YEP Letters December 8

Check out today's YEP letters

Universities just want to make money

Hilary Andrews, Leeds.

IT comes as no surprise that a third of offers of university places are now unconditional on the A Level results of the applicant.

Since the introduction of fees, attendance at university has become a commercial enterprise and the universities want to make as much money as they can. These unconditional offers seem to be only given to students wishing to study subjects where a degree confers little economic benefit, so taxpayers are landed with the fees as the students never earn enough to start paying their loans back.

Inspirational tales of Kindertransport

Coun Tom Leadley, West Ardsley, Wakefield.

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Tales of Kindertransport, like that in last Saturday’s YEP (December 1), are always inspiring as they show that in spite of the short sightedness, even naivety, of many British political leaders of the late 30s when looking at those far-off countries about which they knew little and cared even less, there were many ordinary citizens, by no means all of them Jewish, who had enough clear sight to look across Europe and foresee, however dimly, at least some of the unimaginable horror which as about to befall that continent.

Because of the passage of time, only the Kinder themselves are likely to speak to newspapers now, but, the most remarkable people of all must have been those who did what was needed to rescue them.

They were notable not so much for their organisational skills, their ruthlessness in dealing with bureaucracy, raising money, finding sponsorship and arranging transport and accommodation, as for their ability to see that all that urgent activity was so pressingly needed.

From what we read on Saturday, during the Kindertransport years there were British people who took a refugee from Danzig to be within their field of vision, even if some of their political leaders may not have done.

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Are we now, in some less sinister way, back to the late 30s, led by politicians who cannot see beyond Folkestone harbour or Dover docks, and cannot focus accurately on somewhere as far away as what is now Gdansk, even though many of our industries and services depend in part on the work of its migrant citizens?

Thank you to Margaret

Miss S Michie, Middleton

Through your paper I would like to thank a lovely lady who runs a charity called the Ciaran Bingham Foundation Trust run in memory of this lady’s son who died. She is a lovely lady called Margaret Bingham.

She runs day trips, lunch clubs and other things for people over 60 in south Leeds. She goes over and beyond and has become a friend.

The Foundation was presented with an award in May this year by Prince Andrew which I thought was excellent.

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You hear a lot of bad things happening in today’s world so I thought I would let everyone know about this lovely lady.

Newspapers support our democracy

Coun Tony Wallis, Castleford

I strongly support the #buyanewspaper campaign because newspapers are an essential part of democracy.

Democracy is one of the most important concepts we have.

It ensures that we have control over our lives, giving us the power to choose governments. In order to do this we need the knowledge and understanding to make our choices.

Those who saw the excellent film Peterloo will realise how the growth of democracy and the growth of newspapers are connected.

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I was one of the first users of social media (at a time when Facebook thought the only Castleford was in Idaho) and actively use it to engage with friends and the community.

I do, however, realise it has a dark side. Its algorithms promote not just an us and them attitude but a divide so acute it is easy to believe the false news about “them” without checking if it’s true or not. This divide is bad for democracy.

Newspapers are run by professionals who check the facts. They report the news and encourage debate. Despite my growing use of social media, I will continue to buy printed newspapers.

Congestion and more pollution

John Hardman, by email

It took an unbelievable 40 minutes on Saturday, November 18 at approximately 1pm to get from Home Bargains opposite Pontefract racecourse to junction 31 - a distance of approximately one and a quarter miles as the crow flies.

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As an aside, the vehicle ventilation system had to be switched over to recycle, to avoid breathing in the endless amounts of traffic fumes.

This is where Wakefield Council planning department and planning committee in its wisdom has decided to build a new sports complex.

The complex will feed in to what is one of the busiest and polluted sections of road in the district, adding further congestion and pollution to what, for many motorists, is an unavoidable section of road.

Time for a change at the top don’t you think?

Reach out to those with M.E.

Sonya Chowdhury, Chief Executive, Action for M.E.

For most people, Christmas is about celebrating with friends and family; however, many people with the chronic, debilitating illness M.E. tell us they feel very lonely and isolated at this time of year – particularly the one in four who are so severely ill that they are bed or house-bound. If you know someone with M.E., consider reaching out to them this Christmas – a simple card, phone call or visit can make a real difference.

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If you have M.E. and you need information and support, call us on 0117 927 9551 (we’re here until 4pm on Friday December 21, and re-open 10am Monday January 7 ) – or visit www.actionforme.org.uk/you-are-not-alone.

Our M.E. Friends Online forum is open throughout the festive period, to register, visit www.actionforme.org.uk/MEfriendsonline

Let us know what you think

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Please send your letters by email to [email protected].

Please keep letters under 300 words.