Discussion One report here
In May we took a long hard look at today's society. With all the pressure coming from Dawkins, Grayling and others to persuade us that this life is all there is and there is no Higher Power to give any moral guidance, will the Ten Commandments (which are the basis for most of our fundamental laws) in danger of being thrown out too? What could take their place?

Many of us felt that as a Nation we are already drifting without any moral compass. The signs are widely evident -- The National Anthem has been dropped in theatres and cinemas, School Assemblies are dying out, so are prayers before Council Meetings and Grace before meals. Should we just let this happen, or take every opportunity to fight for the old values?

There is a difference between tolerance and spinelessness; in bending over backwards to avoid upsetting minorities we felt that we have lost our own sense of identity. It is a pity that those who sought a life in this Country were not told more forcibly that the Established Church here is Christian with the Queen as its Head, we speak English, we sing our National Anthem and we have long-standing traditions and cherished customs. If you want to come and live here you have to speak our language and accept and maintain our heritage. Is it now too late?

In June we attempted to tackle that fascinating old chestnut: Nature or Nurture? Although we tend only to consider the immediate parent-child relationship, Bryan reminded us that illness or deprivation experienced in one generation may have repercussions in several that follow.

It is amazing to think of all the billions of people in the world now as well as those who have lived before and to realize that no two have ever been exactly the same. Even identical twins have different personalities. Siblings may regard their upbringing as the same, but it wasn't, because the view of any situation by the older may be very different from that of the younger one; also the National and International environment alters and affects each of us in different ways at different times. A thought-provoking and hugely complex subject.

Bernard chose Crime and Punishment as our topic for July. We all know that our prisons are overcrowded and we have more people inside per head of population than any other European Country. This is partly because hundreds of new offences for which we can be imprisoned have arrived on the statute book in the last twenty years and also because successive politicians have wanted to be seen to be tough on crime so have steadily increased the penalties on the old ones.

What are the alternatives? Do Community Orders and ASBOs have any effect? Or are they regarded as badges of honour by their recipients? We agreed that if inmates were given more training in practical skills they might be able to look after themselves better when they were released, but recognised that many will not take advantage of the opportunities that are already available. Others come from such insecure backgrounds that they find the assurance of a bed, adequate food, shelter and warmth strangely attractive, which is why some re-offend so quickly.

Would it help if prisons were more self-sufficient? When we sent men to the Colonies they had to feed themselves by their own efforts. Could this be done again? It might give prisoners a sense of self-esteem to run their own farm (and also keep the cost to the taxpayer down), but would it require too many extra staff?

As you will realize, we haven't found many answers over the last three months. Nevertheless, we have all thoroughly enjoyed exploring the questions!

Jo Arnold