swaths of our population remain uneducated

I think it's worse than that. They're miseducated, rather than uneducated. I've seen lots of uneducated people, mostly in the developing countries, and they are far more hopeful, resourceful and vital than the miseducated youth in the UK (and I suspect other rich countries). State education, while good in parts, has let down millions, who emerge from it looking to government as a first resort; who are cynical, nibilistic and very often violent. I wish they were merely uneducated.

Posted by: Ronnie Horesh at February 28, 2007 11:56 AM

I agree with Ronnie - there's miseducation too.

Also, in the case of Cameron: he's just another power-craving politician who will say and do whatever he can to get into power.

Reminds me a little bit of that chap who 'forced' his family to eat beef during the BSE days to make it look safe.

Posted by: Raw Carrot at March 2, 2007 11:57 AM

Dear James Batholomew,
I wanted to write a proper email to you but I can't find your email on the site - so I'm writing it here.
There is a lot of (correct) talk about how the education system fails bright and average pupils. I have a 4 year old nephew who is of average intelligence but behind in speech - has a speech delay. This is easily treatable and education for this exists in other countries. In the UK tratment/education for certain special needs exists only in theory - not in practise. Here is a link with another parent in a similar but even worse situation.

http://www.ace-ed.org.uk/forum/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=13&sid=b53e77ce22283b25eaa448642e66f555

Yours
Rachel

Posted by: Rachel at March 7, 2007 05:15 PM