What a show !

While in a semi drunken state I watched the approach of this new year on the flat screen magic box, at 24.00 the show went to the Thames and showed the terrific fireworks display  surrounding the London Eye, what a show, impressive or what, this display probably cost half our national debt - but what the heck, it is the start of the year and we need something to take our thoughts away from the financial worries for a spell.

Personally, I was most impressed by the co-ordination of the many elements used to create the overall effect, it was breathtakingly awesome and makes me proud that our cobbled together government had the courage to commit the funds to an excellent display and lift our depressed hearts for a moment.

I just hope the they use as much common sense to deal with the worries of our student population here who are stressed by the possible drastic raising of course fees, a clear explanation is needed as a matter of urgency to avoid the actions of those violent few that do not represent the majority at all, and who usurp the intentions of the  gathering to turn it to their own violent and dangerous (not to say costly) ends.

They have a disruptive agenda of their own which serves to lose the public's understanding and support for those pupils that have concerns about starting there working life with the burden of a massive debt on their shoulders, I plead with the government to re-appraise their decision and consider some alternative approach which will be less abrasive and more considerate towards our countries future leaders and executives, engineers, politicians, CEO's in fact most of those that hold our future in their hearts and minds.

These students are no longer children, they are young adults who are capable of a considerable depth of reasoning, but who are still learning and assembling their ideas and reaching their own decisions, they are no longer sheep to be herded like lambs to the slaughter, and, after talking with some of them, I am of the opinion that the vast majority are disgusted and disappointed that their genuine efforts are being driven off course by the actions of  a group of criminally minded thugs, brought in by god knows who, and intent on doing damage for the sake of it.

Basically these fresh minds deserve the respect of our government and deserve greater consideration when deciding on life changing decisions like this fee increase, surely it would not do harm to debate with them the best way of  easing the inevitable, I have the impression that it is not the increase of the fees that concern them but the magnitude of that increase does. they are all worried about the worst case scenario of a threefold increase, surely that can not be necessary in all cases and the uncertainty of which will be affected gives them most concern. A clear explanation of the reasoning would help them greatly.

So I appeal to our leaders to temper their approach with more understanding and realistic ideas to solve the shortfall they are trying to rectify, perhaps adopt some of the broad minded thoughts used for the new years display, that took some courage to commit to in the light of the present difficulties, please don't stress the students unnecessarily, they have enough stress to survive their course work without dropping out.

With the contrasting decisions - the expenditure of the new years display - and the vast increase in university fees feared by those who have to consider their future in light of these possible increases, surely, even a politician can see the apparent unfairness of these situations - or am I alone in my thoughts ?

Brian.