Our readers respond

Regarding the story Tourist complaints rise,

It is wonderful to know that Norway's hotels and restaurants consider the opinions and needs of travelers to Norway. Norway is a serene oasis to visit, but unfortunately, I know of many travelers who have had to avoid planning a trip to Norway because of the expense.

Several years ago, during our family's trip to Norway, we were surprised to be checking out of our hotel, only to find that we had received a ticket for parking our car in the hotel parking lot during our stay at the hotel. This is a highly improbable situation to occur in our culture and we were shocked to find ourselves in the situation of having a parking ticket during our stay at the hotel.

Unbeknownst to us, we were to place some sort of a notice on our car, stating that we were checked in as visitors at the hotel. This practice is not one in our home culture, so this bizarre cultural practice caught us off guard and made for a very unpleasant experience.

Our family would like to return to Norway, home of our heritage, possibly multiple times. We are happy to see that the country is evaluating its costs and services to travelers. Thank you for the article.

Renee Peterschmidt
Albany, Oregon, USA
*****

I want you to know that even though the exchange rate with the weak American dollar is less than desirable for travel, my wife and I spent 10 days in Norway this July.

We were very happy with the friendly residents no matter if it was Stavanger, Bergen, or Oslo. We look forward to a return trip sometime and it's among our favorite destinations from now on.

Kim Christianson
Bayfield, Colorado, USA
*****

Every day I read the front page of Aftenposten. You write so many untrue stories about our President George W Bush. He may be too conservative for your liking, but I believe he will one day be considered a real hero, and one of the best American presidents ever. He stands for what he believes is the best for our country in the worst of times. He is not afraid of standing alone. Even if John McCain & Sarah Palin may not completely agree with his politics I think they will be a great team, and I hope they will win the election in November.

Lise James
St. Augustine, Florida
*****

Regarding the story Tough testimony emerges during war crimes trial,

What a brave woman!

More asylum seekers should be scrutinized more closely before being granted asylum. How many dangerous people are there in the world who have been granted permission to live in a democratic society and escape their just punishment? I am sure that there must be hundreds, in many western countries, not just Norway, Sweden, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland and Austria, the USA, Canada, Central and South America.

We should be very cautious.

Thank you,

Robert E Chamness
Nashua, New Hampshire, USA
*****

Regarding the article about hash sellers being deported, it is a shame that people coming into the country seeking protection, end up with these criminal activities. Such things can just contribute to discredit other asylum seekers who come into the country in need of real protection. Such things can just build a negative image of foreigners, particularly asylum seekers, in the eyes of the Norwegian public.

One can say that situations in asylum camps can be more or less difficult, but there are other alternatives, like securing a job, to keep busy during the long and stressfull asylum process that can sometimes take up to 10 years of life in an asylum camp.

The government should take its part of responsibility in this situation, not just by striking hard on those who end up in such criminal activities, but also take measures that will make it easier for asylum seekers who are willing to work while awaiting a decision on their case, to find a place in the job market.

A man who is busy working is pushed away of potential criminal activities.

Eric Lumumba
Orkdal
*****

(Regarding the story touching on the dual citizenship issue,)

I found this story very interesting as I had looked into dual citizenship with Norway several years ago. My grandfather was born in Norway and raised on Fedje. Hardships caused his mother to come to America at the turn of the century. His grandmother raised him until age17 when he came to America to be with his mother.

In 2006 I came for a visit to Norway to meet the cousins I have there. When I arrived at Fedje I felt like I was home. The tears flowed when I boarded the ferry to leave the island. My love for Norway is as great as my love for America, and I would love to be a citizen of both countries. My family is just as large in both counties, so why should I have to give up rights to one half of my family over the other half?

Until Norway changes the law on dual citizenship I will remain a legal citizen of America, but in my heart I AM, and always will also be a citizen of Norway, my home there is Fedje.

Granddaughter of Karstein Kristopher Johannessen Husa,

Linda J. Guy
Clearville, Pennsylvania, USA
*****

Please allow me to express an opposing view to Rebekka Borsch's comments concerning dual citizenship in Friday's, English edition of Aftenposten. This whole issue seems to me, to boil down to a matter of personal choice. Ms. Borsch's personal choice.

First of all, let me remind everyone that "citizenship" means an allegiance, tie, binding commitment to a country whereby a citizen is granted more rights and privileges than a person who is not a citizen. A non-citizen does not have exactly the same privileges as a citizen, for then the idea of citizenship-becomes meaningless. A non-citizen and a citizen would be the same. Citizenship by definition, carries privilege, opportunity, rights and benefits for those who make that total commitment to a country, the land and its people.

Second, The giving up of one's citizenship of one country, to gain citizenship in another, is a matter of PERSONAL choice. That is their freedom of choice. Those who desire dualcitizenship seem to "want their cake, and eat it too." Why are they unable to make a choice? Are they waffling, not strong enough to make that decision? Isn't that their own personal dilemma?

Third, if those persons fear that they will forever "remain foreigners," then perhaps they should consider returning home where they will not "feel like a foreigner," or make the commitment to truly become a Norwegian citizen, by swearing total allegiance to Norway. Perhaps it is up to them, to cut those final heart strings, to their nation of birth.

Fourth, when Ms. Borsch posed the question "what is so dangerous .... about having both ... I am not quite sure "dangerous" is the issue. I suppose it could be, if the person having the dual citizenship had pledged their allegiance to a terrorist organization that is trying to destroy western civilization. But I believe it is more of a matter of what is in the best interests of Norway. Many issues that citizens vote on have international implications that do require choosing what is best for Norway. Many government officials make international decisions that affect Norway. If a person with "dual citizenship" still has their heart-strings tied to their native country --- are they willing to make those tough decisions in the best interests of Norway by their vote, or their policy in governmental decisions? Don't we want our governmental leaders to be citizens for a reason?

Fifth, Norway already treats its non-citizen, permanent residents better -- granting these persons benefits far beyond what most countries do. If these non-citizens want additional privileges, greater opportunities, all they have to do is become a citizen. It is their personal choice. Perhaps they should look inward to themselves, to learn why they do not have the strength to make that personal choice of gaining citizenship, and stop placing the blame on the country to which has graciously invited them within its borders, in the first place.

I love Norway, almost as much as I love America. The key word here is "almost." And because of that, I cannot, and I doubt will ever be able to give up my ties to America, for the love of my native country, and become a Norwegian citizen. I do not expect Norway to change its laws of sovereignty, merely to accommodate me, who is either unable or unwilling to make the choice to "truly" become a Norwegian. A Norwegian, is a man or a woman of Norwegian citizenship. Let's keep it that way.

