AS an American residing in York, I have held back my anger many times over various letters expressing anti-Americanism over the past months. The recent events have clearly shown how supportive many people are at times like these, most of mankind tend to unite.

I am so sorry to read of Colin Jeffrey's ignorant remark about the US, that America is "loathed" by many and being attacked on our own soil should serve as a lesson (Letters, September 20). How very childish. You may dislike a country's politics and policies, but to actually say you hate a country, most likely including its people, is exactly the type of hatred we see on TV with the burning of flags and so forth.

If you do not know of the country and its people, research your facts before exposing your ignorance. This is no time to remind any of us what has happened in the past.

Everyone seems to have an opinion on what the US should or should not do, and while it's true we do have a huge monetary, political and military influence on the world, what would Mr Jeffrey like to see as a consequence of the US not influencing the world? Would he like the dollars to stop flowing here in York, for example? Would he like the dollars and influence to stop aiding other countries in times of need?

There are a lot of people who love to hate the US but don't forget, its positive influence is greater than any negative influence the radicals of the world would like to make you believe.

Juliet Morgan,

Barbican Road,

York.

...THANK you Mr Jeffrey for speaking out for humanity at a time when a lynch mob is baying for blood.

You did not mention the thousands of women and children living in remote villages in Vietnam who were horribly burned by the dropping of napalm bombs. Those who did not die suffered appalling injuries both physical and mental, yet I do not remember a Service of Remembrance ever being held for them. Very belatedly the US did admit to terrible massacres although an apology for the destruction of Mi Lai village was only grudgingly hinted at.

Revenge and retaliation are not attitudes which 'civilised' countries should display. I, for one, will stand up and be counted with you.

Herbert Simm,

Parkfield,

Stillington, York.

...AMERICAN action must be as audacious, imaginative and breath-taking as that which inspired it.

Present plans are frightening, and likely to create long-term problems.

Military spending should be diverted to food-pallets. These would be "bombed" in to Afghanistan, thus shifting support to Uncle Sam, and showing that the New World Order can bring benefits to the poor as well as to the rich. It could also clear the warehouses at Sangatte and reduce Europe's food-mountain.

John Bibby,

Straylands Grove, York.

Updated: 10:21 Monday, September 24, 2001