WHERE is community leadership in Taunton? Where were Cllrs John Williams, Ross Henley and Libby Lisgo, leaders of the Conservative, LibDem and Labour parties on Taunton Deane Council, at the 'Make Poverty History' assembly outside the Market House on The Parade last Saturday morning?
Why was there not one of the 67 local representatives from our two councils there at all?
It is likely that they will claim they were "unaware" that this assembly was being arranged.
That is not the point. They should have been in the vanguard of arranging such an event, putting their prestige and positions of influence behind such an event, and showing solidarity with the millions of people who participated in Live 8 events throughout the country.
People do care about poverty in Africa and the appalling damage climate change is wreaking on our civilisation.
No wonder there is disillusionment with politicians.
Congratulations to Alan Debenham, Biddy Garstang, David Topham et al for putting together a demonstration in support of the vital lobby to this week's G8 summit hosted by the Prime Minister in Gleneagles.
How sad that they were not joined by our elected leaders to demonstrate that Taunton is really concerned about the problems of poverty and injustice in Africa, and the long-term future of the planet.
JEFFERSON HORSLEY The Avenue, Taunton.
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