I am going to make an example of you, Tompkins

While I was out delivering, it seems the heads were at it again. The BBC reports:

A head teachers' leader has warned of the danger of giving "irresponsible parents" power in schools.

David Hart, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, was referring to the government's strategy of reinforcing parents' roles.

That could send the wrong message to irresponsible parents, he said.

"Giving more power to those parents who lack responsibility is like putting an alcoholic in charge of a bar," he told his annual conference.

Let's leave aside the point that anyone using the argument that something might "send the wrong message" reveals how weak their case is. Let's not even point out that these parents pay the taxes which go to pay the salaries of Mr Hart's members.

No, what worries me is the depth of the contempt that the professional left has for the public at large.

Such an attitude is ultimately incompatible with democracy. If you do not think people are capable of taking an intelligent interest in their own children's education, why should you consult them over the management of the economy or foreign policy?