I WOULD like to thank Mr Zafar Khan for sharing his views and also inviting people to share their views with him. Sadly, my first thought was that as a Christian, would I have been thought to be racist if I had wanted to start a debate, but I agree with Mr Khan that we should talk and find our common ground.
It is only natural that we stay with the people we feel comfortable with, the ones who understand our backgrounds and customs. But I do think that it would be better to encourage everyone to have English as their first language so that basic communication is made easier, and people from other countries will integrate more. Printing forms in other languages will discourage this, and I sometimes feel quite threatened by all the different languages.
I think that I have a lot in common with Muslim people who want discipline for their children, and a stable family life.
I also share the concerns about the standards of television and often find it offensive. I think it can be a bad influence, and I not only turn it off but write or ring up to object to bad language and violence, and to acknowledge the fact that something is good.
I also feel distressed to see our young people degraded by drink and drugs.
Jesus said put God first in your life and then love your neighbour (all people) as yourself. I am sure that most people, whatever faith or none at all, just want to live in peace, and those who choose to live here but spread hatred harm us all.
I pray that this wonderful country can continue to give opportunities to the people who want to contribute and enrich the life of our nation, but ensure that all are subject to discipline, justice and fairness.
Barbara Tyldsley
Bolton
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