A Chara, - We are fortunate to live in a society that allows freedom of expression, which is tolerant, that supports the freedom of the individual, and allows us to determine who governs us and the laws by which we will be governed. It is not perfect, but it allows us to strive and campaign for improvement and to protest peacefully against its drawbacks.
The plan to kill innocent airline passengers of various nationalities, creeds, political beliefs travelling across the Atlantic was a serious threat to our society. Those behind it represent a threat to peace, tolerance, freedom and democracy itself. They are seeking to be accommodated or involved in dialogue; they have rejected the values of our civic society. They will continue to kill and maim and to encourage hatred and contempt.
The US and its allies could pull out of the Middle East; Israel could collapse; but those intent on crushing democracy would continue with their evil plans.
The fascists who have clearly disregarded the teachings of the Koran and put forward their vision of world terror are the enemies of every democrat, left or right, Christian, Muslim, Jew or non-believer.
If we care about our individual freedoms, from the right to travel in peace to right to protest, we have no option but to rid the planet of those intent on destroying our democratic society. - Is mise,
Cllr MALCOLM BYRNE, The Chase, Gorey, Co Wexford.
Madam, - I hope that airlines will not take advantage of the new restrictions on bringing liquids on board aircraft by fleecing passengers for bottles of water. - Yours, etc,
TIM BRACKEN, Pope's Quay, Cork.