OPINIONS OF OUR READERS.

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 63, Issue 4490, 15 October 1941, Page 5

OPINIONS OF OUR READERS.

WORLD PROBLEMS. Sir, —I am most grateful to all the writers who have made valuable con tributions to our nebulous ideas of Russia. I would say that the corre spcndence column of the Courier is a feature few of us care to miss. Elsie Coverdale’s letter was exceptionally clear in its fine analysis of the Russian situation as it appears to all who view it from the British Imperialistic outlook. It must also be conceded that K. N. Hiskens’ frequent epistles have been most forthright and successful in their efforts to induce us all to think in terms foreign to the propaganda our “ noble but mercenary ” press pours forth in its efforts to mould public opinion. The problem, Sir, appears to me to demand—before w© clearly elucidate its many facets—jthe ability to sum up “ world behaviour ” without prejudice; and world behaviour, after all, is but the behaviour of individuals sufficiently clamorous to attract and retain the populace or popular vote On the one side is Russia, opposed to capitalism, and few of us doubt but that she has achieved much both for and against the masses since the Tsar mysteriously disappeared. And. on the other side of the question, is Germany, seemingly our eternal and mortal enemy, whom we mo.y consider as the best or worst exponent of capitalism history has ever borne witness to. Is the question, finally, one of “ selfishness versus unselfishness ” ? If we sufficiently appreciate the immense value Russia has been to us as a buffer between us (England) and Germany, then we must admit and realise our vast indebtedness to her. We should at least be prepared to extend to her our widest possible measure of support and aid even to the point of self-sacrifice. Now, Sir, if we 'regard German ideology as being imperfect, and also find intolerable all that Russian aims profess and seek, obviously a middle course must be indicated for the find ing of a palatable solution to our many difficulties. For example, here is a question for the B.M.A. and th 4l cler"v : “ How would Christ have voted on the Medical Reform Bill ? ” We all know the answer about rendering to Caesar,” etc—a nice, terse question; and so I would express the hope that further letters will propound a plan which w r ould prove satisfying in a most constructive scheme. It is very easy to tear down and destroy, but may we rqpair and createThis must be the key-note. Perhaps the destiny of the English-speaking races will be achieved without the aid of either Russia or Germany. If such may prove to be the case., then the result will have been achieved by the actual realisation of personal and individual responsibility to our life “ political.” Of course such a thing as exploitation of any section of the community by any other section will not be countenanced in the ensuing state of thiners. Perhaps the basis of “ perfect socialism ” will be laid for us by the Onl— One whom we all have been taught to consider as Perfect. L the idiom of Christianity of any use to us in our effort to balance the problem of Communism versus Naziisnr ? Are not both wrong and negative ?—il am, etc., ( E. W. WHITE. Te Awamutu.