Today’s letters to The Courier.
Sir, While I might describe myself as a person of some ”spirituality”, I am no friend of organised religion. I do, however, understand how important it is for the mental and spiritual well-being of many people.
Thus I am beginning to weary of the sheer bad manners of atheists in their annual Christmas attempts to rubbish something of great importance to many others, and to convert us all to their gospel of … naething at a’!
I would also take issue with Chris Gibb in his assertion that religion has had nothing to do with the setting of society’s moral and social standards, and that they are purely the product of ”centuries of secular and radical thinking”.
Much of western civilisation’s moral code is taken from the Old Testament code of an eye for an eye, and adapted by the New Testament principle of doing to others as we would have them do to ourselves. Indeed, Christianity does not have a monopoly of this last, as the golden rule is enshrined in the scriptures and moral codes of every other major religion in the world.
Our sources of social morality come from sources long antedating ”secular and radical thinking”. Sources from times when it was a given that there exists something superior to humanity.
Whatever that ”something” is, it is clearly beyond the understanding of the human brain in our present state of evolution, but the world’s religions are at least attempts to comprehend the incomprehensible.
In conclusion, while I respect totally the decision of atheists to believe in nothing beyond humanity, I really do wish they would stop trying to ram it down the throats of the rest of us, like door-knocking evangelists who just won’t take the hint and go away.
(Captain) Ian F. McRae.17 Broomwell Gardens,Monikie.
When will they see the light?
Sir, The Courier reports several calls by pressure groups’ representatives for increases in Governmental spending on ”problems” such as alleged poor air quality in Perth and on relief for potential international disasters, along with the usual demands for spending on the infrastructure and renewables and new power lines, disadvantaged people etc., etc., etc.
Since our nation is not, as sometimes claimed, ”rich,” and is, in reality, stupendously heavily in debt, due to previous and present politicians’ overspending, maybe they should now be ”taking a reef in” on spending.
Thus, targets laid down by the EU, on air quality, renewables, fisheries and so many items, could, without drawbacks, be abandoned, given our parlous economic state.
Escape from most of the subscription to the EU could usefully be made by negotiation, or, if need be, unilaterally. The whole cost of spending on ”Greenery” could be deferred indefinitely, except for measures to limit fossil fuel use.
Spending on the broken reed of renewable electricity generation could prudently be cancelled. Any temptations to continue warmaking out East, let alone embark on avoidable further campaigns, must be resisted.
By such measures, the national economy could be transformed for the better, allowing a new start for our by now pitifully indebted country. When will our political leaders see the light, or are replacements for them vitally needed?
(Dr) Charles Wardrop.111 Viewlands Road West,Perth.
Reality behind those statistics
Sir, The rosy statistics from the renewable energy lobby were spoilt by the sideways swipe at the Dounreay experimental fast breeder reactors.
In fact nuclear is Scotland’s main electricity generator. The figures for 2010 being nuclear 30.6%, coal 29.5%, gas and oil about 20%, hydro about 7% (down because of a drought) and non-hydro renewables 12.5%.
It is amazing what you can do with statistics.
Stephen Grieve.60 Nethergate,Crail.
Excellent choice to save the Union
Sir, I’m surprised at Labour’s MPs refusing to share a platform with the Prime Minister in defence of the Union.
The Prime Minister, David William Donald Cameron, has, as his name suggests, impeccable Scottish ancestry.
His family, like many other Scots, have flourished in the environment created by the Union which in the last three hundred years has opened up countless opportunities for enterprising Scots to prosper in every field at home and abroad.
I think that the majority of patriotic Scots will accept this fact by not only enjoying the frisson of National competition with the”Auld Enemy” but also being reassured that the peoples of the British Isles will stand shoulder to shoulder when the need arises for the common good.
It seems to me, therefore, that Cameron would be an excellent choice to lead the campaign to preserve the Union and may I suggest we adopt the Cameron Clan’s motto, which is: Aonaibh Ri Chiele (Let us Unite!)
With David Cameron as its leader the campaign to preserve the Union may gain momentum as ”The March of The Cameron Men” and I quote the words of the song with the same title:
”High, high are their hopes, for their Chieftain has said
That whatever men dare they can do”.
Iain G. Richmond.Guildy House,Monikie.
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.