LIKE so many others I am at a loss who to vote for in the General Election – or whether to vote at all. Look at the choices we have.

New Labour ran out of steam a long time ago. What does its track record tell us? It has taken us into two wars, and we can safely say the one with Iraq was illegal; the people and Parliament were totally misled.

The war in Afghanistan is unwinnable. How can it be that it took just under six years for the Allies to defeat the evil of the Nazi empire, which spanned the whole of Europe and beyond, while we have been in this Godforsaken country for nine years?

And what have we achieved? The loss of our brave British servicemen, which I believe is immoral. The cost to the taxpayer defies belief.

This Government has imposed mass immigration on this country against the wishes of the vast majority of the people, trying to alter our culture and way of life with this theory of multiculturism.

What of the Liberal Democrats? Well, that's enough of them.

What about David Cameron and the Tories? It seems their priority is bringing back foxhunting. which I would think is well down the agenda bearing in mind the state the country is in. Most people, even in rural areas, oppose this outdated and barbaric pastime.

What other policies have they got? Cameron supports war in Afghanistan and increasing aid to overseas countries to £12 billion, while this country is falling apart at the seams.

In conclusion, I have two choices: The Chuckle Brothers or The Krankies.

C E Rome

Exeter

Bewildering events

I FIND the events of the last week truly alarming and beyond comprehension, as I am sure do many others.

My thoughts go out to those poor, poor people of Haiti – well done ShelterBox and all those who have contributed finance and help.

Perhaps help could have been a little more speedy, though probably we are not aware of all the difficulties, as all lines of communication were cut within minutes.

One thing is abundantly clear – response from America and Great Britain and the West was almost immediate. I also notice that China was present – but then, we were meant to notice.

When it comes to crisis we are among the first to react to human suffering throughout the world, with both funds and help. Perhaps we have not always got it right – but then, who has?

Politicians make wars. People make friends. We love and try to help everyone, sometimes to our own great cost.

I am, however, a little confused – how can there be so many caring people in the world who offer all the help that is humanely possible to Haiti in its hour of need, while on the other hand there are those who are willing to destroy the lives of many innocent people simply because they do not conform to their religious beliefs?

Furthermore, they are under the misguided impression that they do this in the name of God. Not my God, I hasten to add.

May I suggest that if you have not already contributed to the Haiti earthquake fund you do so without further delay?

I am truly proud of my country's efforts.

Dave Grylls

Kingsteignton

Damage estimate

SO now we have some idea of how damaging a Tory victory at the next election may be – police helicopters grounded; will the air ambulances be next?

Now let us look locally at Tory damage being wreaked – care homes in Devon to be sold off to the highest bidder; some employees in Torbay to lose 20 per cent of their salaries in a job evaluation, er, keep the council tax lower, exercise.

Just how safe will our country be in their hands from June onwards? As Employment Minister Jim Knight said, it is better the devil you know!

Some of us have long memories and do not want to relive the many downs and few ups prior to 1997.

Tony Russell

Ottery St Mary

Spending veto

THE latest press release from Cornwall's Tories claims of their plans to dispose of 48 office buildings and spend £12 million plus on remodelling three main offices that "capital receipts from property disposals will be re-invested in better services".

However, Local Government Association guidance published in October 2009 confirms the legal position: "Councils can only use assets sales to finance capital spending".

This was made clear to Cornwall Council's cabinet on January 13, and the Tory press release was published after that meeting.

On the subject of Tory bogus claims, the fact that buildings which are no longer council offices will not contribute to the council's carbon emissions may do nothing to reduce Cornwall's carbon footprint if these buildings continue to be used by others without being retro-fitted.

What has happened to Cornwall's climate change action plan?

Charlotte MacKenzie

Labour Parliamentary Candidate Truro and Falmouth

Comfortable position

REGARDING the Holiday Inn's impending use of "human bed warmers" (WMN, January 19) I would be very interested to know exactly what qualifications and experience I would need to be considered for this very appealing and worthy position.

Norma Widger

Brixham