbied Brits Ahead of Lockerbie Bomber Release AOL NEWS: Another Reason to Hate BP: Lobbying for Lockerbie Bomber NY TIMES: Senator Wants to Know if BP Lobbied for Release of Lockerbie Convict YAHOO: Did BP play a role in the release of a notorious terrorist? TELEGRAPH: Lockerbie bomber not dying of cancer after all — shock! THE TIMES: Council rejects calls to release al-Megrahi medical records YouTube: Libyan Anti Ghadafy Protest at UN BBC: Syracuse University students react to release of al-Megrahi TELEGRAPH: Gordon Brown risks reigniting Lockerbie row by meeting Col Muammar Gaddafi THE TIMES: Libya deal was an insult TELEGRAPH: Lockerbie relatives condemn Megrahi website Comment: This is exactly what those who promote the "Megrahi is innocent" conspiracy theory, long since discredited have been doing: saying it enough times, as loudly as they can in the hopes that enough people will believe it for the lie to become true. Megrahi was convicted and sentenced by Scottish judges, according to Scottish law. Not even the Scottish or British governments, which went to great lengths to release this terrorist for oil, would attempt to deny his guilt. What is also particularly interesting is that the British media continue to treat our boycott as if it hasn't started yet, by using carefully constructed sentences such as "if Americans decide to boycott the country." We hate to break it to the British and Scottish media, but thousands of Americans have long since started boycotting Scotland and the United Kingdom, canceling their vacation plans and golfing trips. Like Megrahi, the British and Scottish media hope that by making it appear as if Americans are not yet boycotting the country and saying this enough times, that it will become true. However, the harsh reality is quite the opposite. We don't expect that anyone in the British or Scottish media would report the facts, since it's obviously not in their best interests, but the more Americans hear about our campaign, which is a completely grassroots effort that is being spread almost completely by word of mouth, the more the effects will be felt across the Atlantic over the forthcoming months. What we also want to know is why the British and Scottish media are ignoring all the voices throughout the UK calling for the resignation of Kenny MacAskill and for Alex Salmond and Gordon Brown to come clean about their involvement in this scandal. JERUSALEM POST: British trade unions to boycott Israeli goods Comment: While officials in the governments of Scotland and the United Kingdom have attempted to dismiss our boycott, and we've been subject to attacks and threats from zealous supporters of the Scottish National Party for daring to protest the actions of the Scottish and British governments, we don't see anyone in Scotland or in the United Kingdom in general criticizing or condemning the repeated calls to boycott Israel, technically an ally and major trading partner of the UK, by trade unions in both Scotland and and the rest of Great Britain. Many of the same people who oppose our boycott have voiced their loud support for a boycott of Israel. Is there any end to this sort of hypocrisy? We're not even a trade union or lobby group of any kind, just ordinary citizens. PRESS RELEASE: Protesting Gaddafi's Presence at the United Nations on Sept 23, 2009 TELEGRAPH: Government 'sold its soul' over Libya deals TELEGRAPH: Harris tweed maker drops 'Scottish' marketing over Lockerbie release THE TIMES: Secret deal over killer of WPC Yvonne Fletcher WALL STREET JOURNAL: London and Washington at Loggerheads DAILY MAIL: Now the SAS has to train Libyan troops GULF NEWS: Massive protest planned for
Gaddafi's US visit REUTERS: Obama disappointed in release of Lockerbie bomber Quote: "<emTony Blair last night waded into the Lockerbie bomber row by backing the decision to free him. The former PM risked further angering the US public by insisting Abdel al-Megrahi's release was right. Mr Blair also claimed he made the world a safer place by invading Iraq alongside America." WALL STREET JOURNAL: Oil Ties Draw Flak in Lockerbie Case NY DAILY NEWS: Sen. Chuck Schumer to Britain: Don't buy oil from Moammar Khadafy, Libya
NEW YORK TIMES: BP Conducts Seismic Survey Off the Coast of Libya SKY NEWS: Lockerbie:
Lockerbie: Gaddafi's Son Blasts British MPs Find more related news articles through Google News (Why are there no letters of condemnation or criticism?) BRITISH AND EUROPEAN ANTI-AMERICANISM As Americans, how many times have we been blasted by our so-called "allies" as being ignorant and intolerant, among many other negative attributes? Where does this hatred of America among the British (and Europeans in general) stem from? You might be surprised to find out where it all comes from, and why our "friends" so readily betray us time and time again. TELEGRAPH: British anti-Americanism 'based on misconceptions' TELEGRAPH: Hatred of America unites the world FREE REPUBLIC: Why Do Europeans Hate America? Jean-Francois Revel Explains ISABEL STEWART: The
End of America Through Scottish Eyes USA TODAY: Britain is turning on
the U.S. — at its own peril BBC: Anti-Americanism 'feels like racism' THE RELEASE OF AL-MEGRAHI: A CHOICE ONLY FOR SCOTS? Constantly we are bombarded with emails from those who claim that this act of terrorism occurred on Scottish soil and thus the choice to release al-Megrahi rested solely with Scottish authorities democratically elected by the people of Scotland. That is all very fine and well. But the vast majority of the victims were Americans on an American airliner headed for the United States. One would think that at the very least, the Scottish government would have enough respect for the American victims to take into account the American perspective, which was to not grant al-Megrahi a "compassionate" release. It would have been far more compassionate and humane for MacAskill and his government, democratically elected by the people of Scotland (a fact we are also constantly bombarded with), to have put aside legalisms for but a moment, and simply to consider if it would have been better and more prudent to show compassion for the families of the American victims, who suffered the most losses in this tragedy, and not grant such a release for a convicted terrorist. A terrorist found guilty and convicted by Scotland's own legal system. Why did MacAskill and the Scottish National Party desire so strongly to show compassion for al-Megrahi, but not for the American victims? Why have the concerns of the American families been so routinely dismissed and discarded? Why have we been shown such an incredible level of disrespect by the Scottish authorities? Is it because we are Americans? Is it because America has so frequently been attacked and vilified in the United Kingdom and Europe and the Middle East? Is that what this all comes down to, the fact that we have not been shown compassion precisely because we are Americans? Compassion for terrorists, but not for the victims. And they dare call this justice? Demand justice for the victims of Lockerbie.Demand the resignation of Kenny MacAskill.Demand that BP pay the price for supporting dictatorships and terrorism.CONTACT: boycottscotland@gmail.com |
