NEW POSTING: From 'Concerned Parent' CANNABIS DEBATE
As a parent with two teenage children I am full of praise for the Government finally seeing sense in sending a direct message to drug users and parents alike. Though many people regard this drug as harmless many lives have been ruined through its use. Not only does it lead on to harder drugs like Heroin but causes mental illness in some users. Everything must be done to drive this menace off our streets.
NEW POSTING: From 'Libitarian' CANNABIS DEBATE
This latest desperate attempt by the Government to rescue itself from defeat at the next election is just a way to get votes. Also they have got by-elections coming up. What is more important is yet another attack on our freedom. We are free at 18 to take the most deadly of recreational drugs - alcohol, which kills more people every year than all the other drugs. We can join the Army at 16 and train to kill people. At 17 we are free to drive cars which kill thousands of people every year - but no one talks about banning cars, they make too much money for the Government - as does alcohol.
NEW POSTING: From 'Confused'
I was confused by a recent article in the the latest edition of 'Brightside, the magazine of Wandsworth Council'. This sang the praises of the attainments of local schools in last summer's 'A' level league tables. The results were the second highest in London. Yet when I see these pupils on the streets, in shops (those that allow them in) and on buses I am confronted by loutish bavhaviour, foul language and gross disregard for others. When not voicing a stream of obscenities their use of English shames their teachers and parents alike. It is not surprising that 7million adults in this country can barely attain the literacy of an eleven year old - however low that might be.
When I was in school the pass-mark for Maths GCSE was 70%, it is now down to 47%. This can only be a blatant attempt at massaging the figures. The insulting thing is that those clowns in Westminster think we can't see through this. What's the point in crowing about being second best in a failing education system?
Ultimately the responsibility lies with Central Government but they seem far too busy trying to cover up how deeply they've got their snouts in the trough. In the mean- time a whole generation has been sacrificed on the altar of political expediency.
NEW POSTING: From 'Moderate'
Maybe 'Infidel' should go back to the Koran to see what it says about other faiths. It clearly tolerates them. 'Infidel's' atheism seems as stong as any religious faith!
All of the world's religions have a minority of fundamentalists. They do not represent the views of the moderate majority. As a Muslim woman I agree with some of the points mentioned in the Editorial. I think that we should obey the law of the land but if forced into choosing between Sharia law and the law of the land I would follow my faith.
NEW POSTING: From 'Infidel'
While I agree with most of what you say about Sharia law, one thing bothers me. Every time issues of faith - that's a telling phrase - arise in the media little or no thought is given to atheists such as myself. We have to put up with the results of people in funny hats manipulating the 'believers', for their own ends - if you want to start a religion, which is 'a nice little earner'- wear a funny hat. The anglican archbishop wears one shaped like a fish! As for faith, this is the last resort for those who begin to question the belief system imposed upon them. The Koran is quite clear as to the fate of atheists. Personally, I'd rather not spend my life on my knees.
NEW POSTING: From 'The Active Consumer'
In the active consumer's household (Mum, Dad and a lot more than the average '2.4 kids') we have to be cost-conscious in all areas of household expenditure. The forthcoming economic downturn combined with rising energy prices and a 'flat' housing market, inflation on the rise... Oh God! this could sound so depressing...means that most of us with mortgages, school fees etc. must shop around for the best deals. Though full of praise for the ST's endorsement of shopping locally and fully in favour of the easing of parking restrictions in Replingham Road, while the 'breadwinner' has been at work I've conducted a comparison of local shops and the supermarkets in the area. The Village Butcher's wide range and high quality is matched by his prices. Both fruit & veg shops carry a variety of good-quality produce, a little higher than the supermarkets in price, but their wide range means that they are sensitive to the consumers needs.
If time permits, one can find equivalent quality more cheaply in supermarkets - but that is the point, IF TIME PERMITS! Having said that, The Fish Peddlar's produce is of better quality than the supermarkets and also cheaper than most. Finally, let's not forget that more and more of us are doing our weekly shop online.
NEW POSTING: From 'The Green Bag Lady'
Congratulations ST on your environmental campaign. But did you know that recently, a charity shop in Clapham had a 'live mannequin' display its window when two of its supporters set up sewing machines and and made re-useable bags from reclaimed materials which were given away to shoppers. With around one million bags a minute being used globally it's time more was done. Good Luck!