It is ironic that for the last six months education has gained the spotlight in the media. Everyone has suddenly found problems with this aged and noble profession and everyone seems to have the solutions to the problems.

Some of these individuals have never walked the corridors of these institutions nor stood before the students, not even for ten minutes; students with varying backgrounds, upbringing, beliefs, orientations and culture.

Isn't it ironic that the teacher is placed on the altar of sacrifice while the hypocritical worshippers hummed their tunes and await the moment when the lamb - teacher - is sacrificed for the atonement for all others ills, neglect, dissatisfaction and disapproval?

free education

Isn't it ironic that the one who promised free education while on the other side, and hailed the tireless work of educators, his father being chief among them, has turned his back, betrayed us, callously mistreated us and repeatedly shut us out of his once-tender heart?

Isn't it ironic that Peter's brother, the chief defender of the rights of the lamb, denied us our benefits - not once when he cried for better student teachers, nor twice when the lamb was hammered for the literacy results, but thrice when the final long rusty nail was hammered in the hands of the lamb with screams of F - failure? And yet, the lamb survives.

It is ironic that when the lamb is to be finally elevated with a better bid on its wool, that he is once again called to the bargaining table but only to lower his price.

But like a sheep brought before its shearer is dumb, we open not our mouths.

I am, etc.,

EVERTON TYNDALE

evat_78@hotmail.com

Royal Flat

Mandeville, Manchester