The UK has stark pay gaps. Let's use the right language to describe this
Your story showing the rise of the super-rich, while those on low and middle incomes see their living standards squeezed, was a powerful reminder of the growth of economic inequality in the UK ("Super-rich on rise as number of £1m-plus earners doubles", News).
I would question the use of the phrase: "18,000 people now earn at least £1m". Words such as "earn" and "earners" suggest that these incomes are deserved. Numerous polls tell us that most people think the average full-time worker is worth rather more than 2.6% (£26,000) of someone paid £1m; that such a gap is far beyond what would reasonably reflect differences in effort and talent. The Observer has shown great leadership in highlighting the damaging effects of economic inequality. Can I suggest it takes a similar lead on the language of inequality? The UK has some of the starkest pay gaps in the developed world and we should not talk in a way that suggests this situation reflects "due deserts".
Duncan Exley
Director, Equality Trust
London SE1
EU not the fishermen's friend
Will Hutton is right that it's surprising the EU fisheries deal wasn't more widely reported ("At last, a deal is done on fishing – proof the European project works", Comment). However, he is too kind to the EU.
The EU created the overfishing crisis by subsidising the Spanish and Portuguese "fishing factories". Also, the deal applies only to European waters. The EU has used its economic power to force governments in Africa and Asia to give European fishing fleets access to their coastal waters, destroying the livelihoods of fishermen and the food supplies of coastal peoples. Britain, by its contribution to the EU budget, is forced to subsidise this looting of developing countries' vital resources.
John Wilson
London NW3
Transsexual and proud
Congratulations for giving a serious voice to a transsexual who so eloquently has highlighted the difficulties all trans people face and the fact that some parts of society are accepting and can be very supportive ("If the RAF can accept my gender transition, why can't the media?", Focus). At long last, we are being able to put out the message that we wish only to be judged by the kind of person we are and not by outward appearances, to have respect and live as full participants in our communities.
I am a 77-year-old-male cross-dresser who came out two years ago and moved to my new home in Birmingham last August. The support, acceptance and kindness shown to me have been very moving. I have been very open and always willing to discuss my situation with people in order to widen public perceptions. Sadly, there is still a great deal of bigotry. Much more needs to be done to bring more employers to the admirable position of the RAF.
David Hawley
Birmingham
Germany is not a paradise
Although your article on Germany was well written and accurate, it failed to mention some of the serious problems there ("So how did Germany become the new champion of Europe?" Focus).
One in eight Germans is living in poverty and one in six is threatened by poverty, according to a recent government study. For the first time, Germans are talking of an underclass. There is no minimum wage in Germany. There are serious problems in the education system. Violence in big cities has become a serious problem. Care for the elderly has come in for severe criticism. Some banks are in difficulty because of irresponsible lending to Greece and Spain.
Germany is a good country in which to live but is not without its problems.
Eddie Ross
Colchester
It's all just a load of ballots
You quote "Westminster's lack of efficacy and accountability" and "democratic drift" in your leading article ("Party politics needs mending – and quickly", editorial). Surely, better than the "direct democracy", which you also cite, would be a proper electoral system. The reason why most people don't go to the polls is that their vote will have no bearing on the outcome. Meanwhile, politicians conduct a cynical game masquerading as a democratic election. It is to the credit of our population that they treat this process with the contempt it deserves.
Anthony Cosgrave
Totnes, Devon
Play fair? I'll just take Mayfair
As an NHS psychotherapist, I can see the rationale for Barbara Ellen's fears about families playing Monopoly in strict accordance with the rules ("A game changer? Well, I wouldn't put money on it"). However, as a highly competitive game-player – notoriously so among family and friends – and a communist and feminist politically, I recall no greater joy than thrashing my siblings in day-long sessions of Monopoly during school holidays. This despite long-held anti-capitalist sentiments formed during teenage years of revolutionary consciousness.
Rachel Strange
Sheffield
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