A divided society-what can be done?

This is what they do to solve the buy to leave problem in other countries.

www.theguardian.com/society/2017/aug/02/how-the-world-is-tackling-issue-of-empty-homes

It wasn't. Anyone else could have answered the question if they wanted to. Not even you have, just stirring.
Why?

But you already knew the answer when you posed the question. Didn't realise it was a rhetorical question durham !

That's an answer.

Not sure why you asked the question if you had the answer.

All it needs is the political will to stop it.

www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/aug/03/buy-to-leave-housing-investment-policy

Dunno durham. Do you know?

www.theguardian.com/housing-network/2017/aug/04/right-shelter-trump-profiteering-corbyn-housing

A good read.
Why is it that a right to profiteer from housing seems more acceptable to some than the right to a roof over your head?

www.theguardian.com/society/2017/aug/05/eviction-company-advert-calls-tenants-household-pests

A real divided society. This ad has been on facebook for months and no landlord has complained about it.

agreed Trisher. Without giving too much identifying detail, here is an example; two 16 year old girls, doing very well at a school ( school is on the verge of special measures, very poor exam results and behaviour management issues). One girl was encourages by her hard working parents, went on to sixth form college with views of University and career in journalism. Her friend was made to finish school and take a job at budget clothing shop because 'it is good enough for me and good enough for your sister'. Years later, I still wonder how that girl is getting on. These two girls, one of which I knew personally, live in an area of deprivation and low academic achievement and with a high percentage of immigrants, so illustrates exactly what Trisher was saying. This is the same area where it is said that 'the immigrants' get given houses and cars.

I think the issue of church schools is something which should be debated but the focus should be the funding of such schools. Freedom of choice is something that should be available to every family, but others should not have to fund that choice. The schools should also have to show that they are reaching required standards at all levels- staffing, SATs,governance and syllabus.
I don't think faith schools can be held entirely responsible for the rise of racism and organisations like the EDL. I encountered most racist talk in state schools in deprived areas, and children certainly learned it at home. It is partly ignorance and fear. It is also to do with immigrant families having usually very high aspirations for their children and working very hard to improve their position. So the families make progress and begin to move out of poverty, leaving those still trapped, for one reason or another, to spread the myth that the immigrant family has been better treated. I would like to see someone on the left who could offer the same hopes as the EDL and identify the rich and powerful as the real enemy and not poor immigrants.

So disagreeing with someone who claims to have much knowledge of schools is making it petty and personal. Dismissing a posters experience as not enough evidence isn't ?

I'll go. Too many unable to debate properly. I have tried to stick to arguing opinions only but annie, and others too, always make it petty and personal.

Penstemmon, obviously one personal example proves nothing, but it is still evidence. If Gransnetters cannot quote their personal experiences then we might as well all pack up and go home.

Will you go first, or shall I?

The two most important things are for there to be no segregation or indoctrination.

Annie please do not assume that those of us who want to promote inclusive, secular education are all aetheists or have no first hand knowledge of the governance of schools.

I was for many years a governor of a community comprehensive school. The headmaster was an ordained deacon of the RC church, at the time the most senior layman to take part in the mass when the Pope visited Coventry. He taught my children RE and I was happy for him to do so, although I had been brought up as a Presbyterian in a segregated school system, as the governors had approved the syllabus which rznged across religous beliefs. Pupils were not indoctrinated or subjected to religous instruction. The emphasis was on knowledge, understanding and tolerance.

And that is what I was saying .penstemmom

Annie what are you on about?? I merely suggest that one personal example is not strong enough "evidence" to prove anything! My single experience would be no more or less valid than anyone elses.

One of our local C/E schools is very undersubscribed and has just received a damning inspection report. Despite being a church school most local Christian families reject it because it is in the heart of a social housing estate.

Pensteemon, you too are one voice , just as Grumppa is and just as I am.

Same here grumpa. I was governor at my children's primary school too. Church had some input obviously buy nothing overt. School was heavily over subscribed due to the happy and caring way it was run..

No Gill, Varaian took it way past the discussion you were taking part in.

Grumppa sorry but one e.g. does not an argument make. I have worked in and with a great number of schools, good and bad, faith and non faith. I could counter you experience with other examples!
Annie no, faith schools have not created right wing fascism..nobody said that for goodness sake! What they do is to perpetuate the focus on difference rather on commonality. Those with a healthy strong faith will support their children to grow in that faith through home life and attendance at places of worship. Schools do not need to do that job.

Pity other atheists didn't have your experience , they could then voice opinions and know what they are tslking about.

My children and grandchildren learned respect for all faiths and those of no faith , no chance of them joining the far right movements . Such a pity so many atheists are not capable of extending the same respect

Many years ago (obviously) I was a parent governor of the C of E primary school that my children (and before them my wife and brother-in-law) attended. The rector was Chairman, and meetings were held n the rectory, but all discussion was religion-free and focussed on the running of the school. As an atheist, I felt entirely comfortable.