Douglas F. Whiting
Pacific House, California, USA
*****

This was a very interesting article. Another side of the same story is that many Norwegians who emigrated to Canada and the US, and apply for citizenship in those countries, automatically lose their Norwegian citizenship. Would Norway now consider giving that citizenship back to first-generation emigrants?

I was born in Norway and lived in Norway until 1960. In 1981, I tried to move back to Norway. Unfortunately, my father had included me under the Canadian citizenship he took out when I was 14. Oslo refused me both "permission to stay" as well as "permission to work" even though I speak, read and write Norwegian, and the majority of my family still lives in Norway. My father was unaware that when he took out Canadian citizenship, he revoked his Norwegian citizenship. Personally, I would love to have dual citizenship with Norway even though it is unlikely at this point that I would ever move back to Norway. Plan to visit next year though!

Randi Skjolden
Manitoba, Canada
*****

Regarding the article Oslo apologizes for beggars, prostitutes and drug addicts,

Oslo's posture on people in these categories of people can best be described as naive.

"Lae is distressed and says the situation flies in the face of Norway's image as a prosperous welfare state. "People must wonder what kind of needs we have that we don't manage to address in this country," he told NRK."

Yes, we wonder. Beggars, drug addicts and prostitutes do have needs and they are called the need to be lazy and/or criminal. With Norway's safety net, if one wants to waste one's life, not work and be responsible like the majority of the population, why not turn to the streets? Norway will proclaim you a victim, not a vagrant. Perhaps some reality thinking is in order here.

Tom Coleman
Pleasanton, California, USA
*****

Lae is distressed and says the situation flies in the face of Norway's image as a prosperous welfare state. "People must wonder what kind of needs we have that we don't manage to address in this country," he told NRK."

I am reminded of the story of two social workers walking down the street at night and they hear a voice coming from an alley, "Help me, Help me." They go into the alley and see a man lying there bloody. When they ask him what happened he says "I was attacked, robbed and need help." The two social workers walk on and one says to the other: "The person who did that really needs some help."

Herbert I. Deutsch
New York, New York
*****

Regarding the article Top brass and politicians agree on new fighter roles

Espen Barth Eide, State Secretary in the Ministry of Defense, statement that ''a small country like Norway cannot afford more than one type of fighter aircraft. Unlike larger countries, we cannot allow ourselves the luxury of having specialised single role planes," is quite right. So, it is extremely important that the choice of fighter aircraft for the Luftforsvaret/Royal Norwegian Air Force (RNoAF) is the correct one for the following reasons; militarily, politically and monetary.

The RNoAF F-16's has many roles to fulfil: Air Defence, Air Surveillance and Escort duties (for Russian aircraft and other interlopers), Maritime Strike, Ground Attack, Close Air Support and Reconnaissance and so it follows, that if the new fighter requires the same or better capabilities then the choice must be carefully made.

The JSF program is currently attracting a great deal of attention. The cost is rising and it's hard to find a specific projected cost figure. Also as an aircraft in development it still has a long way to go before it is operationally ready so it is sure that the final cost per aircraft will have substantially changed by the time it reaches the squadrons.

JSF is stealthy but only carries 2 x 2000lb bombs and 2 x AMRAAM air to air missiles in its specially designed internal weapon bays in the version that Norway is considering, the CVOL (Conventional Take Off and Landing). If you hang additional weapons or fuel tanks under the wing then the aircraft it is not stealthy which is most of it's attraction. JSF probably would not be able to carry out all the roles that are currently filled by RNoAF F-16's without carrying external weapons/pods/tanks.

JSF will be full of new technology but I have seen it reported that export JSF aircraft will not be of the same equipment standard as US aircraft, hardly attractive if true.

JSF seems to me to be a first strike ground attack weapon with a self defense capability, but Norway never strikes first, only defends the Homeland, unless we include Squadron 338 of the NATO Reaction Force at Ørland Main Air Station which operates under NATO command when deployed.

Stealth will not last forever, even as I write this scientists in other countries will be searching for ways to counter it and a way will be found eventually.

If Norway were ever attacked (heaven forbid) what use would JSF be carrying just two air-to-air missiles in a stealthy configuration whereas the F-16 can carry at least six air-to-air missiles and therefore has much more combat persistence.

Do I seem to be anti JSF? No, not a bit, it will serve very well in those forces that mount expeditionary operations, against terrorist targets and in first strike situations, in my opinion I don't think it's ideal for Norway or Denmark for that matter, not unless both countries decide to increase their contributions to NATO and Coalition operations abroad.

So, what are the alternatives?

1. New build, latest version F-16s, the basic infrastructure to support such aircraft is already in place although I expect changes would have to be made as the F-16 is continually going through a modernisation process. Another advantage is that they may be relatively cheap to buy.

2. SAAB JAS 39 Gripen Next Generation fighter. The Swedish fighter is such an attractive option although it has only just made its first demonstrator flight. It will be full of modern technology with a brand new state of the art radar, but not yet, the full up version will not be ready until 2015. Reports suggest that the version now flying has acquitted itself very well in Air Defence exercises, carries a useful air to ground weapon load, has a good data link system and can easily cope with Northern Hemisphere operations. Furthermore should Norway venture into a Scandinavian Alliance with Sweden which I have seen spoken about in the press then it would be a definite advantage for all members to operate the same weapon system.

3. Eurofighter Typhoon. Eurofighter had withdrawn from the fighter competition but some reports suggest that it has been called back in - I hope so. Typhoon would be my fighter of choice for Norway, it's in squadron service, has just achieved multi role capability with the Royal Air Force, carries a very impressive air to air and air to ground weapons load, it's built to last, it's performance envelope in all regimes of flight is very impressive, reputedly runs rings around F-16's and F-15's (as it should do) and is an immensely powerful aircraft well suited to look after the SU-27 and SU-30's of your Russian neighbours. The technology in Typhoon is very modern and more will follow. Typhoon provides a powerful, versatile, heavyweight punch to those who operate it and it is European. Typhoon will fulfil all the roles that your current F-16's carry out but it will do so with a much greater capacity and weapons persistence.

Postscript:

You may wonder why I wrote this article, which is based on my opinion, military experience and open sources from the Internet. It is because I am a regular reader of Aftenposten's English version. I love Norway, it is my spiritual home, it used to be my real home when my Norwegian wife was alive, she died after a year of marriage but Norway remains buried deep in my soul as the memory of my wife does too. I love to return which I do most years to visit relations. I cannot explain it, but I know many people feel it. Norway, a land of great beauty, tradition and a mix of the old and new. It always feels like going home when I return.

