Hear All Sides

ASSISTED SUICIDE

YOUR comment on the case of Diane Pretty (Echo, Oct 19) is flawed.

The law has no right to deny the right of an individual to make such a choice, if that choice can be proved to be a rational one, based on the evidence that the individual produces, ie. the state of their condition and their suffering.

Voluntary euthanasia is a form of suicide which is not against the law, but is obviously open to abuse. Yet, the more medicine is able to manage life, the more it must find responsible ways of managing death.

There must be a repugnance at the cruelty of the meaningless prolongation of the life to the extent of Mrs Pretty and others like her who wish to be spared further agony.

While the doctor has a duty to save life, they do not have the right to prolong life by artificial means. Nor does the state or the law have the right to play God with an individual's right, the right to die with dignity. - John Young, Crook.

THERE are countless cases where a loved one has been relieved of unendurable suffering and without a lot of publicity has been helped to die with dignity. But how can the authorities prove that assistance was given? - E Reynolds, Wheatley Hill.

PETER MULLEN

I HAVE always considered your paper to be moderate and fair and yet it allows a columnist like Peter Mullen, a so-called man of God, to write such vile, poisonous rhetoric (Echo, Oct 16).

Instead of the teachings of Christ which were love and forgiveness, Peter Mullen preaches hate and murder.

One of his bishops should remove his dog collar then send him to Afghanistan to be like ordinary people there hungry, cold and frightened.

Perhaps then, away from his privileged lifestyle, he might learn a little humility which he is sadly lacking.

God save the ordinary people of Afghanistan and our armed forces and God save us from so-called churchmen like Peter Mullen. - Ann E Hodgson, Middlesbrough.

WAR ON TERRORISM

WE are being told ad nauseam that the war against terrorists is because they kill innocent people.

The US and ourselves are killing innocent people in Afghanistan, so by definition we are terrorists.

The Israelis kill Palestinian schoolchildren so they are terrorists.

To claim we are justified in killing innocent civilians is totally and utterly reprehensible and the ultimate in hypocrisy.

When I heard Tony Blair say in the Commons that the bombing would not stop to help feed the starving I was ashamed of him and the sycophantic silence from our MPs was criminal. - Hugh Pender, Darlington.

RAY MALLON

I REALLY get upset to learn about Ray Mallon. In Middlesbrough his zero tolerance opinions etc seemed to work and at least he cleared yobbos off the streets with his strong tactics.

Maybe he could apply for a position in another police force.

Sunderland could do with him as there appears to be no end of trouble around.

I wish him well and feel sure a lot of the public would back him. - Colin Smith, Sunderland.

CHARITY TREK

ROYAL Mencap, the leading charity for adults and children with a learning disability, is organising a ten-day trek through the lush, rural landscapes of Japan.

This is a splendid opportunity to explore the flora and fauna, rice paddies, geishas and samurais, cherry blossom and sushi that typify the legendary Land of the Rising Sun.

From the bright lights of Tokyo you will trek south to the densely wooded hills of the Yamanashi Prefecture, home to Mount Fuji and the Five lakes.

From the Kawaguchi-ko Lake, you will venture through some of Japan's most stunning scenery, passing through thick wooded mountainsides, cool valleys, spectacular fungi-filled forests and lava ice caves.

On the final day, you will journey back to the big city, where you can indulge in some last minute shopping and celebrate the end of your incredible journey with a glass or two of champagne.

All you need to do is pay a £300 registration fee, raise a minimum sponsorship and Mencap will provide you with flights, food, and accommodation.

Please call 0845 9777 779 to receive your Japan Trek pack or e-mail: events "You mustn't change it about like that.

"You asked Mr Wilson all the right questions and me all the wrong questions."

It was good television.

Many years later as a deeply religious man, Lord Hailsham was asked for his thoughts on Heaven.

He replied: "I hope to get in!"- LD Wilson, Guisborough.

BOAT HOUSE

WHAT is the fate of Durham Boat House. I fear one of these Saturdays when we stop on the bridge to view it, it will have just disappeared. What a sorry sight it is, just left to crumble down. Surely it is part of our heritage. I will be very sorry to see it go. - J. Siddle, Bishop Auckland.

PRESTON HALL

I WAS sorry to read about Preston Hall Museum and there being no facilities for disabled people. I love taking my grandchildren there, it's a wonderful place.

On one visit during the school holidays we spent over two hours in the museum. They loved it outside, too, walking by the river and in the play area. The cafe provides good food, served by very pleasant staff. I hope to go many more times in the future. So I would urge the powers that be do all they can to open this fantastic facility to everyone. - S Stoves, Ormesby