The report by Louise Casey on ‘matters Rotherham’ has been cited by others (here and here), as being not the fault of political correctness; the first blaming it on ‘Government’ and the second on ‘racism’.

Hang on a minute: is not ‘political correctness’ the result of the imposition of ‘equality’, ‘diversity’ and ‘human rights’ for example, on our society? Is not ‘political correctness’ the result of the acceptance of the aforementioned three factors; and the overall results of various ‘groups’, who promoting and adhering to the requirements of said factors, that have developed the ethos of ‘political correctness’, so that it has become ‘accepted’ within our society today? Has not the desire ‘not to offend’ minority groups allowed such events, as has occurred in Rotherham, to flourish? Do we not have ‘wheels within wheels’ that have exacerbated the entire situation ‘á Rotherham’? Do we not have a situation where in the question of which came first, a ‘Chicken and Egg’ question?

Far be it for me to say, but methinks that those who blame ‘events Rotherham’ on ‘government’, whilst taking a ‘dig’ at a certain political party; and those who blame it on ‘racism’, need to take a second look at that which they write?

I note that the ‘Leaders Debate is being reported – and stating with some certainty – that the format will comprise just 4/5 questions, the replies of which will be limited to one minute. In this report we learn that the leaders will draw lots to decide who stands where on the stage and a firm of opinion pollsters will be called in to assemble a balanced audience of “politically interested” people, with at least a fifth calling themselves “undecided”.

This raises some questions: (a) how do we know that the firm of opinion pollsters will be impartial; (b) who selects which firm; (c) what will be done to ‘weed out’ those in the audience who are fervent supporters of a political party, who to ensure they stand a better chance of attending, do not classify themselves as ‘undecided’? How will the television audience know that any questions posed will not have been previously prepared solely for the purpose of creating a political point, as some topics to be covered can easily be foreseen – such as the EU, the economy, immigration, the NHS – need I continue?

The ensuring debate, if held under the conditions suggested, will be but a ‘side-show’ – as was that held in 2010 – and thus designed to be but the means by which the ‘unknowing/undecided/politically-ignorant may be ‘swayed’. Plus ça chance, etc, etc?

I cannot let pass the latest faux-pas’ by Tristram Hunt on Question Time last night (see here and here). As one who spent his years 5-11 (before being sent home from abroad to attend boarding school) being taught by nuns, I can but echo the comments of Christine Odone. Not once, thinking back, was the subject of religion raised (least of all that of ‘Catholicism’); I was taught courtesy, respect for my elders, urged to question – and thus ‘reason’; and a thirst for knowledge – to name but a few.

As with those that care for the elderly (and as I witnessed in the care home where my mother was blessed to live out her final years and where those entrusted with that duty had been there for between a minimum of 15 years and a maximum of 25 years) so with teaching: both entail a ‘desire’ to do good and both recognise they do it with no thought other than the wish to care for those in their charge. Neither had a political motive and neither had a ‘hidden agenda’ – both should do that which they do purely with a motive of care for those in their charge. In both cases, either those who do it, do it for the right reasons or they are in the wrong job. Caring and teaching are not careers, they are vocations and perhaps the qualifications for both require a ‘review’ – and one not conducted by politicians, ‘charities’ and the like, consequently why not by those into whose care relatives are entrusted?

Should not the children of parents expect their parents to do – and wish for – the best for them? Should not the parents of parents not expect – nor wish – their children to do the best for them?

Just what has happened to society when society appears unable to understand what society owes to itself?

Just a few thought for a Friday night – and which, hopefully, may provoke discussion?

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