Regarding the Science & Environment article Bacteria biting back [The Student, February 7]

Dear Editors,

It was hard not to be struck by the irony of your article Bacteria biting back [published February 7th 2012]. The article raises the very valid point that undiscerning and perfunctory prescription of general antibiotics is a central problem in the rise of ‘superbugs’, and that ‘restricting antibiotic abuse’ is the first line of defence. However the opening paragraph anecdotally claims that, “anyone who has been to the doctor with a flu has had an antibiotic prescribed on at least one occasion.”

It is exactly this presumption that lies behind so many unnecessary and desultory antibiotic descriptions. All colds and flu, and most sore throats, coughs or infections are caused by viruses and are completely unaffected by antibiotics. The expectation that antibiotics are a cure-all solution has led to increased GP time being dedicated to seeing patients who are untreatable (such as though with flu) and, unfortunately, the rise of antibiotics being prescribed in an effort to pacify the patient.

Whilst the article was clearly thoughtfully written, it would perhaps be more useful to educate your readers towards avoiding antibiotic abuse, rather than paraphrasing the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance.

Lindsey Robinson

Regarding the comment article A Not So Damaging Downfall [The Student, January 24]

Dear Sir or Madam,

In a recent comment column, you accused me of “rabble rousing” behaviour over remarks I made in the Scottish Parliament chamber on January 12. You also repeated the untrue and malicious Labour and Tory claim that I have questioned people’s Scottishness and patriotism and said anyone who didn’t support the SNP or independence was anti-Scottish.

I have at no time engaged in rabble rousing and, as the official record shows clearly, this is not what I said. My comments criticised the leadership of the Tory, Liberal Democrat and Labour parties in their refusal to accept the democratic mandate of the Scottish government to hold a referendum on our country’s future.

I also criticised their refusal to discuss meaningful powers for our parliament within the UK - a refusal that goes against popular opinion and many respected views in civic society.

My views reflect those of former Labour First Minister Henry McLeish who said in The Herald earlier this year that the actions of the Tories at Westminster were against Scotland. Labour’s Cathy Jamieson MP just last year said the Tories were “anti-Scottish” - a term also repeatedly used by Labour during the Conservative era from 1979 to 1997. Labour politicians have recently lined up to congratulate David Cameron’s arrogant intervention in Scottish democracy - an own goal that will cost their party dear.

Your colourful misrepresentation of my comments attacks my personal integrity and serves only to distract attention from this pact with the Tories. The people, however, are not fooled.

Yours faithfully
Joan McAlpine MSP

Note: this is an extract from the Scottish Parliament’s official record

Joan McAlpine: “As for the Conservative group leader’s assertion that those who suggest that what is happening is anti-Scottish are somehow narrow in their politics, I make absolutely no apology for saying that the Liberals, the Labour Party and the Tories are anti-Scottish in coming together to defy the will of the Scottish people and the democratic mandate that they gave us to hold a referendum at a time of our choosing, which, as the First Minister said, would be the latter half of the parliamentary session. The sight of those parties cosying up on the sofas of various Scottish television studios will really alarm the people of Scotland.”

The Scottish Parliament
Edinburgh EH99 1SP

Regarding the comment article There is an alternative [The Student, February 7]

Dear Editors,

Alistair Grant put forth the idea of a wealth tax: a mere 20% tax on the net worth of the richest 10% in the population. Is he aware that this top 10% includes most doctors? The statistics used by The Glasgow Media Group are misleading. Most of this money is held in pension funds and assets that cannot be retrieved by going down to the local ATM.

Not only this, but he seems to have forgotten that 'the rich' have already paid a heavy price for solidarity.' With income tax at 50% and the staggering amount of VAT they would end up paying when spending their hard earned money means that they will likely have only a fraction of income to themselves. This has been earned, in many cases, through a lot of hard work. I assume Mr. Grant has never actually started his own business or paid tax at 50%. If he had, I imagine he would not be so cavalier in requiring those who have really made it to pay for the ineptitude of others.

What happened to the idea of individual responsibility? If this tax were to be imposed, I daresay that the majority of people that it hit would need to sell their houses. But hey, it?s their fault for having been successful isn?t it?

Turning to the next page, I discovered that Tess Malone had written a charming section devoted to, what can only be described as, slagging Mitt Romney. What was his crime? How much has she given in taxation to those less well off? I cannot understand why you find it fashionable to harangue those facing a situation that you have not.

It is to be expected that a student paper would be left leaning, but not superficial. Why is it that these writers seem to dislike achievement? If I graduate and make lots of money, I want to keep it. I am very glad to not live in The Soviet Socialist Republic of Students.

Yours faithfully,
Matthew McBryan