UNLIKE P Howard (ViewPoints, June 14), I am proud of our country’s overseas aid budget. Finances are tighter, but we are still one of the richest countries in the world and I believe that comes with a responsibility to help others who were born into harder circumstances.
We complain about occasional potholes, they have unsurfaced roads. We complain about Thames Water, they have to collect water from a village pump. His letter ends: “Stop thinking of yourself, Jack”.
Is that Jack the farmer who returned to his land in south Sudan and asked for a hoe, so he could grow food for his family ?
Or is that Jack the health worker (not a doctor – far too expensive) who now has a moped, so he can get to the several villages in his area quickly?
Or is it Jack the Syrian refugee, whose house and livelihood were destroyed and now lives in a tent in Jordan?
I would be very happy to know some of my tax has gone to any of these people.
PETER HENNESSY Hugh Allen Crescent Marston
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here