Dear Editor
Meningitis Now has today launched its 2018 Ribbon Appeal, which gives everyone an opportunity to remember loved ones this Christmas – and we’d like to invite your readers to dedicate their own ribbon. Continue reading Letters: Honour loved ones this Christmas with charity Ribbon Appeal
Dear Editor
For six years the Tory government has carried out sweeping cuts to the people’s income and they have decimated social services of all kinds – in the name of dealing with the financial crisis caused by the banks and financial institutions.
These financial institutions – here and overseas – are still creating havoc: buying and selling shares regardless of the effect this has one people’s lives here and overseas.
Yet despite all the evidence of greed and complete mismanagement, political action taken by the Tories is mainly against the people, not the culprits!
Why did the Tories poll 37% of the votes cast in the general election (although this was a minority of the population’s vote, it gave them enough to form a government)? Their access, support and possible control of most avenues of information, newspapers, etc. gave them a tremendous advantage, coupled with their ‘we have a plan’, repeated over and over again, convinced many people to give them another chance – a terrible mistake, and the bad effects of their policies will be increasingly felt.
The Tories always were and always will be the political representatives of the rich, who assume it is their natural right to govern.
As 90% of the population are wage earners, in other words they sell their ability to labour daily, to get the best possible wages and working conditions it is far better to have representation for your interests: the same is very true of political representatives.
To repeat, the Tories always represent the rich, the Liberals are never very sure for whom they speak and that leaves the Labour movement of unions, co-operatives, the Labour Party and SNP.
The Labour movement must now show they have a plan, a plan that works for and benefits the 90% of the population: for example free from private profit making the services that enable the 90% to function – gas, electricity, water, rail and road transport, among others.
A. Delahoy, Silverknowes Gardens
Hi,
My mother, Marion Fyfe Reilly (nee Banks) was involved in protesting and squatting in Lochend Gardens and West Ferry Road sometime around 1943-46. She had her first child in July 1943 and raised him alone while her husband was still overseas in the army.
She died (aged 95) last week and I only became aware of this yesterday from her younger sister (aged 90). There were apparently reports and photographs in the newspapers at the time. I am amazed and impressed.
I was wondering if you had any records from that time as I would love to share her struggle with friends and family at her funeral on Friday. It feels like it may be a very important aspect of her character that wasn’t known to us. I have viewed the Scotsman digital archive with no luck.
Thanks
Steven Reilly
If any reader remembers Marion please get in touch and we will forward details to Steven Reilly
Dear Editor
So many important anniversaries occur in 2014, being recalled with differing emotions. As a Normandy veteran I hope the following words will contribute to a peaceful world …
To remember and celebrate is not to glorify militarism but to show the united will of people for a peaceful world.
It is so important that the events of the 1930s and 1940s are told to each generation so they can avoid the mistakes made during that period: the mistake of tolerating discrimination, the mistake of letting vested interests ignore the aspiration of Fascism to expand their domination over all, leading to World War.
It was the ordinary people of all lands who finally defeated evil: it is the ordinary people of all lands, armed with the knowledge of the past, that will safeguard our futures.
A. Delahoy
Silverknowes Gardens
Dear Editor
I think talking about taking pensioners’ bus passes and winter fuel payment away is terrible – surely there could be another way? Allow them £100 – £150 and a couple £250. The money should be taken off people who are receiving money but who abuse it on drugs, etc. Take the money off them and give it towards winter fuel payments to the elderly.
Name and Address withheld on request
Dear Editor
I would be grateful if you can print a piece on my sixteen year old daughter Gillian, of whom we are very proud. She got an ‘A’ exam result for Art and Design and now has a full-time place at Telford College.
I enclose a picture she took on her mobile while in South Queensferry then painted it onto canvas.
P White
Easter Drylaw Avenue
