The Courier’s week continues with a defence of foreign aid, a plea not to return smoking to pubs and criticism of the idea of a National Care Service.
Aid to developing nations is expression of love Sir,-As someone who is deeply involved in a charity working in Africa (Comfort Rwanda) I would have to point out the misinformation of recent letters regarding foreign aid.
Although there are some cases of misappropriation and of poor governance, much foreign aid is spent wisely and helpfully.
Having spent centuries exploiting the nations of Africa and southern Asia, it is surely our responsibility to work with them towards a better future.
For those who are prepared to take the time to look carefully at aid options there are many organisations working in Africa making a huge difference in the lives of ordinary people.
And, like ourselves, they would be able to assure anyone that not a penny goes to corrupt leaders with lavish lifestyles.
Unfortunately there are people who are not prepared to take the time and effort to find out the truth about good international aid intervention through responsible charities.
While I appreciate there are important local needs, “charity should begin at home” can reveal a self-centred preoccupation which ignores the true meaning of charity a practical expression of love where it is needed most.
In many nations, people struggle to feed and clothe themselves and yet their children will walk miles and miles every day to get an education.
(Dr) Callum Henderson.82 Arden Grove,Kilsyth.
We need new political force
Sir,-I’m definitely with Stefan Morkis in that we need a “revolutionary approach to politics” ( December 31). I wonder, however, if executing politicians is just a wee bit over the top?
A less-drastic option could be that candidates seeking election be compassionate, honest and just and seek election only to serve the needs of all people, particularly the most vulnerable and that seeking election has nothing to do with status, power or personal gain.
Mind you, such qualifications for candidates may mean the public have to live a similar lifestyle. On reflection, these qualifications do seem to run counter to our rather me, me, me society, and would probably not meet with much support.
Alternatively, a political party whose values are compassion, honesty and justice, working to improve the quality of life for all people, particularly the most vulnerable, not interested in political manoeuvrings, lying, back-stabbing, courting the rich and powerful, might just gain the votes of many disillusioned voters, like me.
The formation of a new political party? Now there’s a thought.
Grahame Lockhart.Myrtle Cottage,15 Scott Street,Brechin.
Don’t return to smoking days
Sir,-I can scarcely believe that anyone can be so commercially self-centred and so careless of the public finances at this time as to suggest reintroducing smoking in pubs.
But, as it comes from the representative of pub owners, perhaps nothing should surprise one.
All those I know who drink in pubs (and few people I know do not) say they can hardly credit how awful it used to be when, to enjoy a pint in company, you had to endure a vile stench, sore eyes and the wife’s comments on stinking clothes the next day.
As for helping poor pub owners, let them spare a thought for the finances of the NHS if smoking were reintroduced.
Antony Black.79 Blackness Avenue,Dundee.
Innovative health solutions needed
Sir,-I was pleased to see the robust position taken by West Fife councillor William Walker when he rejected the Labour Party’s idea of a new National Care Service.
There are certainly problems around bed-blocking when trying to discharge patients from hospital.
Care packages provided by councils must be in place to take care of the elderly and infirm but the answer is surely not to add an intermediate bureaucracy to “solve” the problems.
Much better to get the two bodies to work better together for the patient.
I am afraid that Labour’s answer to any perceived problem is just spending more money. That does not work, although it does act as a job creation scheme in the public sector.
But who would pay for it?
The completely reasonable challenge for management in 2011 is to get the communications interface between the NHS and Fife Council operating properly, that is, to the priority benefit of the patients and their relatives.
Yes, money is always needed but thinking caps on first please, both in the management offices and at the coalface.
George S. McLennan.31 Rintoul Place,Blairhall,Dunfermline.
What happened to wind farm?
Sir-The Ark Hill wind farm planning permission expires this spring with no sign of any work beginning on the project and there has been no further planning application for the building of the powerline from Ark Hill to the sub-station at Tealing.
Angus Council granted permission for the wind farm despite my going beforehand to the planning office to inform them about what I regarded as archaeology of national importance on and near Ark Hill.
I did attend the special meeting in Reid Hall, Forfar, when local people and one highly-paid QC argued many points but archaeology was never mentioned as being a concern and permission was granted.
With four years now having elapsed since that meeting, would it not now be appropriate for Angus council or the developer to make a statement about the non appearance of the Ark Hill wind farm?
George Donaldson.38 St Ninian’s Road,Padanaram.
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.