I am writing to support the letter written by Tasha Tukaokao, August 17. I am also appalled at the ‘racist crap' constantly spewed across the letters page of The Sun.
These opinions are short on logic and long on xenophobia. Greedy Maori seems to be a constant favourite theme. It seems strange that trying to recover stolen possessions is considered greedy. Would your correspondents be so generous if the govt turned up and took their land, compensated for that ‘acquisition' with $12.50, but only after 150 years of bureaucratic denial? In regards to your note about freedom of speech, I think that is a little disingenuous.
It reminds me of the ‘we were only following orders' claims of SS officers at the Nuremburg trials. They also had something to do with racism I believe. With respect Brian, you do edit letters, sometimes abridging them. And freedom of speech is not a carte blanche invitation to hate speech. There are limitations to free speech. I appreciate it is difficult for you. You have to walk a fine line indeed! Other newspapers often don't print letters, simply publishing a reply that the letter wasn't printed as ‘these issues have already been thoroughly canvassed'.
We are entitled to our opinion, but xenophobia is not an opinion, it is a psychological dysfunction (insanity) caused by the ego attaching itself to a belief. And a belief is not a truth.
If people have something to say they should carefully consider their ‘belief' and ask themselves; ‘can I really know this to be true?' And not in some silly superficial way, but really try to consider things from a neutral perspective. Maybe they could then offer a solution.

Hugh Robb, Tauranga.