Gary's views

Gary's weekly views

Each week an article by Gary has appeared in the Plympton Plymstock and Ivybridge News in South West Devon. The articles are published here

TRADITIONS

Henry Ford said that just before the horseless buggy (car) was invented if you asked people what they wanted they would have said faster horses. There are times when we should hang on to cherished traditions and times when we need to innovate and modernise. The challenge is sensing the times; when to move and when to stand; discerning what walls to leave in place and what to knock down.

The Queen celebrates her 80th birthday this month. I put my cards on the table: I am an unashamed royalist. Many people want to abolish this part of our constitutional infrastructure. Of course if you were starting from scratch you would not invent a hereditary monarchy as head of state, we would undoubtedly elect such a person. But we are not starting from scratch we are building on the wisdom and foundations of the ages. Our monarchy, at its best, works better than any other system. Imagine if we elected our head of state: how long would it be before the winner of celebrity Big Brother would be officiating at the opening of Parliament? A modernisation too far I think.

I am spending much of my time these days advocating the values of democracy in countries where the masses would give their eye teeth for our freedoms and stability. The House of Lords sometimes comes up: how can you justify an unelected upper chamber? In many ways, you can’t – but it works. It seems to becoming fashionable to want an elected chamber and doubtless we will get one. More politicians. The radicals will claim a great triumph. I suspect we will repent at leisure.

We have gone too far in allowing the institution of the family to decay. It is scarcely recognised by our welfare system, in fact people in secure units are often penalised. If you are the caring parent of a mentally handicapped adult – the health authorities will often not even discuss the case with you. For all its recent challenges, blood is thicker than water. The law, the government, all agencies of the state should do more to encourage and recognise this vital part of our social structure. It is still the most heartfelt desire of almost every young adult I have ever met: to find the right person and settle down. This is one institution that is as ancient as our DNA itself.

It is a tradition that must be rediscovered by policy makers.

posted by Nigel on Thursday, April 27, 2006