You might not print this cos I'm under 16 but at the end of last term we had a debate at school and we talked about whether sex offenders should be allowed to live normal lives after prison and if its right to discriminate against them. Most of us agreed that once they've done their time they should be left alone because that's what happens with murderers and terrorists who are usually far worse. It kinda makes the law a joke when you give a sentence and then just keep on punishing someone after they serve it. Our teacher said that sex offenders shouldn't be allowed to make speeches or write books, but most of us also agreed that if what they say is true or makes sense then what does it matter who they are or what they've done in the past. It all came about because of the new law making famous authors who visit schools have a background check. Most of us don't agree with that either. We think it's wrong the way we are told we can't make decisions because we don't understand the situation properly, but it's not like the adults make any effort to understand either. I hope my generation handles things more civilised but I can't guarantee it. People seem to lose some perspective once they grow up.

Dont blame your teacher for losing perspective.

You are learning that our current "State - Government" are trying to indoctrinate students with their ideas.

What you are saying is very important. It proves that schools are basically places where our Government is pushing their agenda.

That agenda is to shut up people ! and not allow them freedom of thought or speech.

Keep believing in freedom - and you and your fellow students will make sure that our country is never under dogmatic rule.

Thank you for posting that and continue to try and show your teachers that they are wrong to follow the New Labour view on life.

A very level headed attitude, pumpkinhead. Yes, a lot of us seem to lose perspective when we go out into the world. You'd think we'd become more enlightened, but that seldom seems to be the case. A few of us do try to stay cool, but unfortunately many adults seem to swallow gossip and scandal more readily than when they were children, and reactions can be far more extreme.

Let's hope your generation can do a better job. Hold on to that hope.

thanks for printing it and thanks for replying. I hope we do too. xx