is based on my everyday practice of Philosophy.

What is Philosophy? Philosophy is truth being examined or implemented.

My statement and question goes out to any Psychologist. What I believe is that too many controls and regulations are a form of aggression against the natural processes of refinement in people. And is it true that human instincts are fair yet become aggressive and cunning only in reaction to excessive force from restrictive laws and imposed morality? "It is like a lab mouse will be a lab mouse -- not because at first it wanted to, but because in time it has been processed to do so.'' And is it also true that we are all someone when we are no-one, and we are all no-one when there is someone. Self sometimes tries to take care of self without wanting to take care of someone else. And if there is no wanting to take care of someone else how can self truly exist? Simply because there is no-one when there is no-one? Truth, whether or not these statements are true from a Psychologist's point of view -- I believe if one always examines and implements the substance of truth within themselves, then every doubtful note will always have flavour.

This is just being honest.

GERMAINE (RICO) SMITH Pembroke What's done is done March 20, 2000 Dear Sir, It seems to me that racism in Bermuda is always addressed as a one sided issue, white people denigrating the black people. Of course this cannot be the case. Since the anti-racial laws have been brought to attention recently, it appears that only white people have been put under the microscope.

I would have no problem with this law of course, if it was applied equally to both races. I hear black people call whites derogatory names almost on a daily basis, this of course is as intolerable as the reverse. To me it appears that people think that racism is only perpetuated by whites against blacks, but we all know that this evil knows no boundaries and works in both directions.

Eva Hodgson, as respectable as she may be, is always talking about the past when black people were enslaved by whites, but she conveniently omits the fact that blacks were sold by their own tribes to the white traders for personal gain. Therefore, by association, making the blacks as responsible as whites for this terrible crime to humanity. In a recent story in the local press she showed her disdain of violence between black, but surely violence is any shape or form is unacceptable. For as we know, violence knows no colour. How can we possibly move forward if we are always looking backwards? What's done is done, however horrible as it may have been we must put the past behind us if we are truly to move towards racial unity.

HARRISON PINK Southampton Don't crush creativity April 1, 2000 Dear Sir, Having read the first instalment of the latest out-of-the-blue proclamation re non-Bermudian artists I can only do my best to contain my surprise and reiterate existing policies as they effect the creative side of our colourful lives. I know these details as a founding member and a Curator of over nine years commencing in 1987 and my concern is the preservation of art, the arts, and the artists, who represent a large part of Bermuda's population.

The Bermuda Society of Arts, a registered charity, was incorporated by an act of Parliament in 1956 as a bona fide organization for the encouragement and development of the arts in Bermuda. Its Constitution and Agenda are specific, and leave no room for self-serving manipulations of any kind. A few basic working rules and regulations were refined over the years to further facilitate a proper and progressive format designed to encourage art and the artists in the Island, this for the guidance of Bermudians and non-Bermudians respectively.

The Society's purpose is ongoing reaching out to all ages and talents. There is open dialogue and interchanges of abilities which serve to incubate genuine and positive growth - something all artists strive for or should if they don't. Its Gallery, through the generous hospitality of the landlord (the Corporation of Hamilton) is there to provide an attractive and suitable venue through which amateur and professional artists meet countless interested guests and visitors.

Membership affords the artist the right to submit and display his/her work if it is accepted in the jurying process. A standard is required.

Sales of artwork is the reward for hard work and a shared enthusiasm in creating a setting that is pleasing to the eye. The commissions on those sales is the staff of life to an art-full society. The generous Patrons, Corporate patrons and Benefactors of the Society, commissions on sales and membership dues are what support the BSoA.

Non-Bermudians understand the policy of having their names submitted for Immigration's art information portfolio. These names are submitted annually to the Dept. of Immigration and the process insures their ability to function and participate under the Society's mantel. All such members showing and selling their work through the BSoA during a Society Show did so without need of special notice to the department. However, if they wished to arrange their own exhibition, the following criteria came into play: Solo or Group Shows are paid for entirely by the exhibiting artist/s from here and abroad. To process them they were cleared first by application to the Society's Governing Body. Once approved by them, permission was sought from Immigration officials with whom we had an excellent rapport.

Customs were always notified by a letter extended to Airport officials directing their attention to an artists time of arrival, length of stay and date of departure and offering a list of works being brought in for show in the BSoA Gallery. This was also monitored in our gallery.

Artist's Prints - To generate more income for the BSoA they also stocked and sold member's prints, crafts and books in their gift section.

Seminars by overseas experts in their field were arranged by the BSoA and also cleared with Immigration and Customs: all pertinent information was posted to prevent confusion. Indeed it was for many years that I had to also arrange clearance with the UN to be sure no one coming here has been party to Apartheid by association or visitation to South Africa.

This gives you a brief profile of the running of an organization dedicated to the creative spirit in this Island.

An aside: Art is an internationally accepted, unbiased means of communication best viewed in a non-divisive setting where it is seen to become a coalition of like interests, a procedural policy designed to accommodate the laws of the land - not offend them. To restrain one is to restrain all; to deny one is to, in conscience, deny all because it gives a false sense of one's ability in an art world that accepts much but seldom if ever, forgives mediocrity. You don't become a successful `top dog' in your field by default.

Creativity is the essence of life and the development of art in all its forms; it is also a very individual accomplishment. One persons talent is different to anothers and after that it is simply a matter of choices or shall we say taste.