I first came to Norway and Oslo in 1968, Oslo was such a beautiful clean city, a lovely place to visit even though it was expensive even then. I don't like cities much these days but I had to visit Oslo this year, a break of 40 years between visits. I was dismayed at the change, drug addicts at the rail station, streets were dirty in comparison with how I remember and immigrants standing on every corner, it did not feel safe to go out late at night. Thankfully the places where I regularly visit have not changed and all the charm remains.

Thank you for the entertaining and well'written articles and keep up the good work.

David Geaves
Tortosa, Spain
*****

(Regarding the prospects for a new WTO agreement, which would reduce import barriers to cheaper foreign products and possibly lower Norway's food prices ...)

I, for one, really do hope that this comes true. The range and quality of food which is found in Norwegian supermarkets is appalling. I come from New Zealand, which is just about the most remote country on earth, but we have far better food, both in range of products on the supermarket shelves and in quality, at far cheaper prices than what is available in Norway.

As far as food in Norway is concerned, the Norwegian people have to be blamed for allowing the continued practice of subsidising Norwegian farmers. I can't understand why people here don't protest. Effectively the taxpayer is paying twice for poor quality food -- once to the farmers in subsidies via excessive taxes, and again at the checkout.

It shouldn't be the farmers protesting, it should be the consumer.

I believe that if Norwegian farmers can't compete then they should sell up and find another career. I suggest you have a look at the farm reforms that happened in New Zealand in the 1980s. Overnight, farming went from being a highly protected and subsidised industry to one of the most competitive and cost-effective in the world. That kind of reform is needed in Norway.

Rob Cumming
Aukra, Norway
*****

I've read about the outrageous behavior of high school graduates. I thought russ were college graduates, they are 19 years old usually. At least that's what they were back in the 1950s and '60's. Also the high school grads wore green caps, they had nothing to do with agriculture.I guess things have changed...

Also to you girls intending to do a porno film, including having sex. Think ahead girls!!! That will stay with you for life. That will pop up when you least expect it. Once it's on film it will be on the internet etc, etc. The whole world will see you. You will have trouble getting a job, your kids will hear about it, and so on and on....

My best to you all, remember your future,

Unni Foss
Shepherd, Texas, USA
*****

Regarding the article on traffic deaths in Norway, I have just returned home to the UK from Norway. I drove my own vehicle travelling approx 3,500 km. My observation on your speed limits is that they are way too slow. It takes forever and a day to go anywhere. This, I believe, is a contributory factor to vehicle accidents.

I drove on some roads that were fairly straight and had great visibility, which here in the UK would be about 96kph or even 112kph, but were marked at 70kph or even less. I found that driving at such slow speed limits caused fatigue through boredom, a queue would form and drivers would become agitated and then take risks in trying to overtake.

Having slow speed limits does not mean safer roads. I am no boy racer, but do believe you should be able to drive at a higher speed where conditions are safe and appropriate. I wonder how many accidents on Norwegian roads are a result of overtaking. If the speed limits were raised, surely this would help alleviate the need to overtake, thus lowering the rates of accidents.

Ken James
Bournemouth, Dorset, UK
*****

Regarding the article on beggars in Oslo,

The politician Breen talks a load of rubbish. These are not normal beggars, this is organised crime from Eastern Europe. They collect the money and give it to a bag person waiting nearby. The same thing was happening in London until the police stopped them and moved them on. They use kids and make people feel sorry for them.

It is a total eyesore for any tourist visting Oslo to see these people and be accosted by them. They must be moved on and begging must be made illegal. There are plenty of organisations, like the Salvation Army etc who are more than willing to help the needy.

Thank goodness there are some politicians, even though ex-politicians, who can see common sense.

Andy Bishop
Bedford, England
*****

I have been here (in Oslo) five weeks on assignment and completely agree with the article on service in Norway:

#1. Competition makes things better for everybody.

#2. No accountability and lowered expectations make things worse for everybody.

Takk,
Alan Ekland
Seattle, Washington, USA

P.S.: It is awful to see what the graffiti vandals have done to this beautiful city.
*****

As a very frequent (British) user of (Oslo's main airport at) Gardermoen I am becoming increasingly of the opinion that this is a Third World airport. It's been in bad shape for many years with poor maintenance of equipment and public areas, but recently this has become much worse. This has nothing to do with the construction work going on but is a fundamental problem that has gone on for many years.

Having used the airport for the last three weeks in May, it is appalling that one elevator was stuck in the same position for all this time without any apparent attempt to repair it. Last week coming up from the car park area not only was this elevator still out of action but the escalator from the arrivals level to the departure level was also out. Unless you know the airport well and walk the full length to the next elevators a long wait was in store before you get to departures.

The toilets, especially those in the arrivals hall, are another cause for concern often with no soap, toilet paper or towels and rubbish all over the place. This gets especially bad late in the evening and it is obvious that no attention is paid to the condition of the airport in the evenings despite a lot of incoming flights until very late.

The airport will be celebrating its 10th anniversary in October (I still have my first day out pin!) Let's hope the airport's management can by then gets its house in order because for too long this airport has been a sorry advertisement for the great country of Norway.

Les McLaren
Territory Manager - Europe North
Chamberlain GmbH
*****

I note in your letters area that someone said that President Bush is a humble man. Indeed he has much to be humble about.

Walter Nelson
Plymouth, Minnesota, USA
*****

I enjoy reading your articles of news in Norway as I have many close relatives there and visit often, but I'm afraid the article on Mr. Gingrich is deserving of criticism on several levels.

Both the heading's use of the word "misguided" and the introduction's use of the description as "arch-conservative" are opinions that should be reserved for an editorial page. I have heard Mr Gingrich's comments and as you reported he stated that Norway has reached a seemingly admirable balance between oil production and envrionmentalism.

This to an American public, the vast majority, who have no idea that Norway even produces oil. I heard the comments and took them as educational rather than political.

And as to the statement from Mr. Solheim "rebutting" Mr. Gingrich's conclusions about Norway's environmental regulations: What did he think Mr. Gingrich meant by his use of the words "remarkable balance"? As to Mr. Hauge's comment that "maybe it's us who needs to learn from the US": Well then, do so, ban all offshore drilling and exploration. Give up the oil revenue to the other nations who will drill in a much less envrionmentally friendly fashion than do you.

No, Mr. Gingrich had it right! Norway has it right!

David Amdahl
Decorah, Iowa, USA
*****

Your (news service) is very well-written and shows remarkable intelligence and sound analysis. I have rarely read anything that reflects this level of knowledge about US politics, especially from a foreign source.

Leonard Martino, USA
*****

It didn't take too long before Norsk environmentalists, socialists and their fellow travelers opened up on our Newt Gingrich. Let me come to his defense.

