Are we in a democracy?

At a time when the government is flagging up concerns about child abuse, we have to ask ourselves, are they not abusing children themselves through their policies?

They offer mothers of young children monetary inducements to return to work and now they are considering rolling out testing at four across the country.

I am very glad, as a retired teacher, that my children are not facing this prospect, but if they were, and I found them anxious about the test, I would keep them away from school on the day of the test.

They are our children, and the most important thing to me when my children were young was that they were happy at school.

As teachers know, happy children work to the best of their ability.

I would be far more concerned about the lack of specialist teachers in secondary schools.

That is the problem the government should be addressing, as we hear stories of teaching assistants being overworked in schools!

Is our reaction to the in/out EU referendum being controlled?

We hear a great deal about it, but do we really feel we are being informed?

What do you feel you know about the advantages of being in or out?

It seems to focus on the migrant situation and if Cameron can achieve a better deal in Europe to keep us in, for which we are being persuaded we should feel grateful.

So much spin that we are reeling!

Was there also an attempt by the media to control our reactions to the junior doctors dispute?

Did we see enough about the reality of life as a junior doctor?

The state may think it has controlled this issue, but it remains to be seen how their policy will be implemented.

To introduce appointments at the weekend, hospitals will also have to call in clerical, support staff and nurses trying to use existing staff rather than increasing numbers for the increased service. There are, as we know, staff shortages.

Junior doctors banners warned that ‘tired doctors make mistakes,’ and if mistakes are made, let us 
hope patients will sue the minister who has imposed this contract on the doctors and not heeded their warning, Jeremy Hunt.

Do you feel we live in a democracy?

Carole Woodland

Cooden Drive

Bexhill

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