Rachel Bradman says (Opinion, June 6): "It should be obvious to anyone with half a brain unless we join with the single currency we face a dark future."

Perhaps I don't concur with her because I use my whole brain. Half a brain indeed! Does this kind of statement signify Ms Bradman has a doctorate in medicine, languages, journalism or lunacy?

I personally think she suffers from a new strain of mad cow disease.

Does she believe a word of the tripe she turns out or is she playing devil's advocate?

Quote: " face being isolated if we don't join" Oh, really? Isn't she aware we import more from Europe than we export there. Quote: "be allied to the economic might of Germany and Italy"

And how would those two "mighty" countries feel about the fact the UK exports 67 per cent of its goods to countries outside Europe? As to her saving on currency exchanges, it would be a very small sum compared with what the thieves of Brussels would steal from her.

Finally, for the education of Ms Bradman, "Vive la difference" rejoice in not being the same.

As for her use of the phrase "Johnny Foreigner", meant jokingly or not, it is a slur on our worldwide trading partners.

G C READ

Englefield Crescent

Orpington

June 21, 2001 12:11