Bullying is another issue that has become so worrying that it has come under the scrutiny of the Government. What I now wonder is just how much the bullying of opponents is intrinsically endemic to our party power politics.

Last year's Stornaway bullying related suicide was back in our Sunday newspapers again, when it was suggested that "there are still thousands of pupils being bullied in Scottish schools", despite the fact that "research shows that bullied children suffer permanent damage to their self-esteem, and fail to reach their full potential".

But isn't bullying just an everyday expression of power imposed by force, taking self-gratification, disregarding the pain of others, a reflection in school of what is part of the nature of the world, an adult world, seen not only in that army of Scottish teachers who for so many years exercised their power over the classroom by means of a strap?

We recognise the reality of physical force (we have our military - as does Saddam, though he is an example of our understanding of a bully), empowerment by use of fear.

For the real power of physical force is over the emotions, which is why physical strength is not an absolute bully necessity. They can aim to cause pain by attacking areas of emotional insecurity,  emotional bullying attacking difference, and if we see this as bad for our society we really must speak up against it.

Muhammad said: "The most excellent jihad is to speak the truth in the face of a tyrannical ruler."

Our public opinions so often justify disregard for the fate of "our opponents", however, opposed for whatever difference, by class, racism, sexism, nationalism and other assorted 'isms' - and "Nationalism means helping your people in unjust causes" said the Prophet.

Admittedly, our politicians do now manage to refrain from drawn swords across the chamber, and to keep their abuse within limits. But we control our politicians - only society can control bully power. Individual bullies can only rule when they have the active support of a few, but the tacit support of too many.

"If anyone walks with an oppressor to strengthen him, knowing that he is an oppressor, he has gone forth from Islam." said Muhammad, and also "As you are, so you will have rulers over you."