SUNDERLAND are going from strength to strength now. I've every confidence our great football club will survive for years to come in the Premiership because of the discipline introduced by Roy Keane which any army colonel would be proud of.

Discipline works to create success in every life situation and we need to introduce it especially into our schools.

The Scouts, Guides, Boys Brigade and Cadet Forces all function superbly because kids love order and strictness with the greatest incentive of all; the prospect of promotion. Why then don't we bring these basic strategies into the classroom?

You don't need canes as they are a form of violence which creates escalating anger. Gone are the days of a yell and a shout, then a smack on the snout. That was then, this is now. Discipline is working together in orderly harmony returning respect both ways.

We should have a promotion system just like an army regiment for pupils to become responsible members, keeping perfect order for their officer (the teacher). Badges should be used to represent the ranks which are awarded to the worthy leaders.

With this two-way respect system up and working there would soon be a dramatic reduction of street crime and disorder and even home disobedience. Not only because of newly-acquired discipline and respect but because the kids will be far happier. They would feel and be much safer playing their own part in law and order.

Only with a system such as this will we see maturity blossom and flourish in our England's adults of the future.
J Chambers
Rickleton Village Centre,
Washington

Rewriting history
WHILE I agree with the sentiments of AE Steel and think it's ridiculous that we celebrate defeat in the so-called War of Independence, I would like point out that no such thing ever took place.
It is just another example of American propaganda and their penchant for rewriting history to glorify themselves.
We are led to believe that these poor, over-taxed, downtrodden people rose up against their British oppressors to rid themselves of subjugation and over taxation. In fact taxation was about the lowest in the entire Empire. One of their most celebrated victories, the Boston Tea Party, was not carried out by revolutionists but by tea smugglers incensed at being put out of business by low taxation on tea.
Far from fighting to distance themselves from British rule, they were fighting for greater recognition and representation in Parliament.
To have a war of independence surely there must be a rebellious native people fighting an oppressive occupying force where here we had British settlers fighting soldiers of their own country, in a country alien to them both. So in reality there never was an American War of Independence, but more to a transatlantically fought Civic War.
David T Brookes,
Tennyson Street,
Southwick,
Sunderland

I think they're tops
I HAD to respond to the letter in Friday's Letters Page, July 25, re: Dan's the man.
I have shopped at B&Q Ryhope for many years now and always find the staff there very friendly and willing to help me if I need advice.
I am an elderly lady myself and never once have I felt unwanted and ignored, in fact it's the opposite, I even get help to my car with my goods.
I bought a lawnmower there and a very kind gentleman assembled it for me, as I have no-one at home to do that for me. To me that is going beyond the call of duty.
If this lady and gentleman thought they didn't get respect from the staff, all I can say is you have to give respect to receive it!
The letter printed will not put me off going to B&Q Ryhope, because I know the staff are not like this couple said, and will keep on shopping there for many more years.
A very satisfied B&Q customer,
Ryhope,
Sunderland

Not quiet any more
HOW much longer must we ensure private lettings up the Drill Hall area of Houghton? It is getting to the stage that nearly every other house is either taken over or is about to be taken over by these letting agents. I know they make a gigantic profit out of these people who take them on.
Also, the people in these houses have no consideration for other people who live in their own property, with music and banging doors, and this can go on until 3am.
A good idea would be to put all rented properties in one area so they can annoy each other.
This was once a quiet area, but not now!
Against Lettings

It's bullying
THE beasting of private soldiers by NCOs is in the news. There have been a few deaths.
Most agree beasting is a punishment; some say it is motivation or training. But by any civilised standard it seems like bullying.
The soldiers tend to defend beasting on phone-ins (perhaps they have no option).It seems like a punishment dished out by NCOs, while officers turn a blind eye.
Perhaps someone can tell us if Beasting goes on among female soldiers? Or is it just a male trip into callousness?
Why does soldiering need to be a top secret business, with a lot of things going on which top brass deny?
Max Nottingham,
St Faith's Street,
Lincoln