DOCTOR D R Cooper is quite correct in advocating debate when one is challenged by views not commonly held or not currently politically correct. ("They're afraid of debate," letters, May 18).
I do not have John Townend's actual remarks to hand but I believe he was the gentleman who was attempting to make out a case for the purity of the English breed.
If this is so I think he has a difficult task ahead of him for if any so-called 'breed' is "mongrel" it is surely the English.
Even a cursory knowledge of our history would make clear.
As travel and the migration of people increases, as it surely will, we will see a commensurate increase in mixed marriage between so-called ethnically pure groups until nationality will become so diluted that for all intents and purposes it will cease to have any significance.
Which might not be a bad thing in comparison to the awful bloodshed we are witnessing at present in all parts of the world both between nations and different brands of religious extremism.
Tom Paine's (1731-1809) history should be compulsory study for all children being brought up in our multicultural society.
He was a Deist but was totally opposed to any form of revealed religion and chauvinism.
His famous and oft quoted remark should be hung as a motto on all public buildings, particularly where the young gather.
It was: "I am a citizen of the world and my religion is to do good."
R E Ison
Beaconsfield Road, Farnham Royal
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article