Norway, unlike the US, is self-sufficient in meeting its crude oil demands. We in the US have been laboring under burdensome prohibitions that prevent drilling in more than 85 percent of our offshore waters and on 60 percent of federally owned lands.

Yes, it's the spector of the celebrated Santa Barbara spill in 1969 that still inspires these bans. Our own MSM fails to mention that drilling methods have immensely improved since 1969. The development of the North Sea fields and others have subsequently benefited from the lessons learned in California. Moreover, areas near Santa Barbara repeatedly experience natural seepage from oil rising up from the fractured (orogenic effect) zones and have done so since before the arrival of homo sapiens. A sound argument can be made that expanded drilling in that particular field would relieve hydrostatic pressure sufficiently to reduce the frequency of natural seepage that often mars the nearby beaches.

Indeed it is nice for Norwegian tourism that the oil platforms of the North Sea lie over the horizon from the vantage of Bergen and other points along Norway's beautiful southwest coast Correspondingly, the parcels proposed for exploration in the eastern Gulf of Mexico, that Floridians have stubbornly resisted, are a hundred miles (160 kilometers) from the nearest point of land. They could not be seen from atop a mile-high tower in Tampa. Fortunately, some Floridians are now coming to their senses as gasoline is topping USD 4 a gallon. Even Governor Charlie Crist has said he would favor a program of carefully planned and executed drilling in certain areas off their "west" coast.

Just what adverse effects seismic and other exploration methods might have on fish stocks is far from clear. Many decades of oil exploration, drilling and production in the Gulf of Mexico has fostered expansion of fish stocks. The offshore platforms become de factoreefs that sustain habitat for forage fish that in turn suppport increased numbers of various desirable species. I could go on with this, but at this moment I have other projects awaiting my attention.

William Balgord
Middleton, Wisconsin, USA
*****

I find it quite sad that Aftenposten, the Norwegian government and the environmental movement in Norway would try to smear Newt Gingrich by labeling him "arch-conservative." His comments were very complimentary to Norway. Mr. Gingrich said that Norway has struck the right balance between protecting the environment and exploring for oil and gas. What is untrue about that statement? Isn't it true that Norway is not dependent on foreign oil and rather is a net oil exporter? So maybe he doesn't understand all the regulations that Norway has in place. But to ridicule him over that is unfair, and makes the Norwegian government and media look rather small and unappreciative. It is articles like this that make a lot of Americans think that there is a lot of anti-Americanism in Norway; in particular a lot of bias against American Republicans. Given that Aftenposten has labeled Mr Gingrich an "arch-conservative," are you ready to label for instance Barrack Obama as an "arch-liberal" (because he certainly is as liberal as Mr Gingrich is conservative).

A lot of us in America would like our country to explore for oil and gas offshore; we certainly don't mean it to be in sight of the shoreline or to be environmentally damaging. People like Mr Gingrich support this view and shouldn't be ridiculed over it; it's quite a common view held by people of various political persuasions here in America these days.

Erik Moy
Marlborough Massachusetts, USA
*****

In response to the story No 'vanity' plates in Norway,

Transport Minister Liv Signe Navarsete's response is so typical of the Stoltenberg government.

Even though a lot of people obviously want personalized plates and are willing to pay for the privilege, she decides, "No, " just because she doesn’t like it.

The tyranny of the minority is alive and well in this supposedly democratic and egalitarian nation.

Brian Bach,
Lillestrøm
*****

For years and years I drove around Northern Virginia with a plate saying "Ja Vel." Only a few understood it.

Bob Slaney, USA
*****

I see Norwegian politicians are as stupid as ours (in the US).

I think this must be Vanity Minister Navarsete's theme song:
(Clip from You Tube)

David Krall
Hammond, Indiana
*****

In response to the story Ferry route shutdown ends 'historic' link to England

Both my wife and I were saddened to hear of this closure. I have visited Bergen on two occasions, arriving by ferry each time and the journey last time along the scenic coast was one of the highlights of my holiday experiences.

On my first visit we stayed in Voss and Bergen and enjoyed travelling around the area. This move will hit the Bergen tourist trade severely (as well as the area around the northeast of England).

I believe it will still be possible to reach Bergen by air, but I very much doubt that the food on the aircraft will reach the standard of that on the ferry.

All in all, a sad day for tourists.

Andrew Calow
Sheffield, UK
*****

Would anyone care to answer the question, "How on earth does one visit friends and family in Norway after 1 September 2008? Since 1955 when I first went "home," I have seen ( and used) routes to Oslo, Kristiansand, Bergen, Goteborg and now Stavanger shut: indeed I deliberately travelled on the last boat back from Kristiansand when that link closed. I do not wish to fly, but do wish to use MY car in Norway, and, as usual, bring back a load of Norsk produce.

Was my 29th trip in October 2007 my last visit? The Tyne area reckons a GBP10 million yearly loss to their economy, so presumably Norway will suffer a similar amount.

Whilst the heady days of the '50s with two boats a week to Oslo and Bergen will not return, surely one ferry company can fit in a weekly dash to Newcastle from, say, Kristiansand and back?

David Walls
UK
*****

Some comments to this article,and implications for Western Norway. I think this is awful and will have a major impact for Bergen, Haugesund and Stavanger.

1 – This will have a major impact on tourism in Western Norway during the summer months

2 – This will also have a major impact on the British expatriates living and working in Western Norway (Stavanger, Bergen). This link was a key transport route to attract workers such as myself from the UK, with the ability to travel to the UK by car both at Christmas and during long summer holidays. It will now be hard to attract these types of workers due to such poor communication links (bearing in mind that direct flights to Newcastle and Manchester have also been cut from Flesland). I have been here 10 years now and used this ferry at least once per year.

3 – What is the likleihood of the government or local communities doing something about this? I am suprised that the ferry to the Faereos is economic whilst the one to the UK is not.

Ian Sharp
Bergen
*****

I was very disappointed to read that DFDS intends to bring to an end the route between Newcastle and Norway. I have travelled this route yearly for the past eight years, firstly with Fjordline, and after they pulled out, with DFDS. My last trip was at the end of May when I travelled with several work colleagues to kayak up Lysefjord. I am also booked on the ferry for August to travel with my family for our yearly holiday to my partners' families' summer cottage on the East coast. Although the ferry in May was quite quiet, it was early in the season for tourists to Norway, so came as no surprise. However, when travelling in the summer, I always find the ferry to be quite busy.

