When objectivity’s hard

Aw, Mr Armstrong, sir, you do rub it in, don’t you ( A policy that hits youth offenders where it hurts, Nov 22)? Provoking good, hard-working people! You know you shouldn’t tread on the precious sentiments of all those whose main pleasure in life is to vent their spleen on those nasty ramraiders.

But I have to confess that if my shop was rammed and raided, I would be outraged. Reason and understanding might come later – maybe. But first comes blame and vengeance, and looking to someone or agency with power – ultimately ‘‘the Gummint’’ – to ‘‘hit ’em hard!’’ ‘‘I want justice!’’ And in the absence of the actual offender(s) being brought to justice, those who should give me satisfaction will do.

Only those of us who are not victims have the sobriety and objectivity to think about remedies that are likely to work. And you seem to be aware of them, Dave, don’t you, in your better moments. Selwyn Boorman, Waikanae [abridged]