WHAT kind of wimpish nation have we become to allow two known adherents of Osama bin Laden to boast openly of their 'delight' at the horrific attacks against America, while living comfortably in North London and claiming social security benefits?

One has openly stated that his group, Al-Muhajiran, is here because its objective is "the overthrow of western society and establishment of an Islamic state in Britain".

If the Home Office is powerless to take steps it should be replaced by a body considerate towards the feelings of ordinary British people, and throw out these creatures and return them to the sewers from whence they came.

And before we hear the do-gooders cry restraint, no such restraint or compassion was considered for many babies and children who died in the hijacked planes. Those who live by the sword, die by the sword.

God Bless America. Go to it, Bush!

Mrs M Barraclough,

The Old Surgery,

Thorganby, York.

...I GET irritated by the word terrorism. Killing is killing and I feel - as does that fine socialist and democrat Tony Benn - that all war is terrorism.

America dropped nuclear bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. Imagine how much terror that caused the people of those Japanese cities.

I hope the shock of being attacked on their own soil serves as a lesson to the U.S.A.

The tragic events in Lower Manhattan, and the Pentagon building, show clearly it is loathed by many, and that America is not immune from the consequences of its huge monetary, political and military influence and manipulation, world-wide.

Colin Jeffrey,

East Mount Road, York.

...WHAT planet has Alex Groves been living on (Letters, September 14)? The writer said: "We have enjoyed peace for more than 50 years".

Have English people not heard of Korea, East Africa (MAUMRU), Borneo, Rhodesia, Suez Canal, Northern Ireland, the Falklands and Yugoslavia for starters? Other countries have been involved in the Far East, notably Vietnam. Certain Middle Eastern countries have been at war many years, as are now some Balkan countries. Peace? I don't think so.

J Rogers,

Northfield,

Barlby, Selby.

...IN response to K A Smillie's letter, ('Culprits of terror deserve public execution', September 17), does the same apply to those responsible for the slaughter of thousands of innocent people in Iraq, Sudan, etc, in the name of freedom and democracy? If so, the public executions line-up would look very interesting.

James J Stewart,

Beech Grove, York.

Updated: 10:30 Thursday, September 20, 2001