People’s rights
Sir,—Di Cleary’s question (August 30) as to whether Mr G. W. R. Palmer’s plea for civics education means the Government will support training for the revolution required for an equitable society is worthy of more debate. His suggestion that people should learn about their legal and political rights in order to influence decision-makers ignores the fact that these rights were fought for and implies they are permanent, whereas our history shows they are not, particularly in times of crisis. How long will it be before the unemployed are disenfranchised? The contradiction Di Cleary highlights is that, while it might pay lip service to “open government” and participation in decisionmaking, no Government of the type we have had acts in the interests of (unemployed) workers and big business at the same time. A civics course would merely encourage acceptance of the status quo, but people must learn how to challenge and change it. — Yours, etc.,
SUSAN YORKE. August 31, 1986.
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Press, 3 September 1986, Page 16
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161People’s rights Press, 3 September 1986, Page 16
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