ALMOST the whole world was appalled and horrified at the recent acts of terrorism in the United States of America. It was murder on a large scale and the perpetrators must be found and punished.

We are being told that this is not just an attack on America, but an attack on the whole democratic world. Obviously carrying with the statement the implication that the whole democratic world should join in with any retaliation that may be deemed to be necessary.

Despite our horror and our obvious sympathy, before taking that final step towards the point of no return, let our leaders pause and look back at history.

For almost two and a half years, the British Empire stood alone, at war with the greatest terrorist of all times. Adolf Hitler bombed our cities, churches and public buildings, killed thousands of our citizens. We suffered while our friends offered advice and financial help (for which we are still paying vast amounts in interest) and only when our benefactors became the victims of a vicious enemy attack did they join in the conflict, for which we as a nation are eternally grateful.

So now, let us join the Americans in condemnation of world wide terrorism and give them all the help they need to combat this evil with intelligence and materials. But let us pause and think twice before committing our limited armed forces to all out war and all that it entails.

Bernard Hallas,

Hawthorne Avenue,

Haxby, York.

...AS AN American and a Vietnam veteran, I have no problem with standing up and saying how wrong it is for threats and violence to be directed at Muslim communities.

I am deeply saddened by news reports regarding this matter and can't help but think that perhaps this may be the very key to the problem. I don't feel that the deaths of even more innocent people is any kind of a solution, nor is the intimidation of innocent people on the basis that they are different.

Why is it that people have such a hard time accepting that others may say things differently, spell things differently, eat different foods or hold on to different beliefs?

What is it about being from somewhere else that tends to make some people use you as a target to justify unfounded and ridiculous prejudices or look on you as "you are all the same" ?

Is it so hard to live and let live? Is it human nature for us to make others appear to be inadequate so that we can feel adequate ourselves?

Do we now live in a society where it is nearly impossible to go through the day without hearing someone tell a joke of a racist/ethnic tone?

Now the world and citizens of all countries are looking at who to blame. All of us need look no further than ourselves.

Stephen Reid,

Buttercrambe, York.

...GREATER security is required between the cockpit and passenger compartment on aircraft, following the USA disasters.

The cockpit section needs to be isolated from the passengers so it would not be possible for hijackers to take over the plane during flight.

As a temporary measure, the front row of seats could be removed and the space used to install facilities to improve security. More hi-tech measures are required as well. I would be interested to hear what local people involved with aircraft thought of the idea.

Colin Clarke,

The Crescent,

Stamford Bridge, York.

Updated: 09:46 Saturday, September 15, 2001