Socialism is usually an insult in the US. A high-profile politician who voluntarily takes on the term deserves some respect. If faith in government to correct economic injustice is the key hallmark of socialism, and if Bernie Sanders campaigns for that, which he does, then he is entitled to call himself a socialist – and to be called one by the media without the derogatory prefix “self-declared” (Report, 3 February).
Chris Hughes
Leicester
• The allegation of rape against Leon Brittan was abandoned, we are told, because it was more “likely to lead to acquittal than conviction” (Leon Brittan rape inquiry was justified, Met police review rules, 8 February). The implication is that acquittals are a pointless waste of money rather than an act of justice. We are approaching a state of affairs in which all of us are presumed guilty until proved innocent.
Michael Holroyd
London
• Caroline Johnson (Letters, 5 February) praises Feock parish council’s initiative to provide transport for people on their own. She omits to mention the necessity for drivers to undergo Data Barring Service clearance in order to perform this service. I can take a friend to hospital without such clearance; if a body such as my church asks me to do it, I need clearance. This strand of bureaucracy deters many willing people from volunteering for such services.
Elizabeth Dunnett
Malvern, Worcestershire
• Can’t be the same Jack Straw who led a demonstration at Leeds University as a student claiming they kept secret files and demanding to see them, can it (Report, 9 February)?
John Loader
Leyburn, North Yorkshire
• Had Storm Imogen happened in Shakespeare’s time, would it have been called Storm Innogen (Letters, 16 December)?
Jon Corfield
Birmingham
• Remove the circumflex (Pass notes, 8 February)? Now why would anyone want to do that?
Siân Saunders
Bridgend, Mid Glamorgan
• Join the debate – email guardian.letters@theguardian.com
