Don't politicise children

August 7, 2008

Dear Sir,

In The New Straits Times in Malaysia, Dame Jennifer Smith is quoted as saying: "The suitable age at which a child should learn about politics is from the moment he or she can talk."

This reflects the action seen here in Bermuda, especially in the lead up to the December 2007 election when little children at Polling Stations, were "jiving" to a PLP jingle. Whilst that may be cute, I cannot believe the innocent children had any idea of the politics involved. What did concern me was the report by one parent who said her child came home from school saying that "some people" had visited the school and taught the class a PLP song. They also instructed the children to tell their parents to vote PLP since they had put a roof over their heads. Indeed this mother had been found an apartment through the efforts of UBP people. Were the school visits by politicians, if they engaged in partisan politics, indeed legal?

Your Royal Gazette article dated August 6 goes on:

"Schools should teach civic studies, Dame Jennifer said, in order for young people to learn the importance of voting and what it means to be a contributing member of the community.

"'But I don't think they should teach partisan politics,' she said. 'I think politicians in each constituency should be doing what they can do to ensure that the children are involved.'"

To which I say Amen! I particularly admire the line about "contributing member". Unfortunately, there is so much hardship caused by families having a single parent. Generally, I think that most single mothers are doing a great job under the circumstances; however, the male children could be greatly helped by having a good role model in the person of a responsible father in the household. Note a recent news item showing the graduation rate of boys to be half of that for girls. Girls need dads too, but not quite so critically as do boys.

Perhaps the civic studies which Dame Jennifer advocates, could include studies particularly for our teen-aged girls, the mothers of the future, based on how valuable they are, and not to sell themselves short by engaging in dangerous sexual practices.

Having worked in parish welfare, I can remember some very young mothers, still of school age, saying that they had a baby "because the baby would love me". Another said, "to prove to the other girls that I can make a baby". How very sad. The real live human beings thus created will need 18 years of nurturing to bring to maturity – some less, some more. This is a daunting outlook for a teen-aged girl.

Let us support all those wonderful groups that are working so hard to help Bermuda's young people.

UNCOMMON SENSE

St. David's

Walking on the wild side

August 4, 2008

Dear Sir,

I came to Bermuda five months ago. I don't drive and use a bus to get around. By doing that I reduce my carbon footprint on the environment as well as reduce congestion on Bermuda roads.

What do I get in return? I get so many close calls that I'm beginning to think that driving may be safer than walking. Sometimes it is impossible to cross the road without risking your life. Crosswalks are few and in between, and rarely do motorists stop and let you cross. And if someone does stop, watch out for the bikes, because they always use an opportunity to pass the vehicle that stopped, therefore heading directly toward you trying to safely cross the road.

On rainy days I get splashed all over by the passing cars and bikes. It is common courtesy to slow down if you see a person walking along the road. Why are people behind the wheel so inconsiderate to people who are on foot?

I want to ask that young woman on a bike that decided to pass a stopped bus on the left side: "What were you thinking?" Passengers exit on the left side. Was your rush was more important than my life? Would you be willing to pay for my funeral or medical expenses? Look into the eyes of my children? Why such a rush?"

Just think about the long term consequences of your short term need to rush.

NATALIA STANFIELD

City of Hamilton