Hypocritical stand

This is in response to the news “Speaker speaks out against govt” published in THT on July 23. While the majority of the common people like myself would agree that the present

administration has failed to restore peace, the likes of the speaker of the House of

Representatives, Tara Nath Ranabhat, are in a position to point out the incompetence of the current administration while enjoying perks from the coffers of the same government? If he is not happy with the government, why doesn’t he quit? His notion that the Constitution stops him from resigning from the post of the speaker is absurd. And what does he mean by

“Though I am dark, I am honest and never got involved in corruption”? Is he implying that he is now the black sheep of the NC?

B P Sharma, Jamal

Touching

Nothing has ever influenced me as deeply as the Midway “Gone with the gust” by Tara Bhatta published on July 22, the compassionate story of two lovers separated by distance. The article beautifully portrays the hidden sentiments of an old woman in her seventies as well as a young teenage girl. Its perfect rhythm reminded me of the stories of Anton Chekhov. Also, the symbolic phrase ‘to change the strings of one’s mood’ served as a creative irony. Although

the writer suggests in his title that passionate feelings are only temporary, I assure him that genuine emotions like his never lose the bet.

Richa Bhattarai, via e-mail

Uncalled for

This is in response to the news ‘Budget burden on bibliophiles’ published in THT on July 24. The extra tax on books is really uncalled for. When the habit of reading is in steady decline due to the youngsters’ fascination with television and computers, the hike in price of the books will further deter the youngsters from reading. We have one of the poorest rates of education in South Asia. The government should reconsider this decision.

Ajay Subedi, Balaju

Seventh win

Lance Armstrong won his seventh consecutive Tour de France title on July 24. It is indeed a remarkable achievement considering that he not only had to fight against the treacherous

conditions and fierce competitors on the roads of France but also the life-threatening disease of testicular cancer. People will forever find reasons to discredit his remarkable achievements.

Ever since he won his first tour in 1999, charges of doping had been mounting on him. But to win the toughest sporting event in the world seven times in a row is no mean feat — even on drugs. Armstrong is now a global celebrity and an inspiring figure. His record of seven consecutive wins may never be matched. And although he has now officially retired from professional cycling, his achievements will live forever.

Abhay Sharma, via e-mail

Neglect

The news “Docs absent for weeks, patients affected in Solu” on July 25 highlights the plights of the people living in the far-flung areas of Nepal, who are deprived of proper healthcare, thanks to the lack of trained doctors. The government should give doctors more incentives to stay in the remote areas. If the doctors still do not comply, a way has to be found out.

Sanjay Budhathoki, Gaushala