Protect your writers from themselves

While I may understand your desire to allow your contributors freedom to express themselves, maybe they should be protected from themselves when displaying such naivety.

In support of her argument over salary discrepancies, Nicola Mawson, “There is a deplorable discrepancy in salaries” (Business Report, November 4), airily denigrates Whitey Basson’s considerable achievements by saying: “But how difficult is it to run a chain of supermarkets?” Well, any businessman will attest that, from eight small stores to a chain of hundreds of stores with more than 100 000 employees in several countries (including many to the north of us where business is not easy), showing a consistent increase in profit all the way is not easy. If anything, Mawson is just displaying her ignorance – it undermines her credibility and entire argument. Business case history is littered with examples of failed store chains. CLEM ANGUS VIA E-MAIL