Like many debates involving money being spent in campaigns to improve life in our area, we end up hearing the polarities of the arguments.

Inevitably, the spinners of how great New Labour is end up being on the defensive, pointing out the many positive aspects of life in 2002 under Labour. The realist, like Julie Burchill, paints a very bleak alternative of how life is for many others.

However, we need Julie's voice because it is so hard to say anything that questions the positive thrust forward of the ideals our leaders have in mind for us.

While I don't like the mud-slinging between personalities involved, I appreciate

the subtext and hope it helps people question and see the wood for the trees.

-Coun Susan Joy, Regency ward, Brighton