Last year, DFDS dropped Kristiansand from the route, which at the time I thought was a great inconvenience to passengers travelling to the East coast, but with a young family travelling with kayaks, food and provisions for two weeks, it was still the best way for us to travel. I now don't know what I will do next year. Whether to take the circuitous route via Denmark, or just fly. Surely this historic route between our two countries could be made more profitable. Smaller ships, less sailings and more competitive pricings maybe. It has always appeared that once on the ship, the company do their best to wring as much money out of the travellers as possible, with extortionately high prices for the essentials such as food and drink on board. Maybe if they had a re-think they could turn things around. If not, then maybe Fjordline may have a re-think.

Mark Treleaven-Jones
North Wales
*****

In response to the story State set to raise fuel taxes:

I suppose this is inevitable from a woman who has no idea how to be in government.I suppose the extra tax will pay for an even bigger pension for her, or I suppose she will probably lose more money playing the share market with the oil fund.

Surely common sense will prevail with the Norwegian people and (they will) get rid of this left-wing government. The infrastructure in this country is appalling. I have never seen such bad roads in my life and all she does is waste the money trying to make more money on the share market. Greed, greed, greed.

About time she gave a little back to the Norwegian people. Just wait until haulage companies start going bust due to the extra taxes, then she will have to pay out unemployment benefits. It doesn't take much common knowledge to work out, you can't keep taxing the people.

Andy Bishop
Englishman living in Trøgstad
*****

You write that "government policies have always aimed to discourage use of private cars in Norway by heavily taxing the cars themselves and the gasoline they need to operate." True enough. But it would help if the government would provide affordable, reliable rail and other public transportation, so that we wouldn't have to rely on automobiles. They aren't doing that now.

Peter Settli
*****

(In response to the story about torn-up streets and addicts in Oslo)

Although I’ve been a regular visitor to Norway in recent years, I made my first trip to Oslo for Holmenkollen weekend a few months ago.

Although drug addicts, beggars and considerable amounts of engineering works were in evidence around the train station, the most disturbing thing in the area from my point of view were the aggressive African prostitutes.

I've travelled the world, but outside of Amsterdam, haven't come across such a blatant disregard for the law of the land. I shudder to think what impression this gives of Oslo and Norway to many visitors. It really can't be good for the image of the city.

Adam Taylor
Newcastle
*****

(In response to the story Geldof 'disappointed' over Norwegian hypocrisy)

I hope Norway's government does not take too much notice of Bob Geldof's criticism regarding subsidies to Norwegian farmers. I cannot believe he thinks the hardship farmers in England suffer because of cheap imports of food (and flowers) from Africa and other continents is desirable.

Many of them have had to give up their farms and been declared bankrupt, and some have committed suicide through desperation at their dire financial situation, mainly brought about by government policies and EU directives.

I would have thought importing food from Africa would add considerably to the carbon footprints involved in bringing the food to Norwegian outlets as well as harm the Norwegian farming industry.

Charity begins at home and I do not think it is in anybody's interest that Norwegian farmers suffer the same fate as many of those here in England.

Nora Smythe
Cambridge, UK
*****

(In response to the story Coastal line slims down

Having traveled on the old ships such as m/s Finnmarken and m/s Ragnvald Jarl, I thought that the change to the new large ships was a very stupid move. Looks like I am correct!

Edward Eilertsen
Meriden, Connecticut, USA
*****

As a well-integrated foreigner in this country, it is sad to see the way some politicians have built their popularity by giving a wrong image about foreigners and principally immigrants, in order gain the support of the masses.

I have always believed that those political parties whose politics are based on creating a fear of immigrants in the Norwegian society, are simply an obstacle to the integration of other communities in this country. Where does the integration start when immigrants are already pictured as people to keep away?

And it is sad to see that these kind of political parties are gaining ground in this country. We hope that the Norwegian people will one day open their eyes and see that the reality of being among foreigners or immigrants can be other than the already-built-up image they have from these political parties that are just luring them to achieve their personal goals.

Eric Lumumba
Orkdal
*****

I am Canadian and live in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Yesterday, I was lucky enough to secure a ticket to the sold out Canada – Norway IIHF World Hockey Championship quarter-final game in Halifax.

I want all Norwegians to know how proud you should be of the men who played for your national hockey team. Even though the final was 8-2 for Canada, the Norwegians kept the game close for the first half of the game. In fact the score was 2-2 up to that point of the game.

On average, the Canadians were 7 to 10 cm taller and weighed 13 to 18 more kilograms than the Norwegians. Yet, your boys played with all the grit and heart that made them look much bigger.

Hockey is truly Canada's national sport. We know that it takes more than just skill to play the fastest game in the world. You need to play with emotion, and when wearing your country's colours, a love for your country and its people.

I can tell you, first hand, that your team represented Norway in a most professional manner and showed all of Canada their love for your country. They left Halifax, today, with the highest level of respect from Canadians across the country. So when you see them on the street, give them a pat on the back. You should be very proud of the men who wear the polar bear crest on their jerseys and played their hearts out for you and your country.

Steven Dodge
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
*****

In reference to the story on partying high school graduates called "russ:"

I've watched this phenomenon for several years as reported by your website. How does this persist? Do these children not have parents? How are high school students allowed to rampage this way?

In the US college students "party" on Spring Break and commit inanities and it's justified (in a sense) as "blowing off steam," relieving the pressure of intense studies, etc. But high school students? I can see no justification aside from libertine-ism.

Perhaps there is something "behind the screen." Liberty is not the freedom to do what you want; it's the freedom to do what you ought. Perhaps this is a symptom of Norway's socialistic philosophies.

Samuel Lane
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
*****

Your headline "Stoltenberg confronts problems in Africa" reinforces the stereotypical and negative reporting that have dominated western media reporting on Africa for centuries.

Wouldn't it just have been enough to say, for example: "Stoltenberg attends African meeting", which is, according to your article, what he did, anyway.

By associating Africa with problems, you perpetuate the centuries-old biased reporting that constantly associates Africa with barbaric savagery, wars, starvation, disease, etc. This, unfortunately, has the unintended consequences of characterising Africans in the minds of many of your readers as brutish and inherently incompetent people incapable of solving their own day-to-day problems - the roots of racism and prejudice towards black people.

Given the continent's bloody and painful history, Africa does indeed have political and social problems but there are also glimmers of hope and progress.

Apart from the likes of Robert Mugabe and other like-minded despots, the majority of African leaders have accepted the basic tenets orf democracy. Elections are increasingly being held regularly, the right of assembly and free speech is being respected, and there is a vibrant free press in most countries. Almost all governments have made a commitment to uphold and respect human rights.

For the last six years, African economies have recorded an annual growth rate of over 5 percent.

Isn't that something?

Percy Mashaire
Espoo, FINLAND
*****

If it were not for the 17th May, would Norway get buried in garbage?

