I was quite amused today while reading your editorial on freedom of the press.

In particular, you mention that the freedom of the press is sometimes threatened by monopolies, but you then proclaim that Bermuda has a vibrant and competitive media.

Last I checked there was only one daily newspaper, and one of the two weekend papers is owned by the same company that owns the daily. This can hardly be a baseline for competition in my opinion.

Regarding your stated ideals of "getting to the truth'', only the most ignorant and naive person would believe that any reporter or editor is devoid of personal biases. While I'm sure that all people in this community would agree to the ideal of getting to the truth, I am also sure that a large percentage of this community believes that the local press falls far short of it. There are many examples of biased and/or poorly-researched "articles'' in The Royal Gazette , but I can think of no better example than the Mid-Ocean News' recent placement of an opinion piece as a front page headline.

We all want to be enlightened by the news, but there is a great difference between the truth and outright propaganda.

Perhaps the saddest thing about this entire mess is that the local press has the means to police itself, but outright refuses to do so.

There should be no need for a third party to regulate the press, but as long as there are editorial abuses like the one in the Mid-Ocean News, one can hardly argue against the critical need for it. Hiding behind the "freedom of the press'' is not a licence to distribute one's singular point of view on the issues.

More to the point, Bermuda should not be harmed by the repeated publication of only one form of "the truth''.

RED INK Sandys Parish Editor's Note: The editorial stated that Bermuda has a vibrant media, which in addition to its newspapers, includes two broadcasting companies, innumerable magazines and now, of course, the Internet, which may be the surest way of ensuring that a wide selection of views are aired in the community.

The Mid-Ocean News, which has the same owner as The Royal Gazette, but an independent editorial staff, is quite capable of defending itself. But there is a long tradition in newspapers all over the world publishing front page editorials as the Mid-Ocean did when the issue involved is considered of great importance.

In addition, the editorial was clearly labelled as an Opinion, so any reader would know that it is making an argument.

"Red Ink'' is correct in stating that no journalist is devoid of personal biases. but professional journalists are trained to pursue objectivity and to put all sides of every story.

Apologies to the Premier May 3, 2001 The following was sent to Premier Jennifer Smith and copied to The Royal Gazette Dear Madam Premier, I greet you in the precious name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and do pray this letter finds you in the best of health.

In recent months there have been many bad vibes that have been displayed by myself toward you and your Government. I have never been one to hide my feelings and I believe in being very vocal. But in recent weeks there have been letters circulating throughout the Island, which I have not personally seen, but have heard much about. I take this opportunity to say I do not have anything to do with these letters, nor do I know who is responsible for writing them.

I will say that the individual or individuals whoever they are, are in my mind nothing less than cowards.

Now moving on to more important issues, as I have already stated, I am very vocal and believe in speaking whatever is on my mind, but I also know that no matter how strong minded I may be if I am proven wrong I will accept my wrong and apologise when and where necessary. With this in mind I must explain to you that I will continue to fight the good fight of faith, my voice will be heard when needed.

Recently my wife was reading a book titled Covenant Relationships by Keith Intrater, and in this book she came across a chapter Patriotism and Prophetic Political Impact.

A portion of this chapter deals with respecting government officials, she brought this to my attention and I must say it was a real eye opener for me.

I would like to share with you the very words of this book that changed my whole outlook on leadership, that came directly from the Holy Bible in 1st Peter chapter 2 and verses 11-17.

Dearly beloved I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lust, which war against the soul; having your conversation honest among the gentiles: that whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it is to the king, as supreme; or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well for so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as servants of God. Honour all men love the brotherhood.

Fear God. Honour the King.

In recent months I have said many things via public radio that may be very supported by those who do not support your Government, but I must state that though many of my views may have much merit, the conduct in which I spoke on many occasions was not Christian-like and definitely not pleasing to the God I serve. I also believe if you wrong someone publicly then you apologise publicly, so I take this opportunity to apologise to you and your government for any comments made by myself that was disrespectful in anyway whatsoever I pray that in the future I speak directly to the issues at hand and to those that bring about the issues.

May God continue to lead and direct you and your government as we reach for a better Bermuda.

DUANE P. SANTUCCI Flatts Library is symptomatic May 8, 2001 Dear Sir, Let me recount for you an incident that happened today. I believe it illustrates the essence of a multitude of Bermudian problems.

Two teachers and one mother from one of the preschools transported 26 four-and five-year-olds to the Bermuda Youth Library. I am one of the teachers.

The date of May 8 was a rescheduled date. Our original date was back in February. When we encountered problems with this date the library told us that the very next available date was May 8. We accepted this.

We arrived for our appointment at approximately 10.35 - five minutes late, we thought. We were told, however, when we arrived that our appointment had been for 10 o'clock. We apologised and explained that we had been mistaken.

In spite of this we naively expected that something would be done for our children. Once again we were mistaken.

The librarian on duty said: "The appointment was for 10 o'clock. It is a forty-five minute presentation. There is not much I can do in ten minutes. You are welcome to look at the picture book room.'' Although my mouth fell open in stunned disbelief I managed to ask, "do you have another appointment now?'' Her reply was: "I have other things to do. The appointment was for 10 o'clock. I have scheduled my day accordingly.'' She then went back to her office and sat down at her desk. Other than one person behind the desk I did not see another soul in the library.

The purpose of a youth library must surely have something to do with encouraging children to want to use the library and to enjoy books and stories.

What a rebuff for these budding readers! There is certainly a sour taste in my mouth. How much would it have taken to welcome the children and read a story? This type of rude and arrogant incompetence is making up an increasing percentage of any exchange on this island. It is typical of the current modus operandi of many Bermudians.

It is a stance that has brought down larger and stronger nations than Bermuda.

If drastic changes are not made immediately, Bermudians can kiss their homeland goodbye.

It will be taken over by more competent, humble and intelligent people from other shores, rightfully so.

I am a 43-year-old Bermudian woman who was born and raised in Bermuda.

CAROL TROTT Hamilton Parish Support for Kim Swan May 8, 2001 Dear Sir, It was with great regret that I learned recently that Mr. Kim Swan see picture would be leaving his position as the golf pro with the St. Georges' Golf Club.

As a regular student of Mr. Swans, I know him to be an excellent teacher and an individual with the kind of infectious enthusiasm for the game that provides the crucial impetus to continue when all seems hopeless, an all too regular occurrence for we "duffers''.

Despite the lack of a driving range near the club, Mr. Swan has managed to build up a loyal roster of students of all ages and many skill levels.

In addition to individual tutelage, he arranges for students to meet and practice together, making the practice component of learning the game so much less frustrating. and he is always available to offer advice or to make a correction to your grip, swing or stance.

Mr. Swan is a dedicated instructor who encourages students to try and ultimately inspires them to excel. He has introduced the game to young and old alike, and I think I speak for all his students when I say that his participation at the Club will be very much missed.

C. MACKAY City of Hamilton