Letter to the I: Royal Morality

With respect to Valerie Crew's letter insinuating that the British Monarchy is getting more humane. I beg to differ.  The institution is inhumane by design.  It is inhumane in that it takes away people's rights to choose their own destiny from birth.  In this way it is essentially a human sacrifice.  The divorce issue Ms. Crew mentioned recalls the King Edward VIII abdication.  During this episode the British public and class were more disturbed about Edward marrying a divorcee than being a Nazi sovereign.  An institution that warps public morality so badly has to be questioned.

Regards

Zac Barker

Bristol

Letter to the I: Brexit Fanatics

Kevin O'Neill's letter had all the hallmarks of Brexit fanaticism which is evident today.  If this was 2008 I am sure they would listen to the advice of economic experts and commentators.  But because unlike in 2008 they are the cause of the economic uncertainty they can't stand any negative news.  I applaud Ian Birrell for stating the facts on the ground as they are.  Pro-Brexit hysteria is the new McCarthyism; a cause for shouting down dissenting opinions.  The problem is the more they shout, the more they look desperate they look than certain in their convictions.

Regards

Zac Barker

Bristol

Letter to the I: African Military Coups

Sam Masters was right in his commentary piece to question the motives of the Zimbabwean Military.  In addition to their involvement in the Gukurahundi massacres, much of the higher ranks have enriched themselves from the Congo wars.  However African coups do not always end the same way.  Nigeria has endured vicious and corrupt dictators.  However Ghana was for a time more unstable under civilian rule than military rule.  After a period of "house cleaning" Flight Commander Jerry Rawlings left power, leaving the country with a stable democracy.

Regards

Zachary Barker

Letter to the I: A Future for DFID

While today's headlines have been dominated by the controversy around the former Minister for International Development's conduct, their portfolio is too often scorned by the public.  Perhaps the public would be more supportive of the work of this department if it sought to address the links between underdevelopment and terrorism.  Economic problems in the Middle East push hundreds of aimless young men towards the clutches of terrorist networks.  Recent academic studies have provided evidence to support that this is happening.  If this would stop the public and the media using DFID as a political football then I would support this change in focus.

Regards

Zachary Barker

Bristol

Letter to the I: British Overseas Territories

The case of the Paradise Papers reminds us of our divided opinions on British Overseas Territories.  There was a lot of sympathy for these territories during the hurricane season.  However much of the time we find fault with them over their tax practices.  We can't blame these territories for using the few means at their disposal to make a living.  Perhaps if these territories had representation in Parliament they could get in on a wider conversation about their future.  Then maybe they can move away from a future reliant on offshore finance.

Regards

Zachary Barker

Bristol