Letter: Sectarian deja vu

I have just found a letter which my late father submitted to The Scotsman ten years ago. It is a sad reflection on the lack of progress our society has made regarding the blight of sectarianism that a letter written in February 2001 can be read as a direct comment on current public discourse of the same ugly problem.

In spite of all the token attempts to address the festering bigotry in our culture, nothing has changed. I re-submit the haunting echo of my father's words from a decade ago:

"Anent recent letters concerning bigotry and sectarianism in our society.

I am vehemently opposed to all forms of bigotry, but I cannot understand that the most favoured argument for a solution for such heinous behaviour might be the abolition of the Catholic school system.

"It would be reasonable to assume that the vast majority of Rangers supporters attended non-denominational schools.

Why then are there proportionally as many bigots among them as among Celtic supporters?

I therefore contend that much of the blame for deep-rooted bigotry lies elsewhere - in the home perhaps!" George B Johnstone.

I might add as a footnote that my father was not Catholic. There are many non-Catholics who attend Catholic schools for geographical or educational reasons and I would suggest that, on the contrary, the chances of them growing up bigoted are very slim.

Carroll Johnstone

Townhead

Auchterarder

Once again a politician (this time the First Minister of Scotland) has said there is no place for racism or sectarianism in our society (your report, 9 March). At last I agree with something a politician has said.

Why does his government fund and encourage sectarianism by allowing Roman Catholic schools?

Walter S Nimmo

Alva Street

Edinburgh