SEVERAL recent correspondents have been vigorously stating the virtues of socialism and conservatism, using extreme examples of both to support or criticise these political systems.

But it is extremely rare that the systems themselves are at fault. For example, who would oppose either a collective communism that shared out society’s resources fairly, or a dictator who had the power and will to divide those resources equally?

The problem with both socialist and conservative parties is the socialists and conservatives themselves.

The same can be said of the major religious beliefs – all very well meaning until mankind gets involved in the interpretation of the message.

The trouble is that the human animal has an innate desire to see the differences in his fellow man and his beliefs, while ignoring the similarities. After all, the ability to see the other person’s point of view immediately undermines part of our own beliefs.

Unfortunately I fear these arguments will continue until, like the dinosaur, man has long disappeared from the solar system.

B Jackson, Sacriston