Values still on the syllabus Teachers and parents of children in government schools must be very disappointed by the Prime Minister's recent comment that government schools are too politically correct and values-neutral. What a sweeping and careless statement. Political correctness, I believe, came into being as the law demanded equity for minority groups -- a democratic principle that could be debated at length. But to suggest that government schools don't teach values is blatantly incorrect. Values and attitudes cannot be tested like maths and spelling, but teachers teach values every day. It's what they do. The day a child begins school, it starts: how to get on with others; taking your turn; being a good sport; compassion and empathy for others; and more. Cultural values such as the meaning of Anzac Day, Easter, Remembrance Day, our flag and the national anthem have always been taught in every school with which I have been associated. Government schools also raise money for charity and invite community members to participate in school activities as role models for acceptable community values. In my career, from the 1960s to the present, the one noticeable change in schools has been the need to talk about values more and more, as pressures have increased on families and the media continues to depict violence and all kinds of inappropriate adult behaviour. A great many teachers are doing a wonderful job. They don't need criticism from politicians trying to justify the allocation of resources. Carol Bradley, Denilquin I'm sick of hearing the bleating masses going on about taxpayers' money going to elite private schools. The majority of private schools, including the one my daughter attends, charge small to moderate fees and receive reduced government subsidies that are, on average, half the government school subsidy per student. This is a definite saving to the average taxpayer. Some people, such as W. Robins (Letters, January 23), would have you believe that all private schools teach intolerance and a belief that they're in some way superior to public schools. This is completely untrue, as my daughter's school teaches the standard Department of Education syllabus and celebrates all the significant Australian events and culture. An important part of my daughter's school's philosophy is to treat other students and adults with respect and dignity -- something very much lacking in the average state school. I applaud the Government's stand on fair funding for all students, public or private, as we should all have a choice regarding where our children go to school. After all, private-school parents pay more than enough tax and are entitled to see a proportion of that money returned to help educate their children. Sonia Ward, North Nowra Sinking the boot into American arrogance If it wasn't sad enough when Australia lost Tim Tams and Vegemite to American companies, now we have to lose the ugg boots. I was shocked to hear that American company Deckers Outdoor Corporation has not only bought Ugg Australia and is riding on our name, but is now trying to ruin Australian companies that sell or bear the name "uggs" -- never mind that ugg boots have been a part of Australian culture and history for the last 70-odd years. Shame on you, Deckers. I don't know how you sleep at night. Mrs L. Gibson, St Clair What is it with the American business mentality? Do they think they alone can own anything? This development in the ugg boots farce is a perfect example of US arrogance. The American company Deckers' demands that Australian businesses stop using the words "ugg boots sale" in selling their product here and overseas are not only ludicrous, but also contemptible. American businesses seem to think that any time they want something, people should give it to them. Australians have been using the term "ugg boots" for decades. For the Americans to declare that we can no longer use it is a signal for all Australian battlers to stand up and tell the American monopolies that we do not take well to threats, nor do we want them buying up any more of our national icons. If American businesses cannot come up with their own original ideas, why should we give them ours? Sarah Turner, Inverell I have just read your article, "Uggly Americans" (The Daily Telegraph, January 23), and my first reaction was to check the calendar to ensure it was not April 1. I am seething that our so-called allies have the hide to waltz in and register a trademark on an iconic Aussie product. It is another typical example of the American capitalists doing what pleases themselves, with little, or no regard, for the impact their actions have on the rest of the world. For the past couple of decades, our traditional way of living has been bastardised by the infiltration of American culture. Take-away is no longer fish and chips, but Big Mac meals. We are more worried about how Australians are faring in Hollywood than in the dark streets of our city and reality TV is the new form of entertainment. I urge all potential ugg boot buyers to be sure not to buy the American product. Keith Daly, Sutherland I am deeply offended by Deckers, operating under the logo Ugg Holdings Inc (The Daily Telegraph, January 23). I have always been of the opinion that Americans are quite creative and original. After reading your article, my opinion has changed. Anne Marie Smith, Balgowlah Labor hands victory to Howard May I be the first to offer my congratulations to John Howard on his victory in the next federal election. Mark Latham's recent speech, in which he indicated his party's intention to increase the number of boat people/illegal immigrants allowed to enter Australia, has guaranteed the federal Liberals government for the foreseeable future. J. L. McCarthy, Whalan Now that Mark Latham has revealed his "let anybody land" policy on illegal boat people, what will be the point of a coast guard other than as a pick-up and delivery service? It only confirms what many of us suspected: new leader, same party, same policies. Vic Emerton, Chester Hill Labor's new policy on illegal immigrants is even more laughable than the previous one. Increased sentences for people-smugglers appears commendable on the surface, but Labor has overlooked the fact that illegal immigrants seek out these operators, not the other way round -- making them just as guilty of the crime. Along with temporary protection visas lasting two instead of three years, and rumblings, per