Madam, – My letter relates not to the rights and wrongs of the smacking debate, but rather to the practicalities and consequences if, as is proposed, smacking is made a criminal offence.
Let us suppose that a normally good and caring parent, whilst shopping in a supermarket and under extreme stress, is prosecuted for impulsively giving their child a smack on the hand or bottom for an act of defiance that could expose them to danger.
One only has to think of the processes involved, the costs, the time, the publicity, the anguish and the shame to feel nervous about the long-term consequences for that parent and their family.
Consider also the children, especially if the child involved or their siblings are old enough to understand what is happening.
Just imagine what the child might be subjected to at school and the reaction of other parents, teachers, etc.
If found guilty, one of the consequences will be that the offending parent will have a criminal record. It appears that more than one third of Scottish males have a criminal record.
I find this an astonishing statistic that suggests our judicial system is far too ready to criminalise people.
Adding yet another offence (to the statute book) that could lead to a criminal conviction needs considerable justification.
I could find little information on the penalties for smacking children in other European countries, but in Sweden smacking a child does not normally carry a criminal penalty, unless it meets the criteria for assault.
I hope our legislators will think very carefully about what they want to achieve, and try to ensure the remedy does not cause more harm than good.
Dave Trudgill,
Newmill,
Blairgowrie.
Not folly to care for less well off
Madam, – Readers’ Letters on March 2 made interesting reading, especially the views of regular Conservative sympathisers, Messrs Farmer and Redfern.
During his usual critique of the Scottish Government, Mr Farmer castigates it for the folly of caring for the less well off in Scotland by comparing it to the economic model which brought about the downfall and subsequent bankruptcy of the former Soviet Union.
Communism did not succeed in Russia because the leadership discarded its original values and embraced the concept of greed and self-interest.
On the other hand, Mr Redfern made a somewhat poor attempt at sarcasm by not very clearly suggesting that, had the Nationalists won independence in 2014, youngsters would be well placed to ensure success in the jobs market because they would know how to speak Gaelic.
He based his findings on a BBC report which claimed Scotland’s pupils are failing to study major European languages as a consequence of examination and timetable changes.
The usual all embracing comments mean little or nothing without the detail.
Allan A. MacDougall,
37 Forth Park,
Bridge of Allan.
Better to be safe than sorry
Madam, – Two Russian warships have been spotted patrolling off the eastern coastal waters of Scotland.
This is something that those still hell bent on independence might do well to ponder.
Where would independent Scotland find the means to repel any alien force with conquistadorial ambitions?
We have no navy, army or airforce and nor would there be the financial means to construct such means of defence.
Add to that the fact that Trident would no longer be in place and the financial benefit of the Barnett Formula would have come to an end and with it any extra financial muscle.
We might have to commission fishing vessels to intercept would-be predators in future.
The first priority of any government is the safety of its citizens and that requirement would have been abrogated.
Some, of course, could conclude this would never happen.
But in such dangerous and uncertain times can anyone be sure? Better safe than sorry.
At the moment we have the protection of a United Kingdom.
Can we afford to throw this away?
David L Thomson,
24 Laurence Park,
Kinglassie.
Working class missing out
Madam, – I am sure St Andrews University will be targeted by the usual suspects now the 2017-18 entry figures confirm it has the highest density of privately-educated students in Scotland and second highest in the UK.
But the Sutton Trust has put its finger on one of main reasons: the fact that teachers in state schools so often discourage their bright pupils from applying to Oxbridge or St Andrews.
This is nothing new.
My maths master pushed me to enter St Andrews’ “bursary comp” in 1960. But when I won a major scholarship the rector told me someone from my background in a mining village wouldn’t be happy there.
The head of maths insisted I take the scholarship, saying its sport and music scene would fit me like a glove.
He was right, but how many working class children have been put off even applying?
Rev Dr John Cameron,
10 Howard Place,
St Andrews.
Compassion required
Madam, – I find it a dark day for humanity when the death of an innocent child is being celebrated and mocked on social media.
Not only that, it is being used as a political football.
I still believe Home Secretary Sajid Javid’s decision was right.
It was Shamima Begum’s choice to leave the safety of Britain and become a Jihadi bride, but I would urge people to have compassion.
This is the death of a child and should not be celebrated or used for political point scoring.
Gordon Kennedy,
117 Simpson Square,
Perth.
A whole new world of fashion
Madam, – The shabby-chic of tattered jeans has long been with us.
But recently I saw a pair of jeans that had a printed pattern of stitching on one knee and a print of a patch on the other – imaginary repairs covering up holes that aren’t there.
Will the next creative change go back to the original design without holes, real or imaginary?
Andrew Lawson,
9 MacLaren Gardens,
Dundee.
