PETER Mullen declares that we live in a totalitarian state (Echo, April 21).
This implies absolute rule by a dictator not bound by constitution, law or opposition, where the state regulates all aspects of public and private life.
That is totalitarianism, Mr Mullen. Words have meanings and they should be respected.
We actually live in a democracy where everyone over 18 years is entitled to vote. Mr Mullen may not like the outcome of elections, in which case he is entitled to stand for Parliament on whatever policies he wishes.
In fact, the issue which so disturbs him, membership of the EU, is covered by a large number of candidates advocating our withdrawal. They attract few votes. And that is that.
Incidentally, on the subject of totalitarianism, imagine a supreme being who demanded daily worship, endless thanks; one who gave favours to the faithful and condemned to eternal suffering those who refuse to bow and scrape. A hell on earth? No –that is Mr Mullen’s Christianity. Fortunately, it is a prospectus largely rejected in Western Europe, and that is democracy.
Robert Meggs, Hartlepool.
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