Sir, It is sad to think that the legislature and judiciary of Britain has sunk so low in order to appease those who would see our destruction and demise that they condemn the very people specially trained to defend the nation.
There is no morality in war, particularly when defending against terrorism or religious fervour, and any attempt to impose such morality is ludicrous.
The justification for giving priority consideration to someone trying to kill you above that for your fellow defenders is beyond my ken, which is why I have some sympathy and understanding for the marine convicted of ensuring that a terrorist would not live to kill again.
Where is the judicial morality of sending such a defender to a prison made up of more than 50% of his enemies?
Furthermore, where is the justification for terrorists planning to slaughter our defenders, being filmed during the premeditated murder, then being allowed to plead innocence on the grounds they are religious soldiers?
I have to admit my preference for the return of hanging in specific cases of terrorism in our streets.
Alan Bell. Roods, Kirriemuir.
Leuchars is the best option
Sir, I read with interest about the future of Dundee Airport and the proposal to spend between £150,000 and £250,000 per annum over three years to try to boost income for the airport. This is on top of the annual running cost of £2.45 million whilst only generating £800,000 of income.
To get the numbers required to boost tourism for such as The V and A, golf and other businesses there should be an alternative. A proactive government should further investigate the use of Leuchars (Dundee Tayside) as a Tayside commercial airport. It would serve the largest of aircraft for both freight and passengers and the army could still be based there which would cut down on security costs and make it one of the securest sites in the UK.
Such a move would do away with the need for a second runway at Edinburgh and would also question the need for keeping Prestwick open as, geographically, it serves more of Scotland’s population.
What to do with Dundee Airport? The runway could be used as a park and ride rather than the contentious proposal to put one nearer Invergowrie. The small hangar could be removed to Dundee Tayside and Dundee ratepayers would be better off by £3 million per annum.
Mike McWilliam. 26 Hillside Road, Dundee.
Didn’t support Mandela
Sir, In reply to the Rev Dr John Cameron’s letter re Nelson Mandela (Courier, December 7), Mrs Thatcher did not support Nelson Mandela in his fight against apartheid. In fact, she was against applying sanctions to white South Africa and opposed them up until Mr Mandela was released.
I worked in South Africa in 1989 and there were plenty American and British goods in the shops in defiance of the sanctions.
It was the sanctions applied by the rest of the world and the rise of FW de Klerk which brought about apartheid’s downfall.
Alister Rankin. 93 Whyterose Terrace, Methil, Leven.
It’s a protest, not a strike
Sir, I read the recent piece in The Courier regarding the dispute involving university staff. The unions have called for a day’s action in protest at what they deem a genuine grievance.
Later in the article the action is referred to as a “strike”. It is not a strike, it is a protest. Being university staff you would think they should have a decent grasp of English.
I would describe a strike as employees withdrawing their labour for an indefinite period, during which time the unions and management would discuss any possible agreeable solution to the dispute (strike) with the strikers eventually returning to work.
Calling a protest a “strike” is an insult to those of us who have been embroiled in lengthy and sometimes bitter strikes in the past.
I should know, I have been involved in a few in my time.
T Tolland. East Park Cottage, Meigle.
Very short memories
Sir, I watched a red-faced Ed Balls harangue the Tories for attacking the living standards of the poorest paid in the country.
This is the same person who was Gordon Brown’s right hand man when he abolished the 10p tax rate which hit the lowest paid.
Oh, what short memories our politicos have!
Iain McLaren. 1 Clinkerheel Drive, Birkhill, Dundee.