On the face of it, Mr L Lawes (Letters, December 31) is right to question my reasoning in comparing the Twin Towers attack and the Pearl Harbour attack in 1941

The response in both cases had to be draconian. Yes, kangaroo courts for the culprits in the US would be undemocratic.

But the perpetrators of the attack on September 11 were not concerned about diplomatic niceties.

However, I would like to wish Mr Lawes a happy New Year, I always enjoy his letters, although not always sharing his views.

Without controversy life would lose its savour and the Lancashire Evening Telegraph always provides a good democratic forum.

DAVID BULLEN, Albany Road, Blackburn.