As the snow melts and spring flowers and bulbs pop up through the ground to display their vibrant colours ... up pops a mountain of garbage accumulated during the long winter, hidden from prying eyes

What a sad indictment on our nation, which is supposed to be one of the "best places in the world to live." Our gardens and roadsides are littered with beer cans, bottles, fast-food wrappers, cigarette packets, newspapers, junk mail, unmentionable nasties ... so "carefully" disposed of by passing tourists? I doubt it.

Why do we seek to destroy our enviable lifestyle through behaving with such gross neglect of our environment? Are we too pre-occupied with our careers and our toys to spend time with and care for our offspring, teaching them the ways of a clean, caring society, one of which to be proud? Why do we "older and wiser citizens" discard rubbish so casually and set such a poor example of how we wish future generations to respect and love this land?

Perhaps those of us who care should petition and stand with our banners where the cruise ships dock or where the aircraft land to warn those who choose to visit this land of ours that ... "Norway could be hazardous to their health."

If YOU CARE - DO SOMETHING ... before it's too late.

Ron Hosking
Jar
*****

In reaction to the article Politics won over human rights in Vanunu asylum case, it is shocking to see how far some hypocrite politicians are willing to go just to secure their interests with supposed democratic states by violating basic human rights.

Norway is a country that presents itself as an example on human rights, but has failed one more time. Let's just hope this scandal ... is not just the tree that hides the forest.

Eric Lumumba
Orkdal
*****

I am writing about the article Language under assault. I am Basque and I visit your web site as many times as I can. It is very interesting, complete and well-done in general.

Reading this article reminds me of the situation with the Basque language here. It is much too influenced by Spanish, unfortunately for us only 30% of the inhabitants understand and speak Basque, so I think the situation for the Norwegian language is much better.

Anyway I think that the attitude of the culture minister is understandable but perhaps a little bit exaggerated. To create a governmental declaration, it can be necessary, but although I don't live in Norway, I think that the situation isn't so bad, so in my opinion this declaration should be understood as a follow-up of the importance to protect, and especially use Norwegian in all the situations of normal life. Any extreme attitude from the government could generate the opposite reaction from the society, so moderation is quite important with this subject.

Alain Gonzalez Artola
Andoain (Basque Country)
*****

A first step towards the survival of the Norwegian language would be to agree on a common spelling instead of two different official ones.

A second step would be to set a preference for a common pronounciation.

A third step would be to apply the first two step to all of Scandinavia.

After all, size is what matters, and if even Norwegians and Swedes preferably speak English with each other, how can one motivate academics or businessmen to learn Norwegians if they only understand a minor part of the Norwegian population?

I see the same as mentioned in the article happen in my native Germany, but I am confident enough that the language will survive, because it seems to be above the critical mass. Efforts like banning words won't help. The French have tried that unsuccessfully. Even Societe General now uses English as its working language. English has become what Latin used to be. After all, we can be happy for English being so powerful.

It will at least save our grandchildren from mandatory Chinese lessons.

Ralf R. Müller, Dr.-Ing, Professor
Department of Electronics & Telecommunications,
Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Trondheim
*****

I am a Norwegian American. I read Aftenposten daily. I was dismayed to see that the Progress Party is gaining ground in Norway. I looked up their party platform and it is almost an exact copy of the American Republican Party, which has brought so much ruin to America. Look it up. You will see that. The Republican Party stands for YOYO, you are on your own. Besides leading to fiscal failure, it seeks to make the rich richer and the poor poorer and it has succeeded. I think The Progress Party is very un-Norwegian. I also wonder if corporate interests, both Norwegian and American are backing this party.

Alfa Olsen
New York, Newy York
*****

I'm writing about the story Cannabis suspects pack jails.

It seems to me that in order to properly evaluate your nation's drug policies, you need to compare and contrast the drug policies of other nations with substantially different drug policies.I suggest that you use the United States and the Czech Republic for your comparison.

In the Czech Republic citizens can legally use, possess, grow, sell or purchase small quantities of cannabis.

In the United States, many otherwise law-abiding citizens are locked in prison cages for possessing, growing or selling various amounts of cannabis.

The Czech overall drug arrest rate is 1 per 100,000 population. The US overall drug arrest rate is 585 per 100,000 population. The Czech robbery rate is 2 per 100,000 population. The US robbery rate is 160.2 per 100,000 population, according to the FBI.

According to our drug war cheerleaders, tolerant cannabis laws cause people to use other, much more dangerous drugs like methamphetamine and heroin. This doesn't happen in the Czech Republic. Why not?

Could it be that when people can legally obtain cannabis at an affordable price, they tend not to use or desire any other recreational drugs?

Could it be that cannabis legalisation actually creates a roadblock to hard drug use -- not a gateway?

Kirk Muse
Mesa, Arizona
*****

Regarding the commentary about a dialect debate in Norway:

I myself have been through a bit of the same mess as Tatjana from your article. I learned Norwegian in Oslo and have inlaws both in Trondheim and in Ålesund. I now live in Montréal.

I completely agree that dialects make things more complicated, although if you only need to learn a couple, it's not too bad with practice. Problems arise, of course, when you come in contact with many different people all speaking their own brand of Norwegian...

Norwegians seem to see only the positive side of the dialects (preserving the heritage and identity and so forth) so it's good to remind them that all that "biodiversity" creates a very confusing environment for newcomers. As long as they are aware of it. I'm not asking them to ditch the dialects, just to be aware of the complications they create. The fact that they're not as documented doesn't help either (you can't buy an Assimil method for "learning Trøndersk in 20 easy lessons").

Daniel Albert
Montreal, Canada
*****

I have lived in Norway for three years now, and am currently working and studying at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences in Ås.

I am also engaged to a young woman from Fresvik in Sogn, which is where we both plan on moving when we are finished with our studies. At her home, there are four dialects; Vågå, Sogn, Bokmål, and Østfold (Rømskog). I admit that it has often been difficult to learn three different words for "head," but also stimulating.

Before moving here to Norway I lived in Germany, first in the South (black forest) and then in the Northwest (NRW) which also had different dialects.

For someone who comes from Canada, I give a lot of respect to these European countries who despite globalisation and integration have a firm grasp on their roots and traditions. It is our choice and responsibility to deal with these problems, as guests, visitors and newcomers.

G Gilpin
Ås, Norway
*****

I just read your very interesting article about foreigners trying to learn Norwegian and on top of that the problem with all the various dialects and nynorsk.

I was born in Bergen and went through gymnasium in Oslo in the late 1950s. I have been visiting Norway many times since I moved to California and I cannot tell you how many times I have not been able to understand what people have been saying to me and I have switched to English in order to understand people. Most people speak English and it is easier to understand their English than it is to understand anything but bokmaal language. I even came across one salesperson who told me she herself had a hard time understanding her husband because he spoke some dialect.

