IN 1997, Mr Blair promised to be tough on crime and tough on the causes of crime. Good, but empty rhetoric.

Empty because he doesn't appear to know the sources of crime. These seeds are sown in infancy. The two-year-old we hear screaming for sweets in shops ceases when he receives them. He is learning that "I want!" gets. His unacceptable behaviour has been condoned.

By seven, the age of reason, he's in control. He rules the home, the classroom and society. Everything must revolve around him. He is the lord of the universe. He is a thug. By 12 he is controlling the streets and public transport. We who were brought up decently are helpless. Or, are we? What about people power? What about demanding discipline and I'm not talking naughty steps, parenting classes, or other liberal mush.

I was lucky in having a good, Methodist upbringing. My cries of "I want" when pertaining to something unreasonable or unaffordable, met with the standard response; "Then want must be your master!" No argument, end of. As for playing up in public - are you kidding? Punishments for any bad behaviour ensued without fail and were ghastly in my eyes. These varied from the confiscation of my favourite book to no pocket money, or no playing outdoors. Nothing else was needed.

At primary school, aged nine, I committed some misdemeanour in class. The teacher reprimanded me. Shortly afterwards, I repeated the misdeed. I was summoned to the front where I got the ruler across my knuckles. I never needed corporal punishment again. When I pitifully told my story at home, I was told I'd got what I deserved. No one rushed to beat up my teacher. Again - end of.

The do gooders, of course, will think the teacher abusive. Rubbish! He had 30-odd other children to consider and teach and he'd rebuked me verbally already. He had no targets to meet, mind. No, worse than that, he had the headmaster to answer to and the school inspector making regular visits. I remember that teacher with respect. In my mind, he is still "Sir".

It should only be necessary to verbally reprimand a child once. If this fails and the parent slaps it on the arm, hand, leg or bottom - so be it. If a teacher has to resort to a quick rap across the knuckles with a ruler - so be it. If a police officer feels that a clip round the ear will halt a thug in his tracks - so be it.

Isn't enforcing decent behaviour now the only way to stop the rot in this generation? Let's see this legislation-made government legislate for that. Look, people, it really has come to a case of them or us. Isn't it our democratic right to live in a safe, respectful and good society? I shall make this plain when I'm "doorstepped" by politicians. I hope I shan't be alone!

F Davis, Truro