IAIN GOES TO PARLIAMENT

Iain has been in London. He was on a mission. Along with 2 other people he traveled to Westminster House of Parliament to present their case for ... forgive the generalization ... solving the energy crisis. I keep telling people that he hasn't solved it yet (we are talking about Scotland, not the whole world) but this time he really showed is commitment by preparing a presentation for a Select Committee discussing "Renewable Energy in Scotland".  [See text below taken from website description]. 

He gave me the time and location where the discussion would take place so that I could watch it live on Parliament's live video streaming.

This is a screenshot I took of him presenting his case.

It was 2 hours with about 12 people, MPs or MSPs sitting around a table in the shape of a horseshoe with the 3 visiting Scots at the bottom.  It looked very intimidating as the MPs asked questions while referring to their mountains of paper of information gathered on the topic. 

On the whole, they were courteous and made a point of thanking the delegation for coming. (Believe me, this simple practice of good manners is often overlooked!)

He looked really tired at the end of it!  I guess it was a bit like being Daniel in the Lions Den.

Conclusion:  Iain: discouraged at first as he didn't get time to present his case (Chairman cut him short) however, on reflection, reckoned it was worth it.  He also was very impressed with the Palace of Westminster - massive place, full of history!  It was "a slice" [of life]. as they say!

Me: Parliament website and video link were excellent! And it was easy to hear!  It also highlighted something else: gone are the days of learning the art of rhetoric* (let alone logic and politic) in our education.  Those are skills that would have been useful e.g. how to present a case clearly, succinctly; how to respond (think of Socrates answering a question with another question... which would, at the very least, give time to collect your thoughts).

*  Rhetoric -  Classically the theoretical basis for the art of oratory, is the art of using words effectively.  [Encylopedia Brittanica]