DAVID Pendrill, watching the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony, was overwhelmingly sad that so many Scots wish independence (Letters, July 25).
Why does he think that Scotland - as a nation or as a people - will be any less friendly and welcoming to our neighbours after independence?
The supreme irony is that he was watching that ceremony which was a huge celebration of a commonwealth of friendly nations, the great majority of which had successfully achieved their own independence in the fairly recent past. Why should Scotland be any different from Canada, New Zealand, Barbados or Malta?
James D Brown,
The Rookery,
Burnside Road, Elgin.
DAVID Pendrill's letter makes use of the "family" metaphor which is a favourite with Unionists, particularly during the Commonwealth Games.
However, parents must accept the fact that their grown-up children will eventually seek to earn their own money and spend it as they wish. Most sons and daughters also leave the family home to create their own homes.
Thus the parents lose control over their children's lives and may indeed secretly mourn this diminution of their sphere of influence. However, they realise that ties of affection and mutual support remain and that healthy new family relationships can develop, based on equality.
Mary McCabe,
25 Circus Drive,
Glasgow.
BRAVO, Glasgow. We watched the opening ceremony with growing delight. This was not a costly display showcasing the wealth of the western world. This was a carefully thought-out, beautifully executed initiative focusing on helping to make the world a better place.
We hope it is a salient lesson for future Commonwealth and Olympic Games organisers. Let's direct the money towards securing a future for the children of the world instead of pouring it into a wasteful display of affluence.
You have given us reason to be hopeful and proud. Well done.
Mrs Athole Harvey,
58 Rawaka Drive,
Katikati,
Tauranga,
New Zealand.
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