I don't have any kids, so should not really comment on the schools row that continues to smoulder like a moorland fire. However, I am just wondering what the object is of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar running against the brick wall that is the Scottish Government. If they say the review regarding closure of S1/S2 schools was not carried out correctly, then it wasn't carried out correctly? Why can't that just be accepted graciously? At the end of the day, the government is boss.
To rehash, CNES plans to close four rural secondary schools in Lewis. These offer first and second year secondary education, for later years the pupils go to the Nicolson Institute in Stornoway. The savings made by these closures are to be used for five new schools. There has been an ongoing row between the Scottish Education Minister and CNES, and the latter are now urged to go to court to seek a judicial review of the process. I'm not an expert on these matters, but it looks to me like a waste of money. If the procedures were not followed correctly by CNES, they were not followed correctly.
The last line in a report on Hebrides News (source for post) says it all - please note I am copying verbatim:
It does not make any rhythm or reason
rhythm or reason ...?!
ReplyDeletedo you think it was a typo, or am I being dumb ...?!
Rules are frequently not written in the clearest language, and there for are subject to interpretation. That is why things like this end up in court. So how is at fault if both CNES and the Minister of Education feel that they are both following the law?
ReplyDelete"This is another fine mess you've got me into Stanley!"
ReplyDeleteI've heard of the rhythm method, but reason is something entirely foreign to me:lol:...and possibly entirely foreign to the Western Isles Cooncil too! I find it hard to get past BCCI and wonder about the calibre of people who put themselves forward for office. But then, no-one else would want to do so...
ReplyDeleteSadly I think it is a failing of humankind that once elected to a position of power, however lowly, a sense of knowing best develops. Hence politicians after a short time become incapable of thinking that they might be simply wrong. It is not a recent phenomenon as witness Oliver Cromwell, in 1650, writing to the General Assembly,"I beseech you, in the bowels of Christ, think it possible you may be mistaken." He of course in his turn felt he was not wrong, although to his credit he declined the offer of ultimate power.
ReplyDeleteI do take on board the comment made by CVBruce, that rules are often open to differing interpretations. However, the posturing that we see from the Comhairle on this subject suggests that there is something more at play, hence the tone of this post.
ReplyDeleteNo wonder JoePublic feels dis-enchanted. We are just here to make up the numbers and pay into a pot which is then pilfered and borrowed from until someone shouts enough. Sad and bitter from Gravir as feel very short-changed and wary of the Authority figures acting on my behalf....RJG
ReplyDeleteIf rhythm is gone, there is no future: it stands to reason. Please pass the bottle.
ReplyDeleteSo true, Mjc!
ReplyDeleteI've been sitting on a humble local govt. committee, or board, or something, for 2 years now and I find I understand less and less of what is being transacted. Thus a race is ongoing between the remaining period of this office and the onset of total incomprehension. For the punters, put £10 to win on the second alternative. It reminds me of Winston's classic remark that democracy is an atrocious way to run a country, but he had not yet found a better way.
'H L Mencken believed democracy was a system for keeping a country's few intelligent people under the boots of its inexhaustibly plentiful morons.'
ReplyDelete(Just now reading a most perspicacious and entertaining book called American Journeys by an Aussie called Don Watson. Australia's Bill Bryson with sharp teeth.
"The eternal power, that stands on privelege
ReplyDeleteAnd goes with women and champagne and bridge.
Broke and democracy resumed its reign,
Which goes with bridge and women and champagne."
I think I'm missing out on something, HB! Let me in on the secret, please!
ReplyDeleteBelloc's to you Barney!
ReplyDeleteHilarious, Les. But I don't think you should use that sort of language on Arnish's blog. T'aint purrlite.
ReplyDelete