Selfish attacks on the middle classes

WHILE rarely agreeing with arch-Thatcherite Bernard Ingham, his analysis (Yorkshire Post, September 28) that we have become a selfish nation is a fair one and he notes many of the features which are pointers to this state of affairs.

However, a trait which is becoming increasingly evident is the jealousy which is displayed by some towards those who have made or are making a success of their lives. This does not refer to those who have let society down by “having their fingers in the till” in various ways, but to the other hardworkers who have improved their lot in the world.

It seems to be the policy of certain politicians to harry by taxation and other impositions those very families who have lifted themselves up to a better way of life. Why, for example, should the children of such families be schemed against to deprive them of a place at universities? This after well over half a century of political attacks on the education system which have created greater divisions than previously existed.

Certainly, those politicians who, from the diligence of their parents have been given a good start in life, have no authority to condemn others doing likewise. Yet the multitude in conference cheer remarks which if made about ethnic groups would be regarded as racist. The rhetoric is reminiscent of the worst years of communist-inspired red flag socialism.

Bash the so-called middle classes seems to be the vogue of the times, despite the fact that such people tend to be no more than those who have tried hard and succeeded. To lift up one generation but then knock back the next two is no way to encourage the young.

From: Cecil Hallas, Cubley Rise Road, Penistone, Sheffield.

WHAT can you say about a major conference when the most interesting talking point was the power cut in the middle?

Of course, the Labour delegates wanted it to be a success. The conference was rather reminiscent of the Sunday school concerts I used to attend where they willed “our Jack” and “our Marjorie” to perform with a smile, to remember their lines and then afterwards say to all: “Didn’t they do well?”

As far as I could see there were few mistakes but little of anything else, however the delegates rose loyally to their feet, applauding the most predictable and immature performance by Ed Miliband and afterwards weakly defending it as families do.

The Labour Party is obviously seeking responsibility after its term of office which I don’t wish unduly to dwell upon. However, they have a mountain to climb.

The problems facing us are predominantly economic, with dangerous and unpredictable territory ahead. These problems won’t be solved by giving men prolonged paternity leave and being more concerned about equality than economy.

The recently retired chairman of M&S has said that he knows of nobody in the Labour Cabinet with any real experience of business. Are these suitable qualifications for running Great Britain plc?

From: Peter R Hyde, Driffield, East Yorkshire.

I HAVE been a Tory voter for most of my adult life and have always thought that their policies have been for the best. While I can well understand the need to cut spending drastically to offset the massive damage done to our country by Labour activities which meant borrow and spend, I have to admit I am somewhat at a loss to understand the coalition.

We are fighting wars and yet we cut our Armed Forces to save money. We have massive amounts of crime and yet we are cutting the police service to the bone. Why?

From: RC Dales, Church View, Brompton, Northallerton.

WE can now understand why our manufacturing base, and our exports have been decimated.

The placing of the multi-million pounds contract for railway carriages to a German company has been followed by another large contract (Yorkshire Post, September 29). Fifty seven Hawk aircraft are to be made by an Indian state run company.

Presumably, these foreign companies quoted a lower price than ours but they have caused hundreds of redundancies here.

If the cost of these, plus the unemployment benefits for X number of years are added, it would have been more economic to have placed the contracts in our own country. Also, there is the danger of losing skills.

It is clear that the private sector will not be able to make good the losses of jobs in the public sector. Strong leadership would cancel the above contracts, and incidentally, suspend all overseas aid until our financial position enables us to afford them. We are presently borrowing excessive amounts of money to give away to other countries.

Isn’t it time for our politicians to wake up?

Money spent with no result

From: Mrs Betty Peel, Wharfedale, Filey.

I READ with interest your article on truancy (Yorkshire Post, September 27). Money spent on initiatives with no result.

Did they really expect a dangling carrot to have any effect? The circumstances are a large, happy family. Two great-grandparents with four children, who now have 16 grandchildren, who have 64 children of their own.

What incentive can be given to the mothers of these children to get out of bed in the morning to get their children to school, when it is easier to get up late have the older children help with the washing and cleaning and then meet up with other members of the family either in the park or at a shopping centre?

Education improves your chance of gainful employment, but it doesn’t mean a thing to people who have no intention of ever working.