March 26th: Compare Tibet with a Nazi-occupied Britain
John Dickie must be very Old Labour indeed if he is still under the belief that China is bringing a socialist paradise to Tibet (C&E, March 19, The complex issue of Tibet).
I found Mr Dickie's comments about "petty nationalism" akin to the Isle of Wight seeking independence the most inaccurate and offensive part of his article.
Perhaps I could provide a different analogy. Imagine a Britain in which Nazi Germany had taken control in the 1940s.
Through the following 50 years, children were forced to speak German in schools and the possession of a Union Jack was a criminal offence.
Millions of Germans workers were moved to Britain to encourage and promote unity and a change to German ways, while occupying all the best jobs.
If such a pan-European German state, now economically successful, was awarded the Olympic Games, would John Dickie be arguing that to protest in the name of independence was merely petty nationalism that threatened to upset the really serious issue of sport?
Mr A Chapman,
Oat Hill Drive, Ecton Brook, Northampton.
Past is hanging on in 'exciting future'
I was interested to read Geoff Owens's letter (Town centre is facing an exciting future, Your Say, March 20), where he tells us that the Town Centre Partnership is working on improving marketing and customer service delivery.
Reading his letter inspired me to visit their website at: http://www. northampton.towntalk.co.uk/about/index.php where I was able to download the Towntalk newsletter "the official newsletter of Northampton Town Centre".
I can truly say that it made fascinating reading, particularly the lead headline Christmas Lights Switch-On 2004 – Can You Help?
Need I say more?
Steve Winder,
Green Street, Northampton.
RSPCA is working hard for animals
The RSPCA would like to reassure readers that it is working extremely hard to improve animal welfare in Northamptonshire, contrary to some inaccurate opinions which have been expressed.
In 2007, the RSPCA Northamptonshire branch offered assistance for 229 animals; supported the microchipping of 193 animals; helped towards the neutering costs of 434 animals; rehomed 13 animals and contributed towards the rehoming of 299 animals.
The branch can be contacted on 01604 701929 for rehoming and welfare inquiries.
In addition to domestic animals, the RSPCA rehabilitates sick and injured wild birds and animals and is at the forefront of developing scientific knowledge on wildlife rehabilitation.
In 2007, 4,121 wild birds were admitted, treated and released by the RSPCA, 958 of these at one centre alone.
The Animal Welfare Act has improved the lives of many animals since it came into law in 2007. Under the act, owners have a legal responsibility to make sure that their animals are provided with an adequate standard of care, including food, water, shelter and access to veterinary treatment where needed.
If an animal's welfare needs are not being met, RSPCA inspectors and local authorities can provide advice on how to improve the situation. If this advice is not followed within a certain time limit the animal can be removed.
The RSPCA relies on the public to contact us on 0300 1234 999 if they see a sick, injured or cruelly-treated animal. All concerns are taken very seriously and are treated in strict confidence.
We urge people to continue calling us as the RSPCA is the only animal charity to investigate and prosecute cases of cruelty to animals.
Sophie Wilkinson,
Senior Regional Press Officer, RSPCA, Peterborough.
What is best for Anne the elephant?
Animal welfare groups including the RSPCA are opposed to the use of animals in circuses. Because of how circuses operate, it is unlikely that the adequate needs of certain animals could ever be met.
Many local authorities, including Northampton Borough Council, have a ban on performing elephants, lions, tigers etc.
Public opinion polls confirm a continuing decline in the popularity of circuses with wild animals.
Public opinion on whether or not performing horses should be banned is evenly split.
In theory circuses could perhaps make adequate provision for horses in a circus environment (although I suspect that some circuses would need to change the acts and make other adjustments)
Anne is, I believe, the only elephant in the UK travelling with a circus.
She is 55 years old, suffers from arthritis and has retired from performing.
Is Anne better off spending the rest of her life travelling with her human and animal companions with Bobby Roberts Super Circus (even though this means the stress and discomfort of repeated transportation), or would she be better off making new human and animal friends in a retirement care environment?
Further assessment from elephant experts could be desirable to decide what's best for Anne.
Cliff Goodman,
Hamsterly Park, Southfields, Northampton.
MP shows her true colours
I am not surprised that our very own Labour MP Sally Keeble showed her true colours in the postal debate which could have seen workers jobs secured and our post offices saved.
I remember writing in to the Chron about this and was somewhat unjustifiably attacked by the Communication Workers Union supremo Gareth Eales regarding the support that Ms Keeble was showing.
Well Mr Eales, if I were you I would reconsider your opinions on whether Sally truly does support you or not.
Evidence would suggest differently.
Mrs Keeble reports that she supports the postal services but at the first point of demonstrating that in a democratic way, she turns tail and does not in any way support them.
Sally is there to put the voice of Northampton across to Government and that was to support that motion by what ever means possible and that would include supporting an opposition motion surely.
I am not really the type to say "I told you so" but on this occasion I think it is quite fitting!
Postal services and the CWU will always have my support
unconditionally, unlike
one other I have already mentioned.
Peter Evans,
Former Borough Councillor, Cambridge Street,
Semilong,
Northampton.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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