Howard Jones,

Perhaps you are right that no one has equated those Muslims who want to withdraw their children from music lessons with fundamentalists. However, take a look at the posts of Tootler (July 2, 4:06 p.m.) and Don(Wyziwyg)T (July 2, 5:37) and tell me what you think. Perhaps I misread them.

You said that I talked about liberty, but that the examples I gave were not really "liberty". Perhaps another term would be more appropriate than "liberty" but, unfortuanately I can't think of one at the moment. Anyway, it seems to me that, in general, the more liberty a people have, the fewer the conflicts between individual conscience and the law.

We are not particularly plagued with Aztecs wishing to offer human sacrifice but, should any come around seeking an exemption from the murder laws, the exemption should be denied.   The state must enforce Maybury's Laws (contract law - "Do all you have agreed to do" and common law - "Do not encroach on other persons or their property.") However, it is relatively rare that an individual's conscience REQUIRES him to violate THOSE ancient laws. It is the NEW laws, the laws requiring EVERYONE to do what the majority thinks is best, with which minorities tend to have conflict.

I am glad to hear that the National Curriculum does not apply to independent schools and to homeschooling.

Kent