The arts enrich us all, man, woman, and child, all of whom have found generous support from a society designed to do just that. To instil negativity into a prevailingly unbiased affiliation of like-minded people would help no one, quite the contrary. Usually there is something for everyone's discernment and here's the rub, some works of art will inevitably find greater favour than others. Instead of regarding this fact unfavourably however, it should inspire greater determination by an artist who refused to sit in the shadows of resentment. A talent must be fed and cultivated lest it falls by the wayside and its potential wasted.

If it is discourse and an exchange of positive and constructive thinking that is needed between our respective bodies, then please be sure the voices heard are also those of the artists and students of the arts who have no personal axe to grind.

Art is the instrument for cultural exchange that brings people from all walks of life together in a mutual accord, it is the kind of platform that knows no racial divides. Culture and art is the soul of the universe and in meeting under such circumstances, respect and a united front will always find compatible ground upon which they can all benefit from in our multi-faceted environment. This democratic nucleus of visionaries should stand as an example to others.

In memory of over nine years on the hot seat.

MAC MUSSON Devonshire A tower of strength April 4, 2000 Dear Sir, I'm writing hoping an idea of mine, might be of interest to all. It concerns the large concrete tower located at the east end of the island just below the St. David's Lighthouse.

Its presently used each year for conducting finish line procedures for our two major yacht races, Newport to Bermuda and the Marion to Bermuda.

I've been involved with the finish line activities for a few years and was only recently told of the history behind this tower. It was built during the war years for keeping a look out for enemy shipping, to which much interest was given to the German U Boat.

The top section of the tower has a 360 degree view and during its hey day, housed a large gun or cannon of sorts which could turn at least 180 degrees.

During race week we have a large telescope, various binoculars, radios and timers for recording corrective times for each yacht that crosses the finish line.

The second stage of the tower, has a very good view also, its used mainly for communications between yachts that may need assistance, or for any emergency that might arise. The lower part of the tower is used for storage and the occasional meal.

I'm certain this tower has much more history to tell and by using the proper channels we should be able to find out more.

My idea is to maybe give this old tower a new life, a good old tidy up, a new paint job, repair what is needed maybe out from a nice flagpole that during race week the yacht clubs pennants could fly next to our Bermuda flag adding a bit more colour to such a great end of the Island. Signs could be affixed to the tower depicting the history of the tower, the two yacht races even the tall ship races that have started from St. David's.

If possible on the lower part of the tower, pictures of past races with the yacht winners. Anything of interest, I'm sure this would enhance to the beauty of St. David's area, and add another venue for both tourist and locals. With Carter House being revamped and getting a face lift, tourist could visit Carter House Museum, tour the base land property then they could be directed to the St. David's area, take in the Old Battery, the Lighthouse itself and a tour around the tower then maybe a nice lunch at the Black Horse.

I'm sure between the members of both clubs, our Government, and volunteers this could become a reality. Please give it some thought.

LETS DO IT Paget East Feeling let down April 13, 2000 Dear Sir, Thank you for allowing me space in your column.

I have a few points to get off my chest: November 1998, the PLP looked to the younger generation to support their political platform. We supported. The PLP won with the notion that people mattered.

Now one year and four months later we are bombarded with petty situations like window tinting and strips across the front window of our vehicles. Is this a joke? We have so many other issues to deal with than to see who is driving a car. I would like to break it all down....

1. If one wants to import a private car an automatic 75 percent duty is applied on the first $12,000.00 and 150 percent duty on the remainder. Let's not forget a one percent warfage tax.

2. An inflated licence fee for one to drive a private car.

3. Inflated taxes on gas.

With all of these applied taxes, we are dictated in how or what we can put on our vehicles. What does a worded stripe across the front of the car, or paint scheme have to do with the road worthiness of the vehicle? The ruling party should be concerned with the shortage of affordable homes, increasing rental prices, and improving our dying tourism industry.

I am concerned that the ruling party has let the young voters down and I will be reconsidering my vote during the next election.

FIRST TIME VOTER Who's in the right? April 18, 2000 Dear Sir, I refer to your issue dated April 13.

On page six under the heading `Men bound over for drinking in public place', runs a story detailing the appearance in court of two men who were seen drinking near the Washington Street bus terminal. In his address to the gentlemen Magistrate Edward King noted that the maximum penalty for the crime was a fine of $2,880 or six months in prison or both.

Why is it then that officers working out of the Somerset Police Station, as well as senior officials from the Parks Department, both claim that drinking in a public place is not a crime? At least not when it occurs by the roadside in Church Bay Park. For several years visitors to this park have endured up to 20 men gathering to drink alcohol, swear, urinate and threaten other park users. The Somerset Police Department and the Parks Department have been contacted numerous times concerning this activity. The answer from both has been that there is nothing illegal in this behaviour.

It is only a crime to drink alcohol publicly on the streets of Hamilton but not Southampton? Who is correct? CHURCH BAY RESIDENT A good starting point April 13, 2000 Dear Sir, Doesn't the young lady who was on television a few nights ago discussing her employment situation realise that regardless of degrees or qualifications everyone must start somewhere? Usually that somewhere is at the bottom of the totem pole. What a great way to learn how to be a great manager by doing the work of the people that you will someday have to manage. And what an honour to be offered a job overseas, imagine all of the experience she could have gained as well as being an ambassador for our country.

Doesn't she realise that there are scores of people in Bermuda that are unable to work in their chosen field, these people have taken the jobs that have been offered to them elsewhere to pay the bills. Chances are, they will one day become employed in the field that they have chosen and not only will they be equipped with the skills they paid thousands of dollars to gain, they will also bring the skills learned from all those "other'' job experiences.

I wish her luck, in her search for "the job for her''.

BEEN THERE DONE THAT Warwick