May 29, 2014

Dear Sir,

I wish to comment on the letter written by D Mark Selley published yesterday. I admire the writer for giving his name. However, I felt hurt by his belittling comment that Opposition Leader Marc Bean’s command of the English language is “atrocious”. I find that charge to be really offensive and meant as a put-down.

I am a stickler for grammar and English expression and I can see that standards have relaxed over the years. For my part, I feel proud of the way that Mr Bean speaks. Is it because I agree with most of what he says? Is it that you don’t agree with him that you used that cutting word?

I will share with you a situation that occurred for which the word atrocious would be more fitting. I was told by a former employee of a certain establishment that a memo was sent out and he and another employee received it, but it wasn’t meant for them to see. The white employees at the establishment were receiving in the region of five times more in pay than the black employees for the same work. The black workers were degreed while the white workers were not; in fact the black ones helped the white ones in their work. I understand that, subsequently, the establishment was closed down.

HELENE STEPHENSON