In a few words
Rosemary McLeod (March 22) thinks ‘‘it is a given that [the terrorist] has no religion, so fears no God’’. It might just as easily be that he sees himself as a modern-day Christian Crusader. There are many historical examples of atrocities being committed in the name of religion that the secular world would not countenance; Christianity is not an exception. Modern examples of intolerance and bigotry can be seen in the activities of so-called Christian evangelists in the United States.
Stewart Mann, Nelson
Is a bunch of blokes in armour on horseback any more ferocious, aggressive and intimidating than the belligerent, gang-crowded haka that were given, inappropriately, during the consolation and support gatherings for the Muslim community in Christchurch? Scarcely peace-inducing.
Bryan Johnson, Omokoroa
Let’s try an experiment. Open the library now before any damage is done in the name of safety. Fix the damage done to the Town Hall as preparation for so-called strengthening, then reopen with a celebratory concert. Find out whether Wellingtonians are prepared to risk it. Sharon Ellis, Te Aro
In Radical Losers and Lone Wolves, Philip Matthews refers to the Freedom of Speech Coalition as Right-wing. The organisation counts the likes of Chris Trotter and Michael Bassett in its ranks, and has defended Left-wing figures such as Chelsea Manning. This notion that defending a person’s right to speak and the public’s right to hear them means endorsing what they say is intellectually lazy at best. Alistair MacLeod, Lower Hutt
Do we need a national memorial service for the events of Friday, March 15? As part of the Christchurch community we have had several opportunities in the last few days to participate in a range of gatherings to remember the dead and to show our love and support for the Muslim community. Do we need another event? I think not. Whose needs are being served by the idea of this national memorial? I understand it is not the way of the Muslim faith so can we respect their needs and let it go? Let them move on, now that their dead are in the ground, while we get on with putting into action in our daily lives our words of love and acceptance of difference. Anne-Marie, Christchurch