The last word

I promise. (fingers crossed). Here are two letters to the Jewish Chronicle supporting Ken Livingstone. They published three letters opposing him. One accuses him of "selective" anti-racism, the second accuses him of believing that "most Jews are Zionists" and the third, from a Tory Barnet Councillor suggests that "the Jewish community should discontinue all association with Mr Livingstone." So, here are the two that support Ken:

The Board of Deputies should not have complained to the Standards Board for England about the London Mayor's remarks to an Eveing Standard reporter. The remarks were not a criticism of the Jewish Community.

The criticism of the Evening Standard was justified on two grounds. The newspaper group to which the the Standard belongs did have a record of support for Hitler and Fascism. That was in the past. But it has continued in the present a harrassment of the mayor because of his consistent advocacy of racial tolerance and his opposition to Islamophobia, which is consistent with his firm opposition to the Nazi record and anti-Semitism.

The mayor can be regarded as one of the most effective, principled and popular, contemporary local-government leaders - at a time when principled politicians are in short supply.

WALTER J.WOLFGANG

Being critical of Israel's policy does not make Ken Livingstone anti-semitic or racist in any way.

LENNIE ROLNICK