A member of the Scottish National Party has said on this very thread that Salmond lies in order to manipulate the media and he doesn't give a damn about those for whom he says he cares for.
If this were true, which of course it isn't, I doubt anyone could call Scotland progressive.
Still, I have just emailed The SNP communications people with a link to this thread and Akenaton's real name and location, asking if SNP agrees with comments by its members? If I don't get a reply, I might ask it via The Scotsman.
Regarding California. I don't know your area too well but I have spent considerable time in both Monterey and Paso Robles. I often wondered how the laid back attitude of many (even in Clint's Carmel!) could produce such a republican stronghold.