Madam, – Back in the 1980s Margaret Thatcher’s Conservative Government was faring very badly until a military adventure in the Falkland Islands diverted attention from her troubles at home.
The conflict rallied the country behind her, and she went on to rule imperiously for another eight years.
Mrs Thatcher came into my mind when the news broke about President Trump’s late decision to hold back on attacking Iran, apparently because he had only just realised that people might die.
And then I thought of another UK Prime Minister, Tony Blair, who was inveigled by US President George W. Bush into joining the US invasion of Iraq in 2003, providing a bit of political cover for the US in what was an illegal war with disastrous consequences.
Putting these threads together, my theory for Mr Trump’s about turn is that some wiser counsel somehow managed to catch his attention, suggesting he should put things on hold for a little while and get an ally involved to provide some legitimacy for what will be another illegitimate US adventure.
Why not resurrect the old “special relationship” with the UK, whose government, as in Mrs Thatcher’s time, is in desperate need of a distraction from their troubles.
And who better to call on for support than Mr Trump’s old friend Boris.
An alliance made in the hairdressers: you heard it here first.
Les Mackay,
5 Carmichael Gardens,
Dundee.
First Minister not listening
Madam, – One of Nicola Sturgeon’s favourite techniques when facing questions or criticism she does not like, is to say that she will not “take lessons” from the relevant opponent, then lecturing them for their shortcomings and hoping no one notices she has not replied to the issue that has been raised.
Based on the First Minister’s replies to questions at the Law Society of Scotland conference regarding a reasonable threshold for referendums on constitutional change, it seems she is equally determined to not take lessons from recent history. Despite the 2014 independence referendum and 2016 EU referendum demonstrating clearly the risks of sizable minorities refusing to accept the outcome, Nicola Sturgeon made clear that she will not countenance a sensible margin being required.
Instead she would be happy to try to push on with a breakup of the UK even with a majority of just 50% plus one vote.
The inconvenient reality of separating from the closest of all possible unions that we have with the rest of the UK leaves Ms Sturgeon unmoved. She does not care that it will likely prove to be many times more complex and difficult than extricating ourselves from the EU.
Instead it seems, the SNP must get its way, come what may, with all the resulting economic, social and political collateral damage a cost we are all supposed to bear.
Keith Howell,
West Linton,
Peeblesshire.
Dose of reality if Scotland leaves
Madam, – Westminster, the House of Lords and all the trappings of a lost empire is still being run by an elite sociological group of wealthy individuals who still think England is the centre of an empire.
Boris Johnson is the very epitome of this class attitude.
He is there, looking down upon these poor “natives” who fail to realise how lost they are without Westminster’s guiding hand.
Scottish independence would help to bring an end to this “we are better than the rest” attitude by resetting the political dynamic of these islands by injecting a much needed dose of reality into English politics.
These elites have the very same attitude when dealing with us Scots.
They think by wearing a “see you jimmy” hat and drinking Irn Bru, they are relating to Scottish culture.
They simply do not have a clue.
Mark Harper,
22 Fitzroy Street,
Dysart.
Folly of Boris for Prime Minister
Madam, – Boris Johnson, who’s known on the Continent for his mendacity and duplicity, has often shown his ineptitude in Foreign Affairs.
To trust him as Prime Minister to negotiate the terms for the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union would indeed be the greatest folly.
Mr H Davey,
12 Dores Drive,
Broughty Ferry.
Renovation for royals excessive
Madam, – I am amazed at the insensitivity of the people who approved the expenditure of £2.4 million of taxpayers money on an already over privileged royal couple.
As we are all supposed to be in this austerity together could they not tighten their belts and live in one of the available palaces, castles and mansions already maintained at our expense. I wonder how young working class couples starting out in life respond to this?
Alister Rankin,
93, Whyterose Terrace,
Methil,
Leven.
Jamboree will foster life skills
Madam, – Good luck to Scouts from Tayside and Fife who are heading to North America.
In just a few days’ time Scouts from Dundee will be travelling 3,800 miles to wild and wonderful West Virginia, USA, for the 24th World Scout Jamboree.
These are some of our brightest and best and every one of them will be an ambassador for the Scouts, the UK’s largest mixed movement, helping prepare girls and boys with skills for life.
World Scout Jamborees only happen every four years and tens of thousands of Scouts attend each one. They are incredible festivals of peace, friendship and adventure.
Young people will make friends for life with people from over 150 countries.
They will experience different food, language and culture while learning new skills.
It will be the journey of a lifetime.
The 2019 Jamboree, jointly hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico, is set to be one of the biggest and most exciting yet.
The theme is “Unlock a new world” – focusing especially on how we can create a sustainable world together.
I want to wish every single one of the Tayside and Fife Scouts good luck and safe travels.
We’re so proud of you and I will see you out there!
Bear Grylls,
Chief Scout.
ADHD claims show ignorance
Madam, – As the father of an eight-year-old with an ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) diagnosis I am quite used to having to enlighten people who often make ill-informed pronouncements on various aspects of the condition.
But Brian Daniels of the Citizens Commission on Human Rights’ (CCHR) letter (ADHD drugs regime is not helping children, Courier, June 23) set a new low in wilful ignorance on the subject.
A quick Google revealed the true agenda behind Mr Daniels’ letter.
The CCHR is a front for the Scientolgy movement, well-documented in their disdain for the field of psychiatry.
This movement’s sole aim seems to be to discredit psychiatry in general and those who practice it in particular.
Maurice Mechan,
Stockholm,
Sweden.