Madam, - It was disturbing, frustrating and disappointing to read of the laying of the cornerstone of "Freedom Tower" in New York on July 4th. "Freedom Tower" is a 1776-foot glass and steel tower which is to replace the World Trade Centre "Twin Towers" destroyed on September 11th, 2001. It will become the world's tallest building and is apparently meant to symbolise and demonstrate America's "faith in freedom". This is, in my opinion, a very questionable way to demonstrate "faith in freedom" and prompts the question of what, if anything, has been learned from previous events.
What sort of "freedom" will such a tower symbolise? Perhaps the freedom of the very wealthy in America to get even wealthier; the freedom to exploit natural resources in a way that has little or no regard for the rights of others or the future of the planet; the freedom to impose and enforce the American way on a global scale by overwhelming force of arms, wealth, technology and control. Freedom?
Perhaps, instead of building a monstrous, materialistic symbol, offensive and antagonistic to so many, America should instead invest time, energy, resources and commitment to building understanding of and co-operation with all the peoples who inhabit our world. It should do this, not with the aim of exploiting, controlling, oppressing and making a profit, but rather in the spirit of support, openness, understanding and acceptance.
America is a country of enormous wealth and power in a world where there is much poverty, disease and hunger. But its attitude towards many others is often condescending, patronising and dismissive. There are many reasons why so many people in the world distrust and detest America and its policies. America should work to understand this, to be just, fair, open and honest in its dealings with others, rather than riding roughshod over anyone with a different view. - Yours etc.,
MICHAEL O'HAODAIN, Ballygarvan, Co Cork.