This photo will probably bring back memories to people of my generation, but the well-known abbreviation HMV is known throughout the entertainment industry.

The original company fell into administration in 2013.

I am going to use a bit of artistic licence here because when I hear the words ‘His Masters Voice’ my mind automatically turns to either Religion or Politics!

Leaders and Followers!

Throughout my life, I have been taught how to recognise false cults, usually connected to religions. But these days I often see the word ‘cult’ referenced politically.

No more so than in Scotland where Politics seem to revolve around the person who leads a Party rather than the Party itself. The Leader can neither do no wrong nor say no wrong.

Personally, I find this kind of blind faith quite scary, because it removes the need for critical thinking by others. In fact, I would go further and say critical thinking by others is not welcome and to voice that thinking would be deemed as a betrayal of loyalty.

This evening in Westminster the SNP chose a new Leader and Deputy Leader, the Flynn and Black duo! This will be interesting because it is well-known that Stephen Flynn opposes some of his Party Leaders’ Policies. In this case it’s not His Masters Voice but His Misstresses Voice which might or might not be heeded! Can you have an SNP Leader in Holyrood saying one thing and the other in Westminster saying another?

Tonight’s voting in London could cause problems for Nicola, especially around the subject of Oil. But on other matters, she will be pleased with Mhairi Black!

Blind faith in Religious Leaders or Political Leaders is dangerous, especially when that Leader falls from grace or changes direction. Their followers are left flapping around in mid-air not quite sure what to do or say. Especially on Social Media.

Panic jumps from every word, words that only a few weeks would never have been written let alone thought of. But hey, His Masters Voice has spoken and those words must be justified even if you are out of your depth on the relevant topic.

It is ones blind faith that leaves egg on faces not our limited knowledge of the topic!

Leaders are not gods and therefore should not be worshipped as such. They are humans and humans are flawed. They can be flawed in knowledge and character.

It is for followers to discern the words they speak and the deeds they do.

Dare to be a critic!