A patronising attitude

Sir,
For a couple of days last week, the Cyprus Mail has published letters from what appear to be expats, regarding the driving standards of the indigenous population on the island.  These letters are derogatory and an attempt to point humour at poor skills.  They are not necessary and what is more important, they tar all expats with the label of being ‘know alls’.  As an ex-police officer from the UK I can comment on the poor driving skills of some of its drivers, the many fatal accidents I attended, along with the court appearances.  Let’s be a little less forthright.  They way to improving driving skills here is by example, not ignorance.
Peter G. Davis
Droushia

Sir,
The tone of letters about the ‘Cyprus highway code’ (September 6 and 7), gives a clear picture of the psychology and intent of their authors. Namely to ridicule or offend, or both.
The accuracy of the content is not relevant. No one ever says anything simply ‘because it is true’, and neither does that prevent it from being ill-mannered.
If, say, a Latvian had come to live in Britain a few months ago and wrote such a letter, I would ask them, as I ask your correspondents, ‘if you don’t like it, why did you come here?’
Derek Smith
Dhekelia