Double standards

Press, 4 November 1986, Page 20

Double standards

Sir,—How much more time and energy will we expend in arguing which ideology is right, or better, or more cruel, and so on? What was that about removing the mote from one’s own eye first? While we are pointing, with blinkers on, at other doctrines, of whatever “ism,” have we not noticed that nationalism and democracy have themselves produced cruelty and torture in various severe forms? So much for the idea that everyone must be allowed to “do his own thing”, regardless of who gets hurt, or the effects on society. It seems to me that every individual and nation must therefore clean up his own backyard first. If every nation was satisfied to live according to the resources of its own land, sharing the surplus,

without lopsided, selfish use of other countries’ resources, some would not live in luxury while others starve — and war could be negated.-—Yours, etc.,

N. SANDERSON-MILANO-VICH. November 2, 1986.

Sir, — The content of Bert Walker’s letter (October 29) bears a similarity to that which has appeared occasionally in his earlier contributions to the correspondence columns. The theme — “If you haven’t been to South Africa, etc.” — has been counteracted, and I have answered the “what about the nice new townships?” comment from people outside these columns. As Mr Walker appears to be unable to offer anything new with which to continue the correspondence, I suggest he might find consolation in the fact that the white minority South African Government has been suffering psychological setbacks in its own propaganda war against the A.N.C. and other people who are fighting against apartheid. — Yours, etc.,

KENNETH EBER MARTIN. October 30, 1986.