06/02/03

They are, whether they realise it or not, giving aid, comfort, succour and support to an enemy or potential enemy. They are showing him a nation or group of nations divided against itself and irresolute.

They include leaders of other nations such as France, MPs in our own parliament, churchmen putting their religious beliefs ahead of practicality, pacifists or conscientious objectors, relatives of soldiers who naturally don't want their kin killed or maimed and, of course, there are always those sympathisers with Saddam Hussein. Even editors of some papers are preaching against war.

Of course nobody wants war. Only an idiot would want war. But appeasing or pacifying a megalomaniac never was and never will be an option.

A strong resolute resolve just might achieve a bloodless victory. But there isn't that at present, except in our Prime Minister and the US President.

However, there seems a glimmer of hope. Whereas at one time letters in The Northern Echo were mostly anti-war, anti-US and anti our prime minister, now that seems to be changing with more letters recognising the gravity of the situation and the need for unity of purpose. - R Lewis, Birtley.

BRAVO to The Northern Echo for reporting Nelson Mandela's damning opinion of George Bush and Tony Blair.

When Mr Mandela speaks, the world sits up and takes notice. He is probably the most respected person alive on this earth today.

The shining example of his suffering and ultimate triumph are an example to all and makes President Bush and Mr Blair look like pygmies.

Mr Mandela's withering remarks about Americans' record of spreading death and destruction round the world are similar to the opinions of John Pilger.

Mr Mandela is the most respected ex-politician in the world and John Pilger probably the most admired journalist.

It is time we listened to what they have to say instead of the tripe issuing from Messrs Bush and Blair, who seem determined to have blood on their hands. - Hugh Pender, Darlington.

UNIVERSITY EDUCATION

IF a student is burdened by Tony Blair's new tax and ends up owing the Government £20,000 to £30,000 in loans, then what happens if they go to work abroad after they graduate?

Presumably, they will be beyond the reach of Gordon Brown or his successor, or will Mr Blair set his loan hounds onto the unsuspecting parents of the itinerant student?

In terms of the student's contribution to society after they graduate and if they are daft enough to stay in Britain, the high-flying graduate earning £100,000 per year will pay 100 times as much tax as the non-graduate earning £5 per hour or £10,000 per year. Surely that is enough to repay their debt to society, without the further burden of a loan?

I would like to see all of our youngsters as well trained as possible. The reason is simple. In about 25 years time, their efforts and economic activity will be paying my pension - private or not.

Forget altruism, this is the plain and simple truth of the matter and anyone in Government with any common sense would also see this. - Aidan Ruff, Ellingham, Northumberland.

COUNCIL SERVICES

IS it not about time that councils are forced to give everyone a rebate on the council tax when they are not giving the services we pay for, like litter cleaning and road gritting?

This week, for example, everyone seemed to know that snow was coming, but it seems the council did not.

I am sure if a council employee can't get to work because they have failed to clear the roads they will probably still be paid.

These services were first class years ago, at a fraction of the cost, so why do we pay a fortune nowadays and receive nothing. Something needs to be done. - T Amos, Colburn.

PIG FARMERS

IN a new ruling from Brussels, farmers throughout the country have 90 days to put a toy in every pigsty or face three months in jail.

Officials from DEFRA have instructed farmers to supply "environmental enrichment by providing manipulable material".

A good pig farmer does not need to be told how to look after his animals.

If it is compulsory, what do they give them when the pigs throw their toys out and become unruly? Something more intellectually challenging such as chess or scrabble?

And then when they have achieved this heightened level of stimulation will they want to walk on two legs and sleep in beds with blankets?

I think we should tell the EU and DEFRA to keep their interfering snouts out. And you thought that the Common Market which we joined in 1972 was just a 'free trade area'. Not such a crackling idea now with more than 30,000 new regulations in force strangling British businesses. - Neil Herron, Sunderland.

PETER MULLEN

I WRITE as a Christian, to disassociate myself from Peter Mullen's unpleasant attack on atheists (Echo, Feb 4). His disagreement with atheists is no reason to call them 'mugs' or, worst still, 'nutters'.

This is offensive and unnecessary. It doesn't even advance his argument, because a close reading of the piece reveals that the Rev Mullen has no argument; the only thing he has to say about atheists is that he doesn't like them.

I hope your readers can be reassured that not all of us Christians have as much difficulty as the Rev Mullen in loving our neighbours as ourselves.

And I ask why is the rector of a London church, and chaplain to the London Stock Exchange, writing a piece in The Northern Echo about the voluntary rate levied on businesses within his London parish? - RJ Hawkins, West Jesmond.