Today’s letters to The Courier.
Sir, – I hope that you will allow some space for a rejoinder to the nonsense spoken in your columns recently (Wednesday, March 7) by the Rev John Cameron.
Instead of attacking Cardinal O’Brien he should be rallying to support the Cardinal’s call for the government to step aside from the absurd arrogance that makes it think it can “redefine” marriage.
Common sense, basic biology and history (not to mention all the religions of the world) tell us that marriage is the committed relationship of two opposite-gender people, and it is simply not in the power of politicians to alter the meaning of words.
“Same-sex marriage” has as much meaning as “square circle”.
Mr Cameron’s attack on Cardinal O’Brien’s reference to “aggressive secularism” is incomprehensible. It is not only Christians who recognise the increasing intolerance of the so-called “new atheists” and secularists who want to remove Christianity from public life.
Baroness Warsi, for example, has spoken recently about the dangers of a kind of militant secularisation that is deeply intolerant (as seen in the recent controversy over prayers said in Bideford Town Council).
If marriage is “redefined” to accommodate same-sex couples, how long will it be before campaigning begins for further re-definition that would accommodate multiple-partner marriage?
The government should leave well alone and turn away from the temptation to act beyond its powers.
(Rev.) David J Randall.5 Applehill Gardens,Wellbank.
Only a little promotion in hard times
Sir, – Regarding the comments under the headline ‘Advertising ploy provokes cyclist’s anger’ (Courier, March 7), I am a small town centre business using this “ploy” which is neither illegal or blocking bike spaces that prevent others parking their bikes.
At a time of financial crisis and High Street shops large and small closing thick and fast, Mr Suttie is finding a little business promotion offensive.
I wonder if Mr Suttie has a maker’s name emblazoned over his bike, carries a Tesco bag, wears Superdry or any branded clothing? It’s all “flyposting”.
If Mr Suttie’s gripe carried any truth that he is having difficulty parking his bike in the town centre I would gladly give up my space, but as I look out through the ever-lessening crowds of possible customers there appears to be no struggle for bike parking space at all.
Although, give it a year or two Mr Suttie when we have all but a few gone to the wall there will be no shortage of bike parking spaces. Just watch out for the tumbleweed it could take you off your bike.
Barry Brand.The Ink Cartridge Shop,Dundee.
Don’t raise speed limits to 80mph
Sir, – I wish people would not keep referring to the A9 as a ‘killer road’ it is not it is the drivers using it who cause the accidents.
Where else in Britain can you drive on a main road for up to 110 miles without encountering a roundabout, traffic lights or even a sharp bend?
Recently my wife and I drove up the A9 from Pitlochry to the northern Aviemore junction some 60 miles. For the whole of that journey I travelled at the speed limit of either 60mph (single carriageway) or 70mph (dual carriageway) with my cruise control set.
For the whole of the journey I only reduced speed when catching up with slower HGVs.
All other vehicles travelling north that is every car and van passed me exceeding the legal speed limit.
I often wonder what these drivers exceeding the speed limits do with the time they save.
We returned south on Sunday afternoon only to experience the same problem of cars and vans exceeding the speed limits.
We are all being encouraged to protect the environment by using less fossil fuel. Surely drivers should realise that driving slower uses less fuel and saves them money as well?
Recently the government announced that they were considering raising the speed limit on motorways to 80mph. I sincerely hope that they do not as it will only result in drivers going even faster.
Mike Cheesewright.1 Knockard Avenue,Pitlochry.
Bring them home now
Sir, – Re Afghanistan and the recent British soldiers’ deaths, these young men were sent to fight this unwinnable war by politicians who had themselves not a day’s soldiering between them.
How many of their sons are laying down their lives for their country? Bring them home.
Or do we have to wait until the US tells us we can?
Alistair McHugh.70 Mortimer Street,Dundee.
All for one…?
Sir, – I have bought an item which is being sent from Nottingham by Parcelforce. The delivery charge has been increased by £5 plus vat because my home address is Anstruther.
This must mean then that Fife is classed as a remote district. I thought the UK was supposed to be all one country (as we keep being told by Westminster)?
John Stewart.15 Milton Crescent,Anstruther.
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. Letters should be accompanied by an address and a daytime telephone number.