I was very discouraged that I could not understand some of the sales people in the stores and servers in the restaurants, but I was told by friends that because they speak so many different dialects, I should not take it personally. Everyone understood my spoken Norwegian but nine times out of 10 I switched to English in order not to embarrass them by constantly asking what they were saying - they might as well have spoken "Greek" because at times I just didn't understand a single word.

Pity the poor person who is trying to learn Norwegian from scratch. I at least had 20+ years of education in Norway and speak the language fluently.

Else Schlueter
California, USA
*****

No country should alter its language to accommodate immigrants. It is asinine for an immigrant to ask why Norwegians don't all speak the same way in order to accommodate foreigners learning the language. That's real nerve and shows cultural disrespect for the country they've chosen to move to.

Michael Skretteberg
Claremont, Ontario, Canada
*****

I would like to rebut Michael Skretteberg's comment on this issue.

I wonder if Michael has any direct experience acclimating to the language culture here. The name could be Scandinavian so maybe he speaks a scandic language, but I doubt has learned one as an adult. While his point has some validity, I find it completely naive and choose instead to applaud Aftenposten's honesty in covering this debate.

I am also an American living in Norway and this is a most incredible challenge. I had no idea of the size of this challenge until I moved here and later encountered colleagues from the North.

No one is asking Norwegians to give up their dialects or "alter" their language. It's a question of making immigrants feel wanted and facilitating their education (especially when speaking directly to them). I find that most people will try to accommodate me when I speak Norwegian by neutralizing their dialect and slowing down their speech. This is common courtesy, not a cultural sacrifice. And it's a courtesy I use with my international colleagues (including Norwegians) when I speak English. This is an etiquette they also use when conversing with Swedes, Danes or other Norwegians from other parts of the country!

Then there is the odd person who seems to crawl as deep as possible into their dialect and even speed up their speech when I am in the room. And I suspect there is a hint of ethnocentric reflection in many of the these people. It's often the same people who complain that we should "learn the language" who don't want to help out in this regard.

Norwegians should be accommodating to those of us who try to master their language as an alternative to using English (which is actually much easier). I have even heard Norwegians switch to English in order to understand each other!

Robert Rasmussen
Grimstad Norway
*****

(Editor's note: We've had a lot of mail on Aftenposten's story about a Norwegian professor who ranked George W Bush as the worst US president ever. Here's a sample of the reaction:)

It is a pity that Norway considers this professor to be its 'expert' on American presidents. To quote an eminent cosmologist's remark after hearing a new theory on the origin of the universe: He isn't even wrong.

His hindsight prism on slavery coloring his view of Andrew Johnson and his current misunderstanding of both the war on terror and the actual role of an American president make his list risible.

Michael Jones
Chicago
*****

I herewith nominate professor Ole Moen as the stupidest professor in Norway. His knee-jerk naive comments about Bush speak volumes of his real ignorance of USA politics and society.

James W.Berhow
Farmington, Minnesota, USA
*****

It is apparent that Ole O Moen's opinions on US presidents, the best and the worst, do not amount to much. How else could he have missed the most ineffectual of them all, Jimmy Carter, Nobel recipient, who was beaten badly when trying for a second term and who now spends his days as an angry old man disparaging the current president?

Meanwhile, Moen doesn't have Harry Truman in the top 5. How could he be missed?

If Moen notices approval ratings, he must be aware that the US Congress enjoys lesser ratings than the president, so I suppose we have a kind of team effort, the two branches of government stinking in concert.

Travis Cleveland
Dorchester, Iowa, USA
*****

Greetings from an American who reads the English edition of Aftenposten. Your scholar's assessment of the quality of US presidents is right on the mark. I'm a Republican who has been so ashamed these last eight years. Hopefully, it appears the party will nominate an honorable, qualified candidate. Perhaps the US may be able to regain a position of honor and credibility among nations.

John Plunkett
Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
*****

I read with humor the article noting that professor Ole O Moen says that President George W Bush is the worst president in US history. As a former instructor of US History in secondary education(high school), I find it appalling that a so-called learned person can make such a statement. I was always taught and then taught my students that it takes at least one generation to fully assess the success or failure of any president. My personal take is that Bill Clinton will go down in history as a loser. There are no redeeming qualities to his presidency but, then again, it is too soon to make this prediction as fact.

As for George Bush, I suggest that his rating will rise as the years go by. Professor Ole O Moen needs to go back and take a basic course in good judgment.

Michael Loehrer
Westerville, Ohio, USA
*****

I don't even know where to start in rebutting Professor Moen's ranking of George Bush as the worst US President. Let's go to each of his points:

1) Professor Moen states that President Bush displays "arrogance and ignorance" and lacked an ability to listen to and cooperate with other heads of state, and with the US Congress. Why is it always President Bush (and America in general) that is supposed to listen to everything that Norway or Europe or "international opinion’"says? Aren't they sometimes wrong also? There is this mindset that because President Bush doesn't say okay to everything that Europe or other countries demand, that he is wrong. This is just plain silly.

2) All the intelligence on Iraq prior to the U.S. invasion stated that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction and was developing more weapons. Even the UN believed this, and the Security Council voted for Saddam Hussein to come clean on this. When he refused, President Bush did the right thing and forcefully disarmed him. If the world believed that Saddam Hussein had these weapons, it seems as if the right choice was made by Presid ent Bush to disarm him. As far as "chaos in Iraq," well, it has been a few tough years I’m sure the Iraqis will tell you, but the recent surge of troops and General Petraeus' fine leadership have started to turn things around in Iraq. Much of the country is doing much better than even just a few months ago, and Iraqis are now more hopeful about their future. Insurgencies take time to wear down, and no one should have been surprised that it would take this long.

3) President Bush has refused to sign the Kyoto Protocol, and rightly so. President Clinton (whom Norway fawns all over) refused to sign it as well. Why? Because it would destroy the U.S. economy. And it's very hypocritical of European countries that signed the treaty but can't reach its targets. It seems that Europe has fumbled the ball on this, and now realizes that the Kyoto Protocol is unrealistic and will actually harm economies.

4) It's not just President Bush who doesn't want US citizens hauled before the International Court. The International Court made a mockery of the trial of Slobodan Milosevic, taking years to prosecute a case that should have taken a few months at most. Why in the world should my country let its citizens and US military personnel be subjected to a bunch of anti-war and anti-American judges in The Hague?

5) President Bush has cut taxes for the middle class, and I have first-hand knowledge of this as I am part of our middle class here in the U.S. I have more money in my pocket; the economy has grown over the past seven years. Raising taxes will hurt the middle class. The rich will always be rich (no matter where they live), but the middle class can't afford higher taxes in this country.

