Sir, – I think it such a shame that amid the current furore over comments made by British boxer Tyson Fury and American presidential candidate Donald Trump, one sacred principle seems to have been forgotten; our freedom of speech.
This right to say what we think and feel is what distinguishes and dignifies civilised societies from those where people live in fear of speaking out.
Of course, like every right, there should be a responsibility attached, and I am sure that Mr Fury and Mr Trump could have found more responsible but still as forthright ways of wording their views which have caused such outrage and condemnation.
French philosopher Voltaire said that while he had every right to disagree with what an opponent might say, he would defend to the death their right to say it.
Subsequently, as misinformed as Mr Fury’s views on women and homosexuals might be, and as misguided as Mr Trump apparently is over his proposal to ban all Muslims from entering America, surely we, as free and civilised people, must respect their rights to air such as views just as much as we have the right to oppose them?
If we choose to deviate from protecting our continuing right to freedom of speech then I fear that we shall be playing right into the hands of terrorists and others who would quash democracy.
Jamie Buchan. Grove Road, Dundee.
Accept values of Western world
Sir, – The furore about Donald Trump’s comments on banning Muslims from entering the United States of America until the government sorts itself over preventing terror attacks has caused deep divisions on both sides of the Atlantic.
However, until radical Muslims are prepared to integrate into Western society including obeying the laws of the land instead of setting up Sharia law in their communities, they are going to be subjected to such statements.
Whatever happened to freedom of speech and free expression?
Would Mr Trump’s objectors prefer to live like people under Islamic law as meted out by ISIS, where women are very much second-class citizens and to speak out can result in a death sentence?
No, the ball is firmly in the Muslim radicals’ court. It is they who need to change to accept Western society and its values.
No matter what anyone thinks of Donald Trump he is as entitled as anyone to express his views.
J. Gardner. Main Street, Bankfoot.
Trump rhetoric not ridiculous
Sir, – The bien pensant are appalled by Donald Trump’s demand that Muslims be registered on a government database and foreign Muslims denied free access to the United States.
Of course, Mr Trump, like other leaders of the populist right such as Jean-Marie Le Pen and Nigel Farage, offers simplistic solutions to complex problems but at least they address the problems.
I cannot recall when I last heard a mainstream leader speaking honestly, far less sensibly, about Europe, immigration, energy, the climate or our relations with the Muslim world.
The fact is Mr Trump’s campaign rhetoric is no more idiotic than Mr Obama’s preposterous claim that global warming is a greater threat to American citizens than terrorism.
Rev Dr John Cameron. 10 Howard Place, St Andrews.
Shame of Fife library closures
Sir, – So the deed is done and 16 libraries throughout Fife are to close.
I wonder how the cultural trust feel? A sense of relief maybe?
They stood firm and didn’t lose their nerve and saw off the challenge to their vision for Fife libraries.
The trust have ended up exactly where they started regardless of the consultation process.
How can that be if the process was valid and well intentioned?
The intransigence of the trust was further underlined by the fact they refused to meet representatives of Crail, Pittenweem and Colinsburgh libraries and Councillor John Docherty to discuss the impact on communities.
I talked to librarians, councillors and one member of the trust. Not one of them wanted to close a single library in Fife.
So who wanted to close the libraries? One can only assume that it must be the councillors who voted for the closure.
Many children in Fife find themselves today at an educational disadvantage because of where they live.
Many other folk find themselves without another community space or access to books or computers to help them organise their lives. And this is done, apparently, with no more regret than a shrug of the shoulders.
Shame on those who voted to close the libraries in Fife.
Peter Marshall. Chair, Colinsburgh Library Users’ Group, 87 Main Street, Colinsburgh.
Pick candidate who fits views
Sir, – Once again Rev David Robertson (December 9) repeats his immoderate views on secularist reactions to a MSP candidate, Sophia Coyle who is totally anti-abortion, against same-sex marriage and anti-euthanasia.
Mr Robertson has accused secularists of trying to ban any person holding religious views from holding public office. What rubbish.
A candidate’s views are open to challenge especially when they are not part of their party’s manifesto.
In Ms Coyle’s very extensive list of anti-views, not one is official SNP policy but is based only on her deeply-held religious belief.
Each person has a vote based on personal choice of an MSP who best fits their moral standards as well as a political choice.
If a candidate holds views that are contrary to your own then do not vote or support another candidate.
This is not church against non-believers or secularism versus SNP but your democratic right to select a political representative who fits with your views.
Angus Brown. The Orchard, Longforgan.
What are Perth move savings?
Sir, – I note the capital cost of moving Perth and Kinross Council chambers to a lower floor but could the council spell out the annual savings in expenditure that result?
Another point. For those whose work requires them to be sitting down for most of the day, walking upstairs (for those not disabled) is good exercise.
Garry Barnett. The Garden House, Campsie Hill, Guildtown.
Closure could boost Fife shops
Sir, – The unforeseen closure of the Forth bridge is terrible for commuters but could have a positive impact on shops in Fife.
Rather than try to get to Edinburgh, I suggest that Fifers do their shopping in Fife. Money spent in local shops stays in Fife.
Andrew Collins. Ladyburn House, Skinners Steps, Cupar.
A divided Scotland
Sir,- It was once said that if the rest of Scotland ceased to exist, Edinburgh would not notice. Closure of the Forth Road Bridge proves this.
Malcolm Parkin. 15 Gamekeepers Road, Kinnesswood.
With deference to McGonagall
Sir, – William McGonagall may have had something to say about the shenanigans with the Forth Road Bridge – Oh, dilapidated suspension bridge over the murky Forth:
How much did I underestimate your worth:
Since your closure my feet have stayed upon Fife’s earth:
And from my window I see traffic queued, perhaps as far as Perth.
Rod Wallace. 9 Standalane, Kincardine.
SNP does not want cohesion
Sir, – Alex Salmond (December 7) concluded that the best protection against terrorism is cohesion of communities.
This would have some validity if it were not for the fact that Scottish separatists want division in our nation as much as Daesh does.
Peter Stuart. Westwood, Kenmore Road, Aberfeldy.