Sir, Your front page report on Thursday February 2 concerning the admonishment of a stepfather for smacking a five-year-old child will undoubtedly provoke a few raised eyebrows and hopefully some constructive debate amongst Courier readers.
As a social worker and long-standing supporter of the “Children are Unbeatable” campaign (www.childrenareunbeatable.org.uk) I am disappointed that neither the sheriff nor your newspaper appear to have taken the opportunity that a case of this nature presents to stress how important it is to uphold the right of all children to enjoy the same protection from assault and other demeaning treatment as adults.
While I do not underestimate the difficulties parents may at times face in responding appropriately to the challenges that can arise from our children’s behaviour, physical punishment or the fear of it has its origins in outdated notions such as “you have to be cruel to be kind”.
There really is no place for it in a civilised and forward-looking society that cares for its children and recognises that it is our childhood experiences that shape our behaviour as adults.
Ian Johnston. Fernlea, 24 Duchess Street, Stanley, Perth.
No information from No group
Sir, Alistair Darling has now confirmed the Better Together campaign will be offering no information concerning the consequences for Scotland should we decide to remain within the union.
It seems the various unionist parties can join in common purpose to pour cold water on Scottish aspirations, but are unable to give us any information regarding our future should they win in 2014.
Ever since this process began, the No group have demanded the Yes campaign furnish us with every little detail concerning an independent Scotland. Yet they feel they have no obligation to reciprocate.
They are wrong. Scots need to know what lies ahead if they choose the status quo. How else are we to judge the merits of both arguments otherwise?
I can understand their reticence, as every week highlights the appalling incompetence of Westminster and its ongoing attacks on the poorer and more vulnerable sections of our society. If they have no vision to offer, other than flags, history and ongoing decline, their contribution to the rest of this debate will be dire indeed.
Darling and Co. tell us repeatedly there is a positive case for the union. I, for one, am waiting to hear it. They can begin by telling us why countries the same size as Scotland, with or without our resources, are flourishing while we flounder.
Why shouldn’t Scotland join those confident, aspiring countries, who strive to better the lot of every citizen, in stark contrast to the UK, one of the least equal and most poorly governed societies in the developed world?
Ken Clark. 335 King Street, Broughty Ferry, Dundee.
Protected lizard site
Sir, I was unhappy to read in Jim Crumley’s excellent article, Year of Natural Scotland looks like a sick joke now (February 5), that plans are afoot to put 135-metre wind turbines on the Sidlaw Hills.
They are one of only four remaining sites for the increasingly scarce and legally protected Viviparous Lizard in lowland Angus. The population of animals there is small and disturbance of their fragile habitat would probably see them exterminated.
Let us at least hope that an appropriate survey for these reptiles, and the other rare and interesting species that are found in these hills, is carried out before yet another piece of Scotland’s heritage is disfigured and its wildlife destroyed.
Frank D Bowles. 37 Albany Terrace, Dundee.
Greed feeds Lottery con
Sir, Roy Bayne (Courier letters, February 6) hit the nail on the head. The National Lottery is a con.
People have a choice, either do not do it, or like me put the money in Premium Bonds, where the numbers are drawn monthly and the money is still there.
It does not get lost like the money in the Lottery.
Or is it just that people are too greedy now and want millions and would not be happy with the smaller prizes of up to £1m as in the Bond draw?
If people want to play for big stakes and lose, then they can have no complaint. The Lottery was set up to pander to greed and having sucked people in, Camelot know they can put any price on a ticket. If you doubt me, watch the frantic actions of players in shop queues.
John Montgomery. 24 March Crescent, Cellardyke.
Too many already
Sir, I notice (Thursday, February 7) an MSP suggesting that following independence 70 additional members of the Scottish Parliament will be required to run the country efficiently. What better reason could there be to vote “no” in the upcoming referendum? We are already burdened with too many legislators!
Angus Cheape. Middleton, Fossoway, Kinross.