After reading letters from your more conservative audience, I felt compelled to write in defence of the political Left and liberal-minded individuals whom some seem to blame for the perceived decline in our society.

I believe in the equality of all, regardless of sex, race, religion, sexuality or wealth. I do not think I am automatically better than others and I do not look down on those who have not had the same opportunities in life as me.

I don't think unemployed people should be forced to take the first mediocre job that comes along when others can pick and choose as they wish.

I am not so selfish that I mind people living off my tax money in order to make a better life for themselves in the long run.

I believe we should show compassion and understanding to those who have troubled pasts and try to help them overcome those problems which cause their often unacceptable behaviour.

I understand that one day I may be in a position where I require the help and love of others and therefore should help those who need it. I do not just want the best for myself out of life, I want others to enjoy their lives and fulfil their potential. We are all essentially the same on the inside. In different circumstances, you could be the one sleeping on the streets or behind bars.

Punishment is not the answer to making this a better place to live. That is like sticking a plaster on a bullet wound. We need to get to the source of these problems.

You don't have to look hard to see the statistics on re-offending rates show that those people who have been rehabilitated are less likely to re-offend than those who have not.

Drug addicts who are given counselling are less likely to go back on drugs than those who have just been thrown in jail or unsuccessfully rehabilitated.

The thing that surprises me most about some of the conservative people who write in is a lot of them claim to be Christian.

I am not religious yet it seems my beliefs follow those of Jesus Christ much more closely than a lot of those who go to church.

-Mike Head, Harwood Avenue, Worthing