Today’s letters to The Courier.
Sir, – The article by Jalal Abukhater in Wednesday’s Courier (Plea to halt the madness and misery of Gaza) purported to be an unbiased, neutral plea for a cessation of hostilities between Israel and the Hamas regime in Gaza. It was not.
The writer spoke of bombs falling on the Gaza Strip while only “home-made” rockets were fired at Israel.
He kept saying he was not going to attack the Israelis, then kept scoring points for Hamas “this recent escalation was an unprovoked action by Israel”, “the siege, continuous bombardment and extra-judicial assassinations committed by Israel have infuriated Palestinian fighter groups in Gaza” and “the trigger of this escalation, the assassination of Hamas military leader, Ahmad Al-Jaabari”.
Also, he mentions the suffering of two Gaza families but makes no reference to Israeli casualties. He says the Israelis can seek shelter when warned by their sirens but the people of Gaza have none, and states “the weaponry used by both sides is hugely different in capability”.
Almost the whole article points the finger of blame at Israel, with only one tiny nod in the direction of impartiality when he writes: “Military leaders in Israel and Gaza have dragged their people into a war they didn’t ask for.”
He says at the beginning of his plea for peace: “I don’t know where to start”.
I could tell him: he could start by avoiding taking sides, which he failed to do.
George K McMillan.Mount Tabor Avenue,Perth.
School not roundabout is important
Sir, – I write as a parent of two primary school-age children to express my support for the planned construction of a new Madras on the Pipeland Farm site, and as a resident of the area of St Andrews that stands to be most affected by such a development.
I read that the preservation trust plans to object to this site on the basis that another suggested site, the pond site on the North Haugh, is preferable. It seems to me the council have communicated clearly why it is not possible to build there.
The price asked by the university is simply more than they are legally allowed to pay, and the extra expense incurred in protecting any building from flooding, and protecting the local ecology, would have to come from the allocated budget and significantly reduce the investment in the school itself. I could not support this.
The other proposed site, Petheram Bridge, would, I think, attract significant opposition from the community because of the loss of parking spaces, and result in a cramped school.
I therefore call on the chairperson of the preservation trust to make good on his promise in the local press on November 16 that if Pipeland were the “only realistic option”, the trust would “accept the situation”.
I hope the trust will remove its objection. There are many aspects of St Andrews that carry unquestionably great historical and cultural significance, and should be protected, but the roundabout by Morrisons is not one of them.
Luke Rendell.Shoolbraids,St Andrews.
Airport fuels its own downfall
Sir, – I have just priced return tickets to Amsterdam from Dundee Riverside in December. This would involve a lengthy stopover in London City, which we would be prepared to do if the price was reasonable.
The cheapest economy fare for two passengers is £735.
I have bought flights with KLM from Edinburgh direct to Amsterdam Schiphol for £214.96. Petrol and car parking will take the cost to less than £300 a saving of almost £450.
What hope is there for the airport’s survival unless fares are more competitive?
W Butchart.Angus.
Proper debate very welcome
Sir, – Congratulations to Dundee University, who are to provide the Scottish electorate with a programme of lectures and discussions on the future of Scotland.
To date, we have had to endure very biased political comment from MSPs and supporters from both sides.
The Scottish people deserve to have their voice heard on the many important questions that still remain unanswered.
I urge everyone who has concerns on the quality of the debate so far to consider attending these meetings, which, I am sure, will not be allowed to be hijacked by politicians who much prefer to promote their own opinion.
DK Bertie.Princes Street, Monifieth.
End the online mob mentality
Sir, – As a computer scientist since the early 1960s, I was overjoyed when Tim Berners-Lee proposed the worldwide web in 1989.
I hoped the internet would become a truly democratic device, encouraging all kinds of opinion, but I had no idea how truly bonkers some of that opinion would be.
The legal action set in train by Lord McAlpine could be a watershed, bringing under control the deranged mobs that now rampage the ether.
Dr John Cameron.Howard Place, St Andrews.
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.