This morning our correspondents discuss John J. Marshall’s column, the legality of bingo gizmos, the ticketing of cars in Lochee on a bank holiday and the efficiency of wind turbines.
Deplorable if we were involved in ‘circus’ Sir, John J Marshall’s distaste for the SNP is affecting his analysis. His determination to put the worst interpretation on anything the Scottish Government does, and willingness to accept anything if it comes from a fellow critic, lead him to bizarre conclusions (July 27).
It is not the US Senate that is investigating the release of al-Megrahi. Nor is it the full Foreign Relations Committee. It is an offshoot comprising four senators who are being indulged in their attempt to shore up the Democrats’ position before the November elections.
Perhaps Mr Marshall is unaware that the four senators have already gone on the record to state that they “know” that the Scottish medical reports were fraudulent and manipulated in order to deceive the public; that they “know” the British Government ordered the release; or that they’ve called on the British politicians to “clear their name”, as if they had been charged with a crime?
Such offensive ignorance has more to do with showboating for the US media than serious investigation.
It must be seen in the light of US domestic politics, in which both sides are desperate to appear tough, and truth is irrelevant. These Democrats are competing with Republicans, whose highest-rated radio commentator, Rush Limbaugh, has claimed that President Obama encouraged the release, and that al-Megrahi doesn’t have cancer.
It would have been deplorable if Scottish politicians had become involved in that circus. They are accountable to us, not the US media.
James Christie.2 Dryburgh Crescent,Perth.
Gala Whizz devices
Sir, With reference to the letter from Bob Donald, Cupar, published in your issue of July 29, 2010, regarding the use of Gala Whizz at Gala Bingo in Glenrothes.
it is an offence under the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act if the there is not an equal chance of everyone winning, which there obviously is not if there are not enough Gala Whizz devices to supply to all their members.
Being a retired police officer, may I suggest that he report the circumstances to the local Licensing Board.
Allan Murray.44 Napier Road,Glenrothes.
Alienating the public
Sir, As a council tax and vehicle tax paying resident, I have, along with other residents and businesses of Lochee, spent the past few months tolerating the council’s attempts to destroy what little life is left in the High Street.
I have accepted the disruption to my neighbourhood and the crass stupidity that places bus stops so the buses block the street when they stop.
I have tolerated the noise and inconvenience of parking away from my home and having to carry shopping home, because I know that the people who are inflicting this on us are not very bright and don’t live in the area.
After all, who wouldn’t want to spend millions on an area to make it look just like it did before, except with some graffiti spattered trees and a few more junkies?
So should I really have been surprised when, by way of thanks for putting up with this, on Monday (a bank holiday), when some council services, such as the buses, operated a Sunday service, the council decide to launch a raid and slap parking tickets on cars.
So, for putting up with noise, mess, disruption and inconvenience, we get fined. Perhaps when the council are wondering why people lack the social responsibility to properly dispose of rubbish, they might want to ask themselves why they are choosing to alienate those same people.
John Stenhouse.Lochee High Street,Dundee.
We should make them pay
Sir, The letters of July 29, from Dr Charles Wardrop and Mike Scott Hayward, could hardly be more timely, bearing in mind your headline feature on the Calliachar windfarm development, being supported by the Scottish Government, against the wishes of local people.
It is easy to see why local people in this part of Highland Perthshire feel betrayed by this decision, but it is typical of a political class that have ceased to listen to ordinary people and which continues to ignore all the readily available evidence that windfarms are virtually useless at producing worthwhile and dependable amounts of electricity.
For example, at 11.30am on July 29, the entire UK array of wind turbines on the Neta website was producing only 155 megawatts. Our landscape and our hard-won incomes are being sacrificed on the altar of a false ‘green god’. It’s time the political careers of those foisting this folly upon us were sacrificed at the next available ballot box.
Ron Greer.Armoury House,Blair Atholl.
Get involved: to have your say on these or any other topics, email your letter to letters@thecourier.co.uk or send to Letters Editor, The Courier, 80 Kingsway East, Dundee DD4 8SL.