SO, now we know. The disruption on the streets (anti-social behaviour) is down to children whose parents could not care less about them and who never know where they are and what they are doing, say the police over the years. Let us call them category one.

The disruption at school (anti-social behaviour) is down to children whose parents over indulge them, say the teachers at their annual conference. Let us call them category two. Apparently, two opposite ends of the spectrum with an identical result – mayhem.

In the middle ground, is the majority of children whose parents do care, do know where they are, do not over-indulge them and who are well-balanced, who no one talks about. Let us call them category three. The irony being that authorities and parents don't throw resources, money and rewards at this category of children who are largely ignored by the authorities, just for being good.

Might I suggest that the university researchers, who produced the over-indulgence theory in time for the teachers' conferences, set about researching the parents and their children in category three.

When they have discovered what makes them tick, then perhaps they will inform the enforcers, that is if we have anyone who wants to
enforce, who might then pass on the lessons learned
to parents in categories
one and two.

Might I also suggest that the outcome of their research will be a foregone conclusion. It will, most probably, simply be
a matter of sensible discipline within the family!

From: William Snowden, Farnley, Leeds.

YOUR leader "Classroom chaos" (Yorkshire Post, March 17) suggested that education policies have emasculated the teaching profession, undermined discipline in the classroom and thereby subjected teachers to violent conduct. Perhaps. But liberal pressure groups like the Society of Teachers Opposed to Physical Punishment (STOPP) are also culpable. What contemptible fools those teachers were. By sparing the unruly child, they created a rod for their own backs. The abolition of corporal punishment led, inexorably, to an ever-spiralling decline of discipline in schools.

The administration of corporal punishment set the standard for a regime of strict discipline in schools. The cane was a very effective deterrent, which kept potentially unruly pupils in check. As a direct consequence, pupils were relatively well-behaved, and classrooms were orderly. This enabled teachers to teach, pupils to listen and respond appropriately, and knowledge to be duly imparted.

A good system, ruined by louche liberals.


Difficulties behind the optimistic myth of multi-culturalism

From: D Harrop, Malton Street, Sheffield.

MULTI-culturalism is all well and good when migrants coming into the country represent cultures which are compatible with the indigenous culture – that is, with the English.

When they are not – when they are ethnically, culturally, and religiously non-compatible, when they are, to a greater or lesser degree alien – then multi-culturalism is not well and good.

It leads to social fragmentation and erodes the sense of the national identity in the host community. Look at the evidence, read the reports.

Sarah Freeman, who wrote the article I have commented on (Yorkshire Post, March 3) about Wibsey Working Men's Club, describes the English people there as "white working class".

She has recorded something of the sense of alienation and depression
felt by many English people, especially in the urban and old industrial
regions.

To proselytise for and promote the political dogma that this is a multi-
cultural society and is that not a wonderful thing, is calculated to increase social hostilities; it does absolutely nothing to ease them.


Why expect
a pay rise?

From: H Marjorie Gill, Clarence Drive,
Menston.

ONE of the peculiarities of modern times which didn't apply during my early
working life is the
expectation of annual wage increases.

As I remember it, people
never got, or expected an increase, unless they went from one scale of work to another, more responsible position. Is it any wonder that inflation is endemic and pensions can't keep up?

Without working harder, why should anyone expect more money?

All that happens is that everybody moves a step
higher on the same ladder
and pensioners get further behind, rather like a dog
chasing its own tail.
No-one benefits and everyone loses.

The minimum wage
syndrome is a stupid idea because it also pushes expectation higher, workers
on the lowest rung are those usually whose talents are meagre and other workers want to stay ahead.

I'm very surprised that the trade union leaders can't see
that.

I suppose they can, but want
to keep their members happy and show that they are
doing something to earn their crust.

Nation
in debt

From: Gerald Jarratt,
Baghill Road, Tingley,
near Wakefield.

"We deserve more ballots", writes Alan Carcas (Yorkshire Post, March 21).

Certainly, but to what effect? Politicians no longer comply with the wishes of the electorate and additional ballots will be treated with the same disdain.

For the truth is that governments and politicians are no longer masters of their own affairs. Alistair Darling's Budget reveals all. In order to keep the books balanced and avoid bankruptcy, he needs to borrow £48bn. We are in debt to the money lenders.