CAROL Runciman's splendid letter in opposition to the Prime Minister's plans for education (December 20) makes clear the illusory nature of the "freedom" promised to education by Tony Blair. One special danger concerns religion.
Under Blair's plans, we should have a greater number of "faith schools", on an American model, choosing their own syllabus and teaching bias, substantially free of local control.
The Prime Minister is unfortunately close to President Bush, whose crackpot, puritan religion (make war not love) is well known.
Blair has appointed as our own Minister for Education a sincere and honourable woman who is, nevertheless, committed to an extreme form of religion, Opus Dei.
Religion seems to bother Blair considerably; is he caving in to a hidden movement to restrict and mould our personal moral lives?
True education, influenced by all or any creed, British or otherwise, should encourage openness of mind and heart, compassion, and an ability to think for oneself.
Call me a conspiracy theorist, if you like. But I smell a rat.
Roy Stevens,
Willow Bank,
York.
Updated: 08:59 Thursday, January 05, 2006
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article