SO we will not talk to the new government of Palestine, or not until, at the very least, it renounces violence. Of course the many suicide attacks upon the Israelis were awful and unforgivable. We all feel that.

But the "Christian" coalition, with slight excuse, invaded a sovereign nation illegally, brutally bombed its towns and cities, and is still attacking villages in Iraq and in Pakistan, killing many civilians, including children. I sometimes think that when people go into politics, the first thing they lose is a capacity for clear thinking. The utter hypocrisy of our rulers at the present time is truly remarkable.

A few folk venture into politics and still keep a clear head, a sense of compassion for all, and some idea of right and wrong.

And where are they, this remnant who redeem the rest? On the backbenches.

Roy Stevens,

Willow Bank,

New Earswick, York.

Updated: 11:21 Saturday, February 11, 2006