Politicians and NHS concerns – your letters, plus an adventure camp sports day in 1983

PICTURE FROM THE ARCHIVE: Determined youngsters bound towards the finish line in burlap sacks during sports day at the Longmynd Adventure Camp in the summer of 1983. Captured in a field at Minton, the scene shows the simple, timeless joys of the tented summer getaway that provided a countryside escape for generations of children. Loaned by Alan Scriven, author of The Longmynd Adventure Camp and Me, the photograph reflects a deep personal history: Alan first arrived at the camp as a boy in 1965 and went on to spend 33 years there, eventually taking charge as 'Skipper'. Were you one of the youngsters who spent summer under canvas at the Longmynd Adventure Camp, or do you remember sports days at Minton back in 1983? | Picture courtesy of Alan Scriven

placeholder image — PICTURE FROM THE ARCHIVE: Determined youngsters bound towards the finish line in burlap sacks during sports day at the Longmynd Adventure Camp in the summer of 1983. Captured in a field at Minton, the scene shows the simple, timeless joys of the tented summer getaway that provided a countryside escape for generations of children. Loaned by Alan Scriven, author of The Longmynd Adventure Camp and Me, the photograph reflects a deep personal history: Alan first arrived at the camp as a boy in 1965 and went on to spend 33 years there, eventually taking charge as 'Skipper'. Were you one of the youngsters who spent summer under canvas at the Longmynd Adventure Camp, or do you remember sports days at Minton back in 1983? | Picture courtesy of Alan Scriven

Readers question whether politicians really have the answers, highlight concerns about the state of the NHS and share a reader’s moving response to a previous contribution

Politicians do not have answers

A meal’s quality is determined not by the chef’s skill but by the person eating it. This may seem obvious, but government departments and bureaucracies rarely have to prove their ideas with evidence that withstands scrutiny.

These institutions often present claims as self-evident. For example, formal sex education in schools is said to reduce abortions, single-parent households, and sexually transmitted diseases.

When evidence suggests otherwise, advocates blame inadequate instruction or poor implementation rather than question the premise. This “heads I win, tails you lose” defence blocks reasonable criticism.

Much of what passes for debate is the acceptance of untested claims by people presumed to be more knowledgeable. This intellectual snobbery dismisses criticism and evidence that challenges established beliefs.

During the Brexit referendum, Remain supporters noted that better-educated voters backed Remain. But education does not confer infallibility, and suggesting otherwise is demeaning. Independent thought takes effort and courage: it may reflect settled views, but must remain open to evidence and outcomes.

Politicians may claim all is well and that they have the answers. The public can judge by examining policy results and whether promises have been fulfilled.

Martin Bristow, Midlands

Hospital stay an eye opener

After a stay in hospital recently, I was reminded that we live in a world where sanity and truth are in extreme danger.

The hospital staff were wonderful, working long hours for low wages in stretched conditions, in buildings that often need a complete overhaul.

Remember, we were promised, on the side of a bus, that things would really improve. Another blatant lie some fools believed, spread by another rich opportunist - one of many.

Still, as long as we let governments up the defence, spending on items designed to kill and destroy to match our latest enemies, their population is equally scared of the stories their leaders spread about us.

As we allow this frightening situation to continue, things will never change. The arms industry will get richer, and the NHS will continue to struggle, relying on the caring, kind hospital staff, against all odds, to struggle to heal the sick and ill. It is a mad, mad, mad world.

Roger Cain, Clee Hill

Letter moved me

To ‘Name and address supplied’ on the letters and voices page (Oct 22). You have the heart and the soul and the pen of a poet. I ‘felt’ your letter in the way that I try to make people ‘feel’ my own efforts. It was well worth your time and your courage. I hope you find what you’re looking for. Good luck to you.

Alan Jones, Midlands

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