Wrong assumptions

Jason A Jellison is correct that "there is nobody alive today who had anything to do with decisions made centuries ago" concerning Denmark's solidly attested historical involvement in slavery. It is equally certain that no one alive today was involved in any way with America's War of Independence from England. It would therefore follow, according to Mr Jellisons's argument, that no living American should be celebrating the Fourth of July as though it mattered today.

Mr Jellison's mistake is twofold. First, he fails to understand that nations are entities, typically recognised as juristic persons by the law, whose lifetimes are not limited to the lifespan of any particular generation.

The second, and more substantive mistake Mr Jellison's popularly specious argument overlooks is that historical events have consequences today. Denmark is right to begin by admitting it (as in, the nation) committed grievous wrongs for which it should apologise. And after apologising, it should look to ways to make substantive amends for the wrong it previously committed against some groups.

Felix Qui

Sinking doubts

Re: "1 sailor rescued, six bodies retrieved," (BP, Dec 21); "31 crewmen still missing," (BP, Dec 20).

I have some questions concerning articles published in your paper as the search for missing crew unfolds.

1. Various articles have said the vessel was on patrol but included statements that the vessel was on it is way to Chumphon to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the death of the founder of the RTN.

Which is correct?

2. Your articles have said the crew of the corvette comprised 105 RTN personnel and that the vessel took on board a total of 30 additional personnel who were joining the vessel to celebrate the anniversary of the passing of the founder of the RTN.

Can somebody provide the exact number of crew on board the vessel?

Frank Lewis

What would you do?

Re: "Milking the dollars," (PostBag, Dec 24).

Miro King mocks Ukraine's president Volodomyr Zelensky, saying the esteemed leader is "milking" the USA for dollars to buy weapons.

Let me ask Miro King what reaction he would have if his home country were violently invaded, and his family was being bombed. The US, EU and other countries are sending weapons and aid, not just to enable Ukrainians to protect their country and families, but also to try to avoid Vladimir Putin's invasion from spreading.

Ken Albertsen

Not fair

Re: "Serpent' Sobhraj headed back to France," (BP, Dec 24 ).

What will the French authorities do with this monster when he lands? Send him to the oubliette where he belongs or offer him a fat pension with all the accompanying benefits so he can enjoy a daily bottle of vino and baguettes with his lawyer until nature takes its course? What is happening to this world? He should be introduced to Madame Guillotine who would address his hubris very precisely.

Bill Renoise

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