6) President Bush doesn't care about his legacy? I doubt that, but he is a man of a humble character. I do think he makes decisions not based on his own gain, but what he feels is best for his country. In contrast, President Clinton only made decisions that would help his popularity and his own selfish gain. And for eight years President Clinton neglected to respond to terrorist attacks against American and Western interests including the bombing of the World Trade Center in 1993, the attacks on the US embassies in Africa, the bombing of the USS Cole, etc. He neglected his first duty of office which is to protect America. Due to Clinton's neglect, al-Qaeda believed the US was weak and therefore planned and executed the September 11, 2001 attacks.

I think that Professor Moen is displaying a lot of ignorance regarding President Bush. How sad.

Thank you to Aftenposten for the forum.

Erik Moy
Marlborough, Massachusetts, USA
*****

At the end of the article on Oslo's looming transit strike, it was asked: "If Fagforbundet should get more money, who should get less?"

Maybe our politicians should use less money to save the rain forest and consider using NOK 3 billion to help the neighborhoods in Oslo and the rest of Norway!

If they have NOK 3 billion to save the rain forest, then certainly they can have enough to lower our taxes! I am appalled at the extravagant misuse of our (high) taxes by Norway's top politicians!

Mark Tantillo
Nes Kommune
*****

Tell the poor fools (caught up in the townships' investment scandal) who thought they were "investing" that their action was mere speculation, as is any thought of acquiring a "paper" product.

They will be much better served in the future to acquire gold as the only true "investment" in this time of a paper flood, not the least of which comes from all of the international currencies.

Charles Nicolette
Odessa, Texas, USA
*****

Regarding the story about Norway and Sweden poised to defend each other, for the duration of World War II, while Sweden remained "neutral," it let other countries fight the Germans to free the world from Nazi domination.

So while Norway was under German invasion and occupation, Sweden engaged in "tourism;" that is, the Gestapo and Germans could take a holiday from the war by coming to Sweden for "rest and relaxation..."

Dear Norway, don't enter into any military protection agreements with those cowards in Sweden; they failed Norway and the world once before, and cannot be trusted.

Kenneth Hermanrud Poulsen
Cowley, Alberta, Canada
*****

Regarding the story about Al Gore opting for a train over a limo,

(It) was very nice to see they took the train into Oslo from the airport. I guess the luggage came by limo.

S Nilsen
Oslo
*****

I have just read your article entitled If Not Santa, then Snowmen. The renaming of Bardufoss Airport to Snowmen International Airport must be a joke. This is amazing. It would be funny if it were not true.

Why are they comparing Norway to Finland? Can't they dig into the Norwegian Ethos and come up with something more sensible, original and home-grown ??

Seems like they are feeling insecure. Feels like they think there is a competition between Norway and Finland.

Snowmen International Airport sounds silly, besides annoying all those politically correct feminist types out there.

At the end of the day, everyone knows Santa comes from Norway...

Ade Erik Rødt Larsen
Tønsberg
*****

Regarding the story about Mullah Krekar's continued presence in Oslo despite a deportation order:

One thing is sure; Krekar has enough knowledge about Norway ... geographic, politically, etc ... that he will be a fantastic source of information to terrorists.

Michael Skretteberg
Claremont, Ontario, Canada
*****

I was very shocked to read in your photo-report on "Norway’s Wealthiest Individuals" that three of these men have made colossal fortunes (a combined 53.4 billion kroner) from the grocery/food business.

A little research has also shown that, between them, Stein Erik Hagen, Johan Johansson and Odd Reitan control just about every food-store chain in the country. And yet, as you pointed out in the article, Norwegians pay – on average – 3 times the price for everyday items than their counterparts in other countries. Unfortunately, very few of them earn 3 times the salary of fellow western Europeans.

By contrast, in Holland, the last country I lived in before moving to Norway, the owner of the biggest retail grocery chain in the country – Albert Heijn – has a reported personal fortune of "only" NOK 3.5 billion. And this is from 700 supermarkets in a country with a population of 16 million.

Admittedly the Norwegian fortunes pale into insignificance when compared with the estimated personal fortune of Walmart's former CEO Sam Walton (at least NOK 320 billion) but one should bear in mind that Walmart has about 4,000 stores in the US alone and many other business interests in America and abroad.

I would very much hope that these individuals are not profiteering from artificially inflated prices or discriminatory stocking policies. However, I have to say that during a recent trip to France I was amazed at the consistently low prices of basic foodstuffs. And my local store here in Oslo still stocks only one brand of butter!

Although Norwegians have constantly resisted attempts to drag them into the European Union, I can only think that they would benefit enormously from the lower food prices that would result from this.

Regarding the latest story about Russian bomber flights off Norway:

I find it reprehensible that Russia is so clearly and obviously provoking the West -- and particularly Norway -- with its reconnaissance flights off the coast of Norway. Putin's actions are increasingly bellicose, threatening sovereign states from Norway to the Ukraine and across much of Europe.

While America's involvement in Iraq has unfortunately weakened the NATO alliance, Mr.Putin is reminding us all once again why it is so vital to the security of the West. We must remain united in our resolve as free nations to support each other and resist efforts by totalitarian nations to impose their will on Norway or any other free and sovereign nation.

Don Barton
Oakdale, California, USA
*****

Regarding the story about dealing with children's sexuality in kindergartens,

I am a Norwegian by birth, who went to the kindergartens in Norway from the age of one to seven, when my family emigrated to Canada. I cannot believe what I just read about the need for sexual games in kindergarten to allow children to express their natural sexuality! What hogwash! What are parents for?!!!!

Do we now relegate everything to the "state?" What about a child's innate selfishness, and desire to hurt those who don't acquiesce to their needs and wants? Do we set up "murder" games so children can vent their natural violent tendencies in a nurturing environment?

It's time for the average Norwegian to speak up and put these fomenters in mental institutions where they can play their own sex games til they expire.

Wencke Anne-Brit Lie (Turner)
Canada
*****

Now I have heard it all! Is this what the people of Norway spend their tax-dollars on? I cannot fathom such a proposal coming from a "well respected" teacher, nor any government official for that matter. You can be rest assured, proposals such as these will not be tolerated in the US.

Perhaps I will come across as the closed-minded American most Europeans tend to bash. In a world that is filled with enough ills to last a lifetime, why would anyone expose young children to such things?

Norway needs to focus on your escalating crime and race relations. Perhaps, the same psychologists can examine the heads of the "citizen apologists" who blame the US.for all of the terrorism in the world instead of looking at the root cause.

Charles Croke
Watertown, Connecticut, USA
*****