ELITISM IS BACK, IF ONLY IN SPORT.

Extraordinary how we accept a superior strata in the world of sport, which after all only gains wealth for the athlete, not the nation as a whole. This is not to denigrate competitors, who spend years of dedication and discipline in order to acquire the standard necessary for selection to represent the country at international level; then going the extra mile(or is it kilometre) to win a medal. Why shouldn't they have a financial reward? The exceptional crop currently performing in the China Olympics have certainly turned up trumps. What is difficult to understand is why we laud our so called footballers to the heavens. Their renumeration is most certainly out of line with their lack of ability, entertainment value and they are certainly operating in a separate economy from the nation generally, which says more about our understanding of economics and the reason people have voted for this Labour government on a regular basis.

Socialism, of course, detests elitism unless political capital is to be made, as mentioned in 'GOLD ALL THE WAY'. We couldn't for one moment expect a Labour minister to rejoice in academic achievement, their view of academia is to dumb down GCSE and A level standards to make themselves feel good and unchallenged.

Two coincidental articles that the author has read recently cover this subect adequately. The head of Eton College, Tony Little, wrote in response to the pathetic "class comments" from that giant of retardation, John Prescott. What is disturbing is that we appear to relish living in a backward society, not wanting to give academic talent the time of day. Well rest assured, eventually don't expect jam on the bread because we have to earn it. This won't come from sporting prowess, but from inventors, engineers etc., Tony Little, along with a few of us know what is required, a high standard of education. Who would consider pouring all our children into a swimming pool anticipating them all to have the same aquatic ability. Nonesense perhaps, but that is how we teach or attempt to teach the three R's.

Leo McKinstry was the writer of the other article regarding excellence. He makes, in essence, the same point which cannot be ignored. Selection for university cannot be a post code lottery. we have to acknowledge and nurture true academic talent for our own survival. Universities are not there to reduce unemployment figures.




SOME PEOPLE ASPIRE TO ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT THE SAME AS IN SPORT.


IT'S TIME TO LEVEL THE PLAYING FIELD TO AVOID DISASTER.