Carmen Lawrence, of other changes, Labor shines a bright green light around our borders. B. Oehm, Figtree System off the rails Recently, while on holiday in Sydney from Queensland, I had the extreme displeasure of experiencing the bureaucratic CityRail system. I am 16, and rightfully expected to be allowed to travel throughout Sydney on a student concessional fare. To my disgust, however, I was made to pay a full adult fare, even after showing my Townsville Grammar School identification card, which showed my date of birth. I was told a NSW concession card was necessary to travel as a student. When I explained that I was visiting on holidays for a short time, and that it would be senseless to acquire a NSW concession card, I was unfairly charged an adult fare. What a relief I live in a state where common sense and fairness for the average student prevails. Elijah Ling, Townsville Price no longer right I have been an NRMA member for 43 years, but because of the escalating cost of membership, I have decided not to renew. It's disappointing to see the NRMA having so little regard for members' contributions. Originally, to obtain NRMA insurance, you were required to be an NRMA member. With the profits from this business, members enjoyed reasonable membership fees and access to many services. With the assets stripped away, we now have an association with major problems. Doug Tweedie, Carlingford Nation must set aside its differences Australia Day should be a celebration of our unique lifestyle and rich heritage, but it has been ignored for far too long in favour of smearing the past with accusations and condemnation. Pride and unity are gone. It is a misconception that January 26 is merely a reminder of the 1450-odd arrivals who in 1788 founded a colony for unsavoury Britons. In those years since, Australia has evolved into a culturally diverse nation of some 20 million people, who until recently have taken pride in what it means to be Australian. To be Australian is not something written on a birth certificate or citizenship papers, but the feeling of pride in being part of a society which values freedom of expression, peace and the ability to reach one's full potential. We have gained sovereignty without war and, in the 216 years since British settlement, Australia has proven a nation of progress, innovation and vision. It was past unity that enabled us to construct the Harbour Bridge, Opera House and a unique culture which is applauded and envied by the world. However, we seem to have lost our way recently, with many showing contempt for a nation second to none. It is now time we set aside our differences and got along with one another. Let us take pride once more in this great country our ancestors worked hard to forge, and rebuild a unified Australia for generations to come. After all, we are Australian; so let us start acting like it. Benjamin Smith, Glenmore Park Rock festival criticised Congratulations to the police (and their sniffer dogs) for making a number of drug arrests at the Big Day Out. It is about time police got serious about drugs at some of the dance and rave parties held across the city. However, I cannot believe the attitude of Big Day Out organiser Ken West who criticised police for their actions. Surely this man should be praising them for stopping the flow of illegal drugs into his festival? Mick Smith, Elizabeth Bay Big Day Out? What about Big Price Tag. At $120 a ticket, it is obviously a day for the young and privileged. P. Alexander, Leichhardt Council up the creek Just what is going on in Blacktown (The Daily Telegraph, January 23)? The Workers' Club and local council seem to possess the thinking of the 1960s while the rest of Australia has developed greater environmental awareness and commitment. It is astounding that the notion of destroying 300m of creekline could be contemplated today. All that has been learned about the vital role creeks play in sustaining the ecology of regions does not appear to have reached the ears of some people in Blacktown. If the council permits such destruction of the environment, then it is contingent on the NSW Government to review the capacity of Blacktown Council to administer the Environment Planning and Assessment Act. Marc Kay, Kensington Same medicine for all Private health funds have now been allowed to impose three successive annual increases. Medicare, wallowing in its own financial morass, is again left to struggle along on the same inadequate funding. Why not the same medicine for everbody? Is there a doctor in the house? Ron Elphick, Buff Point What's news 1. Under new Labor Party policy, asylum seekers can attain permanent residency after how many years? 2. Pauline Hanson and David Ettridge have announced they will sue the Queensland Government for wrongful imprisonment. How much are they claiming in compensation? 3. Who is the bureaucrat who has been named to succeed Jan McClelland as Director-General of Education? 4. Sydney's dam levels have dropped to their lowest in 20 years. What percentage of capacity have they fallen to? ANSWERS 1: Two years. 2: $1 million. 3: Andrew Cappie-Wood. 4: Less than 55 per cent. Kind words I would like to extend a sincere thanks to the driver of Route 361 to Tamarama on Thursday night about 7pm to 7.30pm for safely returning my mother, who is in later stages of alzheimers' disease, to Waverley Police station. My father, who is 82, got off the bus at Bondi Junction, not realising my mother stayed on it. I cannot thank this driver enough. Peter Ciaglia, Waverley To the point Guess we'd better register "Sheila", "Fair Dinkum", "She'll be right, mate" and all those other wonderful truly Australian phrases -- otherwise some global corporation will steal them from under our noses. Maxine Wade, Neutral Bay Education is about learning how to think, not what to think, as is the case in public schools. Rick Showran, Cooma The Prime Minister may be right about the values taught in public schools. Look where he went to school. Malcolm Burns, Auburn I hope those train drivers that took a sickie on Friday, forcing many services to be cancelled, really enjoy their Australia Day holiday. John Duggan, Cremorne _____________________________ Mail PO Box 2808, GPO Sydney, NSW 2001 Fax Letters Editor, Daily Telegraph, 01-9288-2300 Phone 1900-969545. Calls cost 82.5 cents including GST per minute. Mobile and pay phones extra. 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