Well done Bermuda

November 23, 2002

Dear Sir,

The Bermuda War Veterans Association wishes to thank Bermuda for its generosity.

On Poppy Day during November 2002, the sum of $11,605 was contributed in cash to our much appreciated collectors.

This will help to increase the fund to enable income to meet the ever increasing demands for financial assistance.

Well done Bermuda!

RON BARTON

Secretary BWVA

Keep Hind's cartoon

November 24, 2002

Dear Sir,

I hope the cartoon feature "My Kind of Island" becomes a permanent feature in your paper. The cartoons are professionally presented and always very humorous in their observations on our daily lives.

This is a truly original creation by the mind of a young Bermudian whose talent should be encouraged.

GREG BROWN

City of Hamilton

Hester's 'facts' wrong

November 26, 2002

Dear Sir,

Please allow me space in your Letters to the Editor section of the newspaper to respond to a column written by Hester in your November 21 edition. I hope to offer a bit more clarification and background to the somewhat misleading column.

Hester wrote about my attendance at the Fathers for Families public forum at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess Hotel on November 13. The unknown Hester, who I believe is any Royal Gazette reporter who happens to cover an event, or who hears some gossip which they want to cover anonymously, said my main reason for attending was to listen to the people. She then pointed out that I "slipped out the back door and disappeared" after I had spoken and during an interval.

I was asked by Eddie Fisher, one of the organisers of the event, to attend and say a few words as part of a panel. The panel consisted of about 17 speakers. I informed Mr. Fisher that I would certainly attend the forum but my time was severely limited as I had a commitment prior to and also after this event. He assured me that it would not be a problem if I left early.

As an opposition Member of Parliament it is always important to me and my colleagues that we offer our support and encouragement when possible to worthy causes. (Kim Young and Tim Smith were also at the forum.) Unfortunately many politicians have very busy and full schedules as they try to juggle the responsibilities of an elected position coupled with any family or business commitments.

In this case I had a very busy evening, and to make my last engagement of the day I did not "slip out the backdoor." I left through the front door of the Harbour Room.

While I admit that I did not have the opportunity to hear all that was said as I left early, I have taken every opportunity to learn all about what I missed through communication with Mr. Fisher, watching the one hour programme on television and discussion with my colleagues.

As the current opposition, hopefully soon to be the Government, we are interested in the future of our children. We are interested in promoting strong family values, something that has definitely slipped over the past years. However there will always be those that do not have the support offered in a two parent family environment. It is not our intention to lay blame but to understand these human issues and to do all we can to ensure the future of these children.

Thank you for the opportunity to respond to Hester. As always, I am open to talk to Hester or anyone else if they so desire.

MICHAEL H.DUNKLEY, J.P, M.P.

Devonshire

Not even on the map

November 18, 2002

Dear Sir,

I recently read an article on The Royal Gazette website entitled "Major Irritants", by Jessie Moniz, and found the Bermudan perspective on Americans to be quite laughable. We are turning our anger on Bermuda? How egocentric.

The truth is, we don't think about you. Most of use will never be able to afford a vacation somewhere like Bermuda, that's right, the great majority of us struggle to make ends meet! Perhaps Jessie needs to chalk it up to campaign mud-slinging instead of making a gross generalisation about Americans. Not all of us are politicians, or rich people behaving badly. My guess is less than one percent of Americans even saw the ads Jessie was referring to, so lighten up, Bermudans, and be a little more selective about what you consider to be newsworthy.

If you notice a drop in tourism in the coming future, it's not because Americans are angry with you. Step out of your isolated viewpoint for just one second and consider that the real reason could simply be fear of terrorism! Perhaps you should focus more on making your guests feel safe (not worried about getting stabbed) and welcome, rather than alienating what is probably one of your largest markets for tourism.

ADRIENNE SMITH

Fayetteville, Arkansas

It's up to parents

November 19, 2002

Dear Sir,

Please allow just a little space in order to address the uncouth nimcompoops that hold the name of "PARENT" and fail to represent that name. Albeit, that "the word" explains that children will be having children and there will be wars (fights) and rumours of war (fights) during these times. And it is really real! Here comes that magic word "PARENT". If the parent cannot represent, the child cannot represent. If the parent encourages fights and violence, so will the child. If the parent disrespects the school's policy, so will the child.

I write that to mention of the people's talk show hosted by E.D.C (Everest Da Costa). I was listening to his show on November 18, when two very negative people or persons all but indicated and indirectly told the students to more or less don't wear your full uniform to school, because your education is more important then your uniform. And believe I really and truly and empathically agree with that the education. I do however in my summation, these folks had some set back somewhere or too much detention for the same reasons. Not abiding by the school code, I believe that it is imperative that all children learn not only the rules and regulations of home, but those outside their home. For we know that there are many different rules and regulations and everyone has to learn how to abide by them.

It is not mommy's or daddy's rule when the child is under someone else's institution and both the child and the parent must abide by those rules just as if they are home rules. "PARENT" you cannot change the rules of any institution, but when you try to do so, it causes much confusion and gives out the wrong message to our students. Support the cause and don't add to the on going misery. Solve the problem by working out the equation. Teacher plus parent equals a good child's education. Think about it - PARENT

RUSSELL JR. Pembroke

PLP must legislate

November 23, 2002

Dear Sir,

To the black party in power, the PLP: It's simple: You are the party in power: Legislate! Do not allow your MPs to make coy remarks about white/white people with privilege and helping out "People who look like me" (tee hee). You take the matter in hand and publish policy that empowers your black voters by direct and stated fiat. You convert that into explicit legislation. Then you empower the people you want to empower under an organised programme that is a reflection of law. Anything else is 1) An open door to corruption; 2) Insulting to the people you are subversively handicapping (who though white and advantaged often have worked very hard for their competitive position); and 3) An invitation for the harsh criticism you will so richly deserve.

Remember Tammany Hall? Does making sober social legislation instead of spurious innuendo make you into the racial xenophobes that you are now being painted as? No. It makes you what you say you want to be: The correctors of historical imbalance. Often I think you like things the way they are. Lets face it, if every black adult owned a house, they might vote conservative. Does this sort of legislation make you unique? No. There are examples of this sort of legislation in big cities of the United States. And there is the example of affirmative action. These programs are not needed forever, but they do great benefit in creating middle class people out of poor people. And yes, rich people out of middle class. And you do it in the clear light of day; to use a word you used to use a lot - transparently. Will it make you popular? Maybe. Will you be respected? Yes, even if it fails and respect is a precious commodity in Bermudian politics. Get on with it.

VILE WHITE MAN

Pembroke