February 4: Social deprivation still exists and crime continues — even after all these years
- Published in the Courier : 04.02.12
- Published online : 04.02.12 @ 09.08am
Sir, - Social justice and equality can only be satisfied in Scotland and in the rest of the UK by Scotland staying within the Union, according to Ed Miliband.
In my earlier years, in the 50s, 60s and 70s, I was a staunch believer in this philosophy, believing the Labour Party were most likely to deliver a fair society.
However, after 30 years of police service, 23 of which were in the CID, which took me, in the main, to deprived areas of Dundee, Stirling Edinburgh, Glasgow and elsewhere in Scotland, my views changed radically.
In the area mentioned the Labour Party held sway, nationally and locally. Votes were weighed, not counted.
But nothing ever changed, even when Labour held power. The fact that people in areas of deprivation had voted for them, presumably hoping to improve their lot, seemed to pass them by.
I am neither a sociologist or criminologist and would not pretend to know the answer to the many problems risingfrom social deprivation, but it seems to me social deprivation still exists and crime continues as ever.
So much for social justice and equality.
I feel that the effrontery of Mr Miliband to lecture on this subject as insulting to the intelligence as Ian Duncan Smith becoming an expert in this field after 24 hours in Easterhouse.
The electorate has given its verdict on the Conservative Party in Scotland.
It remains to be seen what they think of Mr Miliband and the Labour Party.
L. Liney.
8 Knockard Crescent,
Pitlochry.
Grateful for care afforded to mother
Sir,- My mother, Mary Giel, suffered a very serious stroke early in January this year, eventually leading to her death on January 21.
I want to thank all of the staff and doctors on Ward 4 for the treatment they afforded my mother.
From the first day when Dr McWalter took us aside to inform us of the prognosis for my mother, to the day she died, the treatment my mother received went above and beyond simple professionalism.
My family really felt she was in the best place she could possibly be, being treated by staff who really cared.
There are sometimes reports about how dreadful some hospitals are, falling below certain standards, not feeding or caring for patients. Anyone reading this letter will have some idea of what I am referring to.
Our experience has opened our eyes to the sea change in care that has taken place in Ward 4 of Ninewells Hospital. With no experience of other wards other than the short time that she spent in Ward 6, I do not know if this level of care is common to all wards. I hope it is.
Thank you again, all in Ward 4. You helped to make my mother's last days dignified and my family welcome.
C. J. Giel.
Kinpurney View,
Bonnyton Road,
Auchterhouse,
Dundee.
Now a double-edged sword?
Sir, - We keep hearing that growth in tourism is vital to the economic future of this country, yet by encouraging more and more people to visit the beautiful countryside we have in Scotland is there not the danger that an over-abundance of tourists shall perhaps help to destroy and pollute the very places we want them to visit?
Perhaps we should take on board the words from The Ballad of Ecological Awareness by Kenneth E. Boulding — "The tourist business is a trap, it is a tainted honey / Man clearly should have stayed in bed and not invented money."
Robert T. Smith.
30 Braeside Terrace,
Aberdeen.
A real test for a flawed democracy
Sir, - The proposed referendum by the SNP would be a real test of our flawed democracy.
An authentic result would need more than 50 percent of the eligible voters to vote yes. Voters who are not sure or not convinced should be treated as a no vote because they have not been convinced of the need for change.
This is entirely different from a normal election which is for a limited period of time and does not change the Constitution.
It is quite common for a change in a tested and working system to require much more than 50 percent.
I have heard no discussion about the majority or turnout required.
The previous referendum had a 40 percent condition but even that is not enough If 40 percent vote yes and 39 percent vote no, then the wish to separate has not been proven.
R. J. Soutar.
37 Camperdown Street,
Broughty Ferry.
Keep it banned
Sir, - I was saddened to read in the In Brief column on Wednesday about a film, banned more than 20 years ago, being given a certificate.
What have we come to when films like this seem to be acceptable now?
This is our Saviour who gave His life for the forgiveness of sins that we are blaspheming.
I urge everyone not to go to see such a film but to write to the appropriate department and have it banned again.
I'm sure if this were any other faith it would not have received a certificate.
John Shaw.
8 Rescobie Avenue,
Dundee.
Not listening
Sir, - It's amazing how unable to listen the anti-independence camp seem to be these days.
I've heard a number of them still say that the independence referendum will be on the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn. Which is in June.
Yet the First Minister has clearly said it will be in autumn 2014.
Dave Doogan.
Ross Avenue,
Perth.
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