12 METRO Monday, December 14, 2009 D An iPod nano 8GB...OK, so it doesnt exactly rhyme. But it sure beats a Partridge in an effin Pear Tree. 12 great days. 12 great prizes. In an ideal world... A privilege, not a right: Children Dear Dublin, I have gradually been more and more saddened with the rhetoric recently about gay rights with regard to children. Allow me to unequivocally assert that no gay couple has the right to children. No straight couple does either, and the mindset that children are a right is an indication of an unsuitable parent. Whether you are a gay or straight couple, or indeed a single mother or father, children are a privilege, and the only rights that are relevant are the rights of the children in question. In an ideal world, the custody of children would be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, by an impartial judge. In the real world, gay couples do not have the same level of social acceptance as straight couples. Until they do, the sexual orientation of the parents must be taken into account. Until they do, increasing the childs vulnerability to schoolyard bullies must be proactively avoided. Until they do, judges are likely to be pro or anti gay, in which case they are incapable of making a case-by-case objective decision on the placement of children with same-sex couples. I know that placing more and more children with gay couples would help improve the social acceptance of gay couples, but that requires social change, and the responsibility for bringing about such a Utopia cannot be put on the shoulders of children. Rory Ken, winding up Anglo bank would not raise anywhere near the 7billion projected to be spent on it, for several reasons. First, various professionals would have to be paid to conduct the closure proceedings. Second, any employees brought from Anglo into Nama would still have to be paid salaries. Third, outstanding depositors, Dublins best-read letters page Metro Mail E-mail letters to mail@metroireland.ie with a name. Or text us. Text MAIL followed by comment and name to 53131. *Texts cost 30cent per message + standard network charges. SP. Oxygen8 Communications, Hospitality House, Cumberland Street South, D2. Customer service number 0818286606 talk to us Most efficient? Private sector efficiency, bank change of address five to seven working days. Public sector efficiency, change of address six minutes. If the public sector get the same standards can they too get bonuses? Bemused Respect works both ways: On behalf of all students, Id like to voice my anger about adults who think they can skip queues just because they are elders. Twice on Thursday two women skipped me to get on the train and also in the college canteen. If you dont respect us why should we respect ye? Angry student Grinch groan: So, the likes of Brown Thomas, Arnotts and River Island are open to the public on St Stephens Day. What a great shame that at the end of a stressful year, those in the retail sector are now forced to work on a day they should be spending with their friends and family. Lucky to have jobs, I know, but these businesses are getting away with it this year amidst the Budget circus and there will be no going back. 2009, the year they stole Christmas. Steve In Brief debtors, and redundant employees involved with Anglo would have to be paid off for their deposits, defaulted debts and severance packages, respectively. I understand where you are coming from and I agree that it is outrageous that the Governments incompetence has led to the current situation. However, it is important to understand the consequences of any actions taken. In all likelihood, winding up Anglo might increase the taxpayers bill, not reduce it. Seamus Can someone explain to me where all the tickets for concerts at the O2 go? Since it opened, Ive tried to get tickets for Kings of Leon, Paul McCartney and Pearl Jam, with no success. I joined O2s Blueroom to try to get preferential tickets and I tried queuing at a Ticketmaster outlet, but when the doors opened at 9.00am on Friday I was told that the gig was already sold out, even though they only went on sale at 9.00! EB Sendusyour txt Ignorant Sue, when you drink and smoke yourself into casualty, it will be the hardest- hit public sector workers whom you will rely on to care for you! Nurse J Sue, Im a hospital employee who has just finished a 14-hour shift, where Ive been spat on, kicked, and my mother called a whore all for 90 less a week. P***ed off public service worker Good auld Bertie Ahern he has a State car and a driver paid for by the taxpayer, yet he will still claim a 2,500 travel allowance! Still screwing us. Jo I never thought I would see the day the price of drink is coming down and people are moaning. Hic Re: Ho Ho Hankey excellent idea Gimpmeister. I, for one, will be voting for the Paris Hilton tree topper. But theyre gonna need a bigger tree! Rude-off the Raindear America had Lehman Brothers. Ireland has the Lenihan brothers. Same result bankruptcy. Cheers. Stevo txt MAIL to 53131* index.html2.html3.html4.html5.html6.html7.html8.html9.html10.html11.html12.html13.html14.html15.html16.html17.html18.html19.html20.html21.html22.html23.html