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

FOCUS GROUP

Have you noticed the remarkable interactivity of today’s media? You can hardly listen to the radio without the presenter reading out some of the incessant stream of e-mails and text messages pouring in. I have yet to press the red button on my TV control during major sporting matches on Sky, but I know that if I do all kinds of wondrous things will happen.

I have appreciated the responses I get from this column when opinions are sought on a range of issues, bringing much insight and knowledge to my door.

And when you think about it, why should the collective judgements of the 657 of us who are elected to make laws in this country be superior to anybody else’s? There are many qualities that may catapult a person into Westminster, but wisdom is not necessarily one of them!

MP’s are not delegates, mandated to vote in a certain way, but representatives, elected to exercise their own judgement. But there is clearly great advantage in receiving the opinions of others before making a final decision. By way of an experiment I propose to go more inter-active and set up an e-focus group! The plan will be to e-mail out on a weekly or fortnightly basis, probably starting in September, seeking the views of the group on whatever the topic might be. There are some big issues coming up ranging from identity cards to “living wills” and so on. Obviously there would be no obligation to reply.

If you would like to be part of this e-focus group could you please e-mail me on mail@garystreeter.co.uk within the next seven days and we will take it from there.

Naturally, I will continue to invite views by post as well.
It may well be that major transformation in British politics is just around the corner. Support for the existing political system is at a very low ebb. Where that mood will lead us I am not sure, but I can sense the winds of change gathering strength.

Society has developed so fast in recent years, for better or worse, much of it driven by ever more amazing technology. This cannot be un-invented – so there is no turning back. It is bound to impact the way we run our democracy.
This is my small experiment to be better connected. And if you would like to be part of it – you know what to do.
Have a great summer.

posted by Nigel on Monday, August 16, 2004

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

NEW LIFE

Last week we went to Germany to cuddle our first grandson. Weighing in at a healthy 10 lbs 5 ozs, I have already chalked Jonathan-James (to be known as JJ) down for Ivybridge 1st xv when he comes of age! Mother, father and son are all doing well and we give thanks for this new life. (The only downside is that I am now married to a granny).

But as I walked him around their army quarters trying to get up that last stubborn bit of wind, I pondered on what will become of him. In part the genes and chromosomes with which he was born, as with any new baby, will help to shape the adult that he will one day become. But in part, the influences on his young life, as with any baby, especially from his immediate family, will also mould him – for good or bad.

There are no guarantees in parenting and it is a hard slog, whether there are two of you or just one. But whether we like it or not, the influence of that early family input will largely determine whether a baby will grow to become a menace to those around him or not.
If my postbag is anything to go by, even in the allegedly leafy suburbs and quaint Devon towns that I represent, anti-social behaviour is on the advance. I am increasingly confronted with problems involving neighbours from hell, tenants who trash a perfectly respectable house, binge drinkers and drug addicts, graffiti artists and litter louts, aggressive youths who gather on the street corner.

There seems to be a significant and growing minority who behave badly and we are all getting sick of it. More police, more CCTV, more gimmicks from government – none of it seems to be curbing this alarming trend.

We need to tackle the root of the problem. Which is surely that far too many children, when they are very young, are not taught to behave properly. To respect others, listen to adults, sit still, keep their fists to themselves and moderate their language. Is it really any more complicated than that? I recognise that there are other influences at work: through the TV, Internet and peer groups at school, but surely none compare to the early formative years in the home.
The challenge for policy makers is to find ways of intervening more effectively at an earlier pre-school stage. The search is on.

posted by Nigel on Thursday, August 12, 2004

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

SURVEY RESULTS

A few weeks ago I invited you all to join in my survey of the most important political issues to the people of South-West Devon. The response was excellent, for which I am most grateful, and there was a great deal of agreement between you about the things that really mattered to you. Here is what you said.

It will surprise nobody to know that the subject of Europe is on many people’s minds. Whilst there is not much desire to leave the European Union outright, people certainly want to see a great deal of reform. Too many decisions are being made by Brussels and too many bureaucrats are deciding things about our part of the country when they have never even been here.

The state of the NHS is also highlighted as a problem. Waiting lists don’t seem to be falling and the hygiene of our hospitals does not impress many of you. Having said that, a lot of you have highlighted that the fault does not lie with the NHS staff, who you feel do an amazing job in less than desirable circumstances.

Concern was also expressed about pensions. Some of you highlight that a society that does not look after the elderly can not be called civilised. I quite agree.

Every child wants their parent to be looked after in their old age, and every parent wants their child to have the best possible start to life. Naturally education was a big issue on the survey. Parents are still very concerned about the increased tuition fees and very anxious about disruptive pupils in the class room.

But still the biggest issue of concern is that of law and order. Nearly everyone has been a victim of crime in some way. Those who haven’t, have a relative or close friend who has. It does seem sometimes that the victim gets less support from the state than the criminal and that the pendulum has swung too far in the wrong direction.

I am grateful to those of you who took time to respond so helpfully to this survey. You’ve done your bit, now all I’ve got to do is come up with some solutions!

posted by Nigel on Thursday, August 05, 2004