DO you know how frustrating and disturbing it is to have a reporter write an accurate story and then to see a blazing, screaming inaccurate headline? The story by your reporter ( Mid-Ocean News , November 17) made it clear that I had no problem with the Premier dismissing the former Minister of Environment. That is her prerogative. As far as I know she does not even have to give a reason for doing so. My concern was with the inconsistency and the self-righteous reference to the Westminster system when both the Progressive Labour Party constitution and practices are in conflict with the Westminster system. The difference is not subtle.

There was just so much self-righteousness in all of the criticism of my using the word "cult'' (rather than the less abrasive and better understood word "personality'') as well as in the criticism of the former Minister for both accepting the nomination and for doing so without campaigning.

That includes the comments of John Gilbert who claims to have been "shocked'' at my use of the word "cult'' but not "shocked'' because an unelected PLP Central Committee destroyed the political careers of five or six good men, even though they had been duly elected as PLP representatives by the voters in their constituencies and by significant majorities.

In fact, he chooses to recall their expulsions as "resignations'' and apparently was not "shocked'' that the voters then rejected the PLP, as badly as it was needed, for another 13 years.

I am also bothered (perhaps even "shocked'') when I remember how poor Hugh Richardson, who was so significant in the formation of the PLP and gave so much to the community, was practically ostracised and so abused by the PLP for accepting a Queen's honour! Those who voted for the PLP need to join the PLP, read the PLP constitution and get involved in PLP party politics! Now ! Perhaps then your MPs will represent you without being unduly intimidated for fear that they will be expelled by the Central Committee as were Austin Thomas, Gilbert Darrell & Co., or unduly concerned about whether or not they are given a Ministry.

DR. EVA N. HODGSON Hamilton Parish PS: I am going to suggest that every PLP MP send membership application forms to all of their constituencies urging those who voted for the PLP to join the PLP, particularly if they feel that the PLP Government is not responding as they had hoped, or anticipated! Leader of all! November 21, 2000 I AM unconcerned with what kind of person Premier Jennifer Smith is. I am concerned with what kind of a leader she is -- and I don't like a lot about her performance that I see and hear.

She should be the leader of all Bermudians (which she is not): black, white, rich, poor, young, old, business people, private citizens, professionals, visitors, foreign workers -- every man, woman and child in Bermuda.

She surrounds herself with an ever-decreasing inner circle, one which must do as it is told -- or else. She has lost the trust of major segments of the population, including a number of her own Members of Parliament. Her public relations, if any, are a shambles. She gives lip service to "democracy'' but is on a head-long course to dictatorship. What else would you call her brutal firing of Arthur Hodgson from his Cabinet position? It was a desperate act of raw dictatorship, the clincher, a huge mistake that will haunt her for the rest of her political career.

Mr. Hodgson, one of the best qualified MPs in the House of Assembly, went about his rightful attempt at party leadership in a thoroughly commendable and gentlemanly way. He fulfilled all the requirements of a challenger, even by the usual Progressive Labour Party electoral standards.

There has been much PLP talk about the need for party unity. The election was heavily in favour of Premier Smith. What more could she have asked? However, Mr. Hodgson did collect 35 votes, a significant number of the total cast.

If Jennifer Smith is interested in party unity (which I do not believe she is, other than by coercion), her logical decision was to graciously offer Mr.

Hodgson an olive branch. Instead, clearly her motive was revenge, at the same time using the move to warn others she will not tolerate any further challenges. Premier Smith pooh-poohs Letters to the Editor and petitions -- two of the main forums open to those who wish to offer disagreement on any issue. Certainly, no issue supersedes tampering with our Constitution without the decency to give us even a thorough hearing.

Premier Smith would do well to consider recent history. Former Premier Sir John Swan arrogantly ignored public opinion before embarking on his ill-advised pet projects of Independence and McDonald's. Look where that got him. He lost the Premiership, and dragged the United Bermuda Party down with him. If Jennifer Smith persists on her present course, the same could happen to her. She has the chance to go down in history as the leader who led Bermuda into a new era of democracy. Or she can hurl herself, a select few sycophants and Bermuda into the abyss of dictatorship.

By becoming a dictator, Premier Smith may succeed in the short term, but will surely perish in the long term. The world has never seen the dictator who became a permanent winner.

T.C. AITCHISON, Pembroke Beacon of light November 12, 2000 THERE is no greater evidence of straightforward common sense, highly developed political awareness and concern for fellow Bermudians than Gloria McPhee's article, "Virtual Dictatorship'' ( Mid-Ocean News , November 10).

The breadth and depth of her experience over many years, including the office of Acting Premier, puts her in a category unlikely to be achieved by any other presently living Bermudian.

She stands as a beacon of light, warning little Bermuda's ship-of-state, whose desperate "captain'' is determined to "shoot the rapids'' instead of seeking the sensible security of safer waters, to the long-term benefit of ALL , especially the less fortunate.

LOIS AITCHISON, Pembroke