David Elliott is perfectly entitled to have strong opinions about asylum-seekers and to peacefully persuade others to support him (Letters, February 12).

The differences between Mr Elliott and me seem to be threefold. Firstly, my reaction to victims of persecution who visit Saltdean is compassion and the hand of friendship. His reaction is panic about house prices.

Secondly, I try to base my opinions on evidence, a policy I share with the Chief Constable of Sussex (The Argus, February 3). Mr Elliott bases his on myths and rumours.

Thirdly, and most importantly, I cannot see any difference between asylum-seekers and other visitors to Saltdean. Thousands of people visit every year, to swim at the Lido, relax on the beach, stroll along the undercliff walk and stay in the Grand Ocean Hotel. Some visit our cafes, pubs and shops.

The Home Office proposes a few more among these thousands should stay at the Grand Ocean Hotel for a few weeks for induction courses. It so happens they will be called asylum-seekers". Why are they a problem for Mr Elliott but the other visitors are not?

Mr Elliott accuses me of being an "activist". I plead guilty. My actions are founded on principles such as this, from the Bible: "When a stranger lives with you in your land, you shall not wrong him. The stranger who lives with you shall be to you as one of your people: You shall love him as yourself" (Leviticus 19: 33-4).

-Professor Raphael Salkie, r.m.salkie@bton.ac.uk