Editor,

I agree with Liu Shinan (June 28) about the football commentator.

Every occupation has its own professional ethics. As a commentator, being unbiased should be a basic principle. The one-sided and thoughtless comments made by Huang Jianxiang were simply beyond belief!

A football commentator who cannot be impartial is in the wrong job. If your personal emotions get the better of your sense of professionalism, think about another line of work. China Central Television needs to get its act together to ensure unbiased and responsible broadcasting during the 2008 Olympics.

Worldwatcher, via email

Same exam system

Editor,

I came across your article on the college entrance exam while on a recent visit to China. The system almost exactly mirrors Ireland's "points system." The dilemma is the same, rote learning examined to reflect "merit" versus an assessment process that could be open to abuse.

I am sure that education workers in my country would be interested to know that China has 1,500 years of meritocracy, which implies we have made the right choice despite all the faults such as the pressure that examinees face.

I will forward this article to the trade union for education workers in my country so that we can all realize that we face the same problems wherever we live.

Fred McGee, Ireland

Enchanting alleys

Editor,

I read China Daily every day from my office here in Canada. I particularly enjoyed reading your commentary entitled "Don't look down on city's 'slums'" (July 27). I agree with you so much and, as an outsider looking in, I would add that there is inner beauty in these back alleys.

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Guangzhou for three months, where I lived close to these back alleys. I freely and happily explored these alleys, where I was touched by the culture and inner beauty of the people living there, something that is often missed by the casual tourist.

I enjoyed fabulous meals in places most North Americans would not go anywhere near, I mingled among people who spoke volumes with their smiles and warm hearts. I took joy in watching children run down the narrow cobblestone streets as they darted and dodged motorcycles and rickshaws with precision and skill, their eyes beaming with excitement.

I did not merely see China there, I felt it. I lived it. I was there. I saw such greatness and was enriched by such beauty. I will return because I left my heart there.

Peter O'Rourke, Canada

Don't spoil kids

Editor,

I enjoyed the article regarding the pampering of children (July 21). I would suggest that China and the West, primarily the United States, are becoming very similar in this respect. As a father of four, I am of course dedicated to giving my children every possible opportunity to mature and succeed. However, I also aim to teach them moral values, consideration for others, and a dedication to work for the success of others.

So often I see parents in the United States lavishing their children with the latest high-tech toys and mobile phones. I fear we may be raising a generation of self-centred, self-important future leaders. Where will we find harmony and global co-operation in such a world?

Jonathan McGirr, United States

Diversified answers

Editor,

I scanned through the article "No need to standardize a saint's look (June 24)." I think the author is arguing about diversity. That's a good point. We have too many standards throughout our educational procedures.

When I was at primary school, all I had to know were the key points in the textbooks, and I was always waiting to be given the "standard answers." Somehow, I doubt whether my creativity was spoiled by this.

Kent, Beijing

(China Daily 07/05/2006 page4)