SOCIALISM AND DUMBING DOWN GO HAND IN HAND.

Education Secretary, Michael Gove, a bright beacon in a sea of ineptness, is embarking on a plan to reinvigorate the English education system. Dare we say it, he is planning a more competitive spirit in learning. Yes, this will show more academically astute pupils in a better light, when they get to examination time. This represents how the world is. Nations that practise this fact of life, will always head the education standing polls. The author, incidentally, does not speak from a situation of academic prowess, but more of a practical ability; something that has never made me feel inferior. Gove will naturally come under fire from the left, Labour and the Lib-Dems, who thrive on dumbness. Strange how Socialism doesn't takes the same view regarding sport.

So what makes the Left pursue low expectations in education? Followers of these columns will recall the earlier comments about Labour's simpleton approach. They cannot afford to have brighter folk then those on the front bench; so they insist on a flock of under achievers, who will always give them the vote, join a union, which in turn funds the party. This is hoped to create a kind of perpetual motion. Unfortunately, what is overlooked, is the loss of cash in this non-productive process. Since the nation is theoretically bust, that road is a non-starter to the educated thinker.

This item was triggered by a letter in the national press from a fellow Nottinghamian, WH Doe, who thinks along similar lines.

IT'S GOOD TO KNOW THAT WE ARE NOT PLOUGHING A LONELY FURROW.