Polluted views

In the interests of balanced journalism I suppose we must occasionally put up with sloppy logic and ranting like that of Michael Kelly (Opinion, 16 January). Leaving aside his nasty pokes at a whole range of topics, I take particular exception to his comments on pollution, especially from cars.

Although it is difficult to follow his logic, the gist seems to be that he accepts cars and industry pollute, but believes it is pointless to do anything about it in Scotland because Scotland is insignificant. Therefore, in terms of global pollution, it can have no effect on world opinion.

First, action on pollution in Scotland can have a positive local effect in Scotland. Second, I think, Mr Kelly, you will find that politicians and world leaders are not immune to public opinion.

I take exception to his proposal to adopt a weak and defeatist approach, claiming that the action of a single person or country can have no effect on the world picture and is a waste of time. Mr Kelly presumably believes his single vote is of no worth and that all systems of democracy should therefore be disbanded as they are clearly a waste of time. Shame on you, Mr Kelly.

DAVID MORRIS

Colinton Road

Edinburgh