How much longer is Jean Calder to be allowed to waste a whole page of The Argus with her prejudiced and vindictive opinions?

On the basis of an admitted slight acquaintance with what she calls the British ruling class and a young man named Tristram (who sounds more of a caricature than a real person), she vilifies all those who have had the benefit of a private education.

She needs to learn a lot more about British society before she rushes into print with views gained second hand in South Africa.

It may come as a surprise to her to learn that, before the Education Act came into force, the only way to receive a good education in this country was to pay for it.

While state education has improved immensely since those days, it still lags behind that available at most public and private schools.

Furthermore, state schools seem unable to do anything about educating the pupils in correct behaviour. I invite Ms Calder to travel with me on the top deck of a 5b bus at 3.30pm on a school day to see what I mean.

As for the "ruling class", whom does she mean? I thought we were ruled by Tony Blair and his gang.

If she means those who engage in fox-hunting with hounds, she should know that supporters of this so-called sport come from all walks of country life.

Jean should spend less time in "fashionable London restaurants" feeding herself and her prejudices and get out and meet ordinary people.

-Peter Bailey, Brighton