Apparently we're not democratic enough

In The Times today, Carol Midgley rightly criticises how artificial society’s endless series of examinations are, blaming our “elitist” attitude to education for allowing this system to overlook intelligent children. She points out the likes of Sir Tom Jones, Simon Cowell, Delia Smith, Sir Alan Sugar, Jamie Oliver, Duncan Bannatyne, Sir Richard Branson and Sir Philip Green all never advanced beyond the level of GCSE, but she overlooks that out of 100 people you would be lucky to find one with the genius of her examples. Ms Midgley’s propositions in themselves contradict her claims of elitism, for our education is structured to fit the majority and sadly the small number of geniuses will always be overlooked. To favour the budding Bransons of our society would require us to be intellectually elitist, which many would see as a positive change, but the majority will be unable to reap the benefits and for that reason no government would ever implement such a move.

Pretending to care

As The Times reports eco-obsession driving rifts within middle class families, I ask the question should are we getting worked up for the right reasons?

There have been a number of reports around the Copenhagen conference questioning the level of our concern over climate change and raising doubts about the predictions of the world ending by 2050. Just like any scientific issue there will always be discrepancies regarding the figures that are put out, and ordinarily we would encourage debate over the accuracy and correctness of the results.

However in such a situation where the fate of the world hangs in the balance can we afford to spend time arguing over when the world will end? Is it right for governments to use scientists to score points with a generally slow changing society? The cabinet will enjoy their time in power, embezzle some public funds and go away leaving their successors to take the blame for their dubious choices. I implore you to see sense; we should overestimate the impact on the environment, for the sake of the survival of our planet, rather than finding out that we are in fact too late.

Political irresponsibility has bred social neglect. Politicians selfishly look at what they can gain in their short term rather than how their policies can correctly implemented. I urge you all to drop the apathy and push your MPs to do the job they are paid for.