Public schools' rigidity .
Sir: In commenting on the fatal rigidity of the public schools, Mr Ryder (September I) closes by speculating on "A trace of overreaction to sociologists"' Surely not: don't We all know that sociologists are sociologists because they know best what is good for us? They have told us so, many times.
The public schools must go or perhaps they will be allowed to staY provided that expert sociologists are appointed as headmasters. We must organise our system of education to meet the challenge of entry into Europe; the oddest reason for the abolition of the public school system aS at present constituted I have ever heard. Those who inherit wealth should not be allowed to use it as they wish; presumably Mr Ryder feels he is better equipped intellectually to make such decisions as are necessary for its employment. Above all, 'Freedom of Choice' must go if we are to have ' One Nation. Does that include freedom of choice of candidates at all election? The existence of an offical Opposition implies freedom of choice. Ein Reich, em Volk, em n Fuhrer. And who is to be the Fuhrer? A committee of expert sociologists? Mr Ryder will probably be astounded to learn that most of us prefer to order our lives without the slightest interest in his views on the education of our children or the employment of any wealth that we may inherit. Those of us (not too manY I believe) who drool over the lovelY prospect of Europe will doubtless do something about it; in passing, has Mr Ryder done anything about it as well as urging others to? Those of us who loathe the idea of entry into Europe will not become enthusiastic merelY because it is the Prime .Minister's pleasure or even because it is Mr Ryder's. Odd as I may be, I find the views of these gentlemen on Europe ( and probably most other things) totally
Couldn't our expert educationists Start living in the world as it really is and concentrate on turning out of our schools and colleges far more plumbers and far fewer sociologists?
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