Letters to the Editor

The only way to guarantee a true lawful vote is by doing it personally, checked by the presiding officers at the polling booth.

The system for postal voting was the worst piece of legislation ever conjured up. There is too much to gain by the abusers, who if not kept in check will be the law makers of tomorrow and the corruption that follows will kill the very essence of democracy.

I was very surprised that the local police offered to take on the full responsibility for investigating claims of fraudulent activity. It will take all their manpower away from their normal duties, but good luck to 'em.

Derek Wright, Westbury Street, Bradford 4.

SIR - As someone strongly opposed to the illegal invasion and subsequent occupation of Iraq, I wrote to my local MP and MEPs to determine their views on the conflict. This was because I wish to avoid voting in any future election for a candidate who supports such unjustified military action.

I was pleased to receive a detailed response from Harold Best, my local MP, and Diana Wallis, the Liberal Democrat MEP, confirming their opposition.

I also received responses from the Conservative MEPs Edward McMillan-Scott, Timothy Kirkhope and Robert Goodwill. Although in support of the war they had the decency to provide detailed responses to my enquiry. Unfortunately this was not true of the Labour MEPs, from whom I failed to receive a response despite sending a series of e-mails. This concerns me greatly because contact with elected representatives is one of the few avenues of protest open to citizens in circumstances such as this. I understand that David Bowe is the Labour MEP who represents Otley. I wonder whether other readers have managed to determine his position on Iraq?

Dr Steve Mustow, Falcon Close, Otley

SIR - We are all affected by the aftermath of the Iraq war. Think of how the money spent on the war and how else it could have been spent.

The US spent US$75 billion on the war in Iraq. That amount could fund UNICEF's appeal to tackle the crisis in Southern Africa (where 14 million people face starvation) a thousand times over. Just half of the amount that George Bush needed to fund the war could pay off the international debt of 22 of the poorest countries in Africa, lifting millions of people out of poverty.

With US$25 billion (a third of the money spent on the war) we could halve the number of people without access to clean water and proper sanitation.

Twelve million children in Africa have been orphaned by HIV/AIDS. The cost of the war in Iraq could fund the UN global health fund to fight HIV/AIDS six times over. It would cost US$67.2 billion to get all children into school by 2015.

We should ask Tony Blair and our MPs why the rich world can't find the money to fight poverty if the US and UK could find the money to fight a war in Iraq.

Nicola Ruck, New Brighton, Cottingley

SIR - It is twisted logic to blame the coalition forces for the mass pilfering/looting on the streets of Iraq.

I suggest it's the people themselves who need to look at their own mentality.

Hopefully, it's only a small minority who can deem to strip hospitals of vital supplies and destroy irreplaceable artefacts, but the whole population have a collective responsibility.

It's up to "people power" to self regulate order on the streets and take advantage of such a promising future post-Saddam.

It must have been galling for all the self-righteous peaceniks in England to see the people on the street of Iraq celebrating Saddam's downfall. Just a pity they will strive to find crumbs of comfort for their ideology in the shape of looters.

As an encouraging footnote I find it commendable that some of the many Iraqi refugees in this country intend to return to their home land to rebuild their country.

Nancy Shields, Moore Avenue, Wibsey.

SIR - Once again councillors are attacking the elderly by closing down care homes and selling them to the private sector.

It is about time our Council put some work and money into the care of elderly people.

If all retired people stood up to be counted they have the power to vote out those who sit on the committee that wants to close homes.

It is time that primary care trusts and the Council worked with the elderly and asked them what they want instead of councillors dictating to the elderly.

J R Smith (Retired Peoples Action Group), Flawith Drive, Fagley.

SIR - Why is it that schoolchildren get so many holidays? Take now, Easter: two weeks, when so much money is being poured into education.

Why is it that these schools are closed four months a year? I do not wonder that our education standards are among the lowest in the world.

Why can't holidays be on the same level as industry? We might then see an improvement in our educational standards.

Michael Breen, Bolton Hall Road, Wrose.

SIR - Last night we travelled over the Pennines to see The Boyfriend at the Alhambra Theatre with friends. I had to put pen to paper to thank everyone in the show for such a joyous night.

With all the trouble on the news it was wonderful to see an engrossing, colourful, happy show. And how nice to find something suitable for all ages with no bad language either - a rare treat these days!

Do see it before it closes on Saturday!

Mark Lloyd, Fairbottom Street, Oldham

SIR - On behalf of the residents on this Court, who are all pensioners and some disabled, we feel very upset as one night recently some vandals came and took three of our seats and broke two more.

The seats were bought by pensioners who were looking forward to sitting outside.

We hope these thieves get pleasure out of robbing old people and if they have a conscience will bring them back and we would all be able to sit out in the nice weather.

Mrs E Hall and other residents of Kipling Court, Greengates.

SIR - I was born and bred in Bradford. I now live in China. I log on to the T&A website almost every day to catch up on events in and around Bradford. I make a point of visiting Readers' Letters.

I would like to offer some advice to Mubarik Iqbal. When you are in a hole.... stop digging!!

John Holdsworth, Hou Hui Plaza, Fosham, Guangdon, China

SIR - It is with regret and sorrow that I understand that Concorde, the Queen of all airplanes, is soon to be grounded to be a museum piece.

Once I had the opportunity to enjoy a two-hour flight from Leeds-Bradford Airport around the British Isles enjoying a champagne lunch on board.

The plane was full, three of us in wheelchairs. Every passenger was treated like royalty. The lunch was tip-top and there were many little gifts.

Back at the airport, we wheelchair-bound had to wait for help to get us off. A stewardess stayed with us when the plane was empty, then I was very surprised to see a chef entering the plane carrying a cardboard box. The aroma was of fish and chips.

He was asked to take his box to the tail plane. The captain and all the crew followed him, the stewardess called "Don't forget me". Then it was our turn to be taken off after a wonderful time.

A brother-in-law of mine with his team designed the wings of the Concorde, another brother-in-law worked on this plane as a metalurgist.

I will never forget the memory of that beautiful plane.

Mary Allwright, Daisy Hill Lane, Bradford 9