I approach the columns I write for Stabroek News appreciating that, among other things, they are likely to trigger discussion. Pro or con, it doesn’t matter; when the subject is engaged, when different responses emerge, something constructive is happening; the creature is being examined and, hopefully, better understood in the end. Even if opinions remain unchanged, considerations have been raised, and we have at least reached a state of agreeable disagreement.

A prime example is a column I wrote some weeks ago, entitled “The Past is Overrated” which drew a spirited opposing view from a reader whom I highly respect. In the interest of massaging the subject a bit further, I am attaching here my private response to that person:

“Dear _______________,

“I received your impassioned letter of 9 October, and while I usually let such things be I am taking a…..