Confusing argument:

This is in response to Rakesh Wadhwa’s article “Let Sandra travel!” published in THT on Sept. 12. The writer has argued that the US should allow people from other countries, save the terrorists. He states that if the mobility of capital and human resources are let unhindered then both the countries will gain. I found these arguments quite dubious. Can any country let people enter its border and eat up jobs? Moreover, traumatised by the annihilation caused by hurricane Katrina, the displaced people now desperately need jobs to come back to their normal economic standard. And jobs are not easy to find in the US, either. The writer’s argument is based on an old economic theory of comparative advantage and, as always, the free market economy. These principles hold true in ideal conditions but cannot be translated into practice in the real world. Against natural powers, the economic theory does not work. Furthermore, we cannot say that the US is poor in human resources and they have enough space to settle people from other countries. It might be that the US is allocating scarce resources prudently and not hastily to gain sustainability. Meanwhile, if Nepal is rich in human resources, then why are we lagging behind in every economic indicator? What is needed to prosper is a qualified, competent and progressive human resource. I guess countries select

competent people and offer visas. If Sandra is competent, qualified and meets the equirements then I guess no one will deny her visa. The writer seems to have been lost in his own arguments, and completely ignored the other essential principles of free market economy. The writer should know that not everything is black and white.

Shikha Basnet, Old Baneshwor

Peace:

It is easy to say, “Let’s bring peace” but it is extremely difficult in practical terms. Without peace and harmony no country can make progress. People are the real power of any country, but, unfortunately, in Nepal they are being killed by the Maoists and the government forces alike. Therefore, it is the duty of one and all to help in creating a peaceful environment so that the citizens can improve their own standards of living and contribute to the development of the nation.

Abhinay Jayaswal, via e-mail

Biased:

The BBC World on Sept. 7 had reports on demonstrations in the streets of Kathmandu and the Maoist troops patrolling some remote rural areas but it blatantly ignored covering the King’s recent visits to the remote districts which have generated their own impact in the country. This reflects on the standard of journalism. The demonstrations and the Maoists in jungle tracks do not represent the entire gamut of Nepali emotions and politics. Democracy and human rights have to do with the people in the majority. I, therefore, suggest those concerned differentiate sociologically between a crowd and a mass and review their journalistic practices if they claim to tell the truth and nothing but the truth.

Lal D Rai, via e-mail