infuriating to many more.

That's as it should be, and this newspaper makes no apology if some readers find that some of the opinions expressed in Letters to the Editor do not agree with their own. This page is after all meant to be an open forum in which views can be expressed without fear of retribution. Thankfully we live in a society where free speech is valued above just about anything else.

Nevertheless, there are some comments made on these pages that strike a chord -- or at least should strike a chord -- with everyone.

Such was a letter printed last Saturday on this page.

Nobody can deny that Bermuda is a wonderful place to live. Opportunities for the indigenous population -- and others who choose to make a life here -- are endless. We live in a beautiful environment with one of the richest per capita incomes in the world. Close to all the professions one might ever choose to pursue are available here. We are indeed blessed.

And yet there are people amongst us, who may have lived here all their lives, who feel that they are second-class citizens. That one young man should feel compelled to leave here for "always being attacked'' is a sad indictment on any society.

The fact that `Treated Like a Dog' has friends who are considering suicide, such is their predicament in this land of opportunity, is even sadder.

Paula Cox is one of several PLP MPs who has emerged from the 1998 election with an enormous amount of credibility. Given a difficult portfolio, she has handled several crises well.

Nevertheless the issue of Long Term Residents is one that has been on the back burner for far too long -- so long that even the young are beginning to complain loudly and lose their patience.

That is not necessarily the current Government's fault. Some may argue that if the UBP could not tackle the problem in several decades of Government there's no reason why the PLP should be forced into facing the issue now.

Nevertheless, two wrongs will never make a right. And whether white, black or Portuguese, Bermuda cannot afford to lose its young talent. It's time Government bit the bullet and booked its place in the annals of time by dealing with this thorny issue once and for all.

Meanwhile, `Treated Like a Dog' is asked to contact The Royal Gazette again so he can collect the letters of support which have arrived here for him.