Why the honours system should be abolished in this country - Yorkshire Post Letters

Here we go again. Another year. Another honours list. More recruits to swell the ranks of the Establishment.

But why isn’t there a published list of those who were offered an honour but refused it? They are ones who really deserve respect for community service without wanting recognition in return. Why is the media so silent on this? How many have refused an ‘honour’?

In all other respects the media is forthcoming at reporting Establishment propaganda. However anything damaging it’s reputation is strictly limited.

For example, to report how many honours are refused could be regarded as criticism. And when one looks at some honours recipients both past and present, it’s easy to understand why.

Some should be in Armley Jail. Not the House of Lords.

As usual the honours list is a mixed bag of arguably worthy recipients.

These include highly paid sports and media celebrities, the friends of the high and mighty, charity fundraisers, who should be humble and anonymous, sponsors of the political parties, and a smattering of lollipop ‘people’.

And of course not forgetting civil servants who regard an ‘honour’ as a normal part of their employment benefits.

All this charade perpetuates is social inequality and protects a privileged, corrupt class system. Honours should not be an incentive. Some would still do community work, honours or not.

But this is what makes Britain Great. Isn’t it? Fox hunting, honours, pomp and circumstance. etc.

Our short memories are filled with bread, and circuses and honours are just another circus.

So, should the honours system be abolished? Is it sufficiently important for democracy to warrant attention?

Our political system is now so deeply infiltrated, it will be difficult to change. And reliance on politics to do this is a forlorn hope.

For example; the Leader of the Labour party is a fully paid up, titled member of the Establishment. As were several others in recent times. This isn’t the Labour Party to represent working and disadvantaged people.

So don’t hold your breath. Abolition of the honours system could take a long time. Community service will continue to be treated (by some) as a cost/ benefit exercise rather than a moral duty.