From the scenes I witnessed, I cannot see how the much-improved economic environment, better education and the internet have changed the post-80s generation in terms of openness and independent thinking. Tell a group of these young people that you do not support China holding the 2008 Olympics and they will probably accuse you of being a traitor.

I only hope these young people have a deeper understanding of patriotism than what the world has witnessed. We love our country by earning the respect of the world. We can only earn it by being good world citizens, by showing equal respect for every individual in the world, by adhering to our traditional values, such as humility and diligence, while helping to uphold universal ones. And we can earn it by criticising our government and urging it to do better.

A show of military or economic force will never earn respect. Just look at the US. Our young people must fine-tune their nationalist mindset and genuinely embrace 'One World, One Dream'.

J. Y. K. Cheng, Quarry Bay

Special-needs monopoly

Robyn Joseph complained about insufficient places for special-needs students in non-Chinese-speaking international schools ('A special case for special-needs education', May 5).

The only mainstream international schools with a dedicated programme for special-needs students are operated by the English Schools Foundation. The ESF has a special educational needs policy, which directs that its 'educational resources will be allocated fairly and equitably and used effectively and efficiently'.

In terms of educational resources, publicly subsidised ESF schools have an edge over private international schools as a provider of special education. In addition to an annual subvention of more than HK$266 million, recently the government has made a HK$2 million en bloc grant to ESF for its special education needs. For all these subsidies, ESF schools allocate 126 places, or 1 per cent of their total enrolment, to special-needs students.

Those who think there should be more places for students in non-Chinese-speaking international schools should contact the ESF.

Ms Joseph alleges that insufficient international school places for special-needs students could turn away their parents who represent some of Hong Kong's 'best talent'.

The fact is that some expats, if not most, need Hong Kong more than Hong Kong needs them, as it offers them opportunities they can't find elsewhere to use their talents.

She should appreciate that Hong Kong is the only place in the world that provides two public schools systems, local and international, and that in all fairness local schools should have first claims to Hong Kong's educational resources.

Cynthia Sze, Quarry Bay

Clearing visa headaches

Richard Agon ('Businesses are hard done by', May 14) has my sympathies for the difficulties presented by the increased strictness of the mainland visa system.

The inconvenience and reduced flexibility of travel planning has caused irritation to many people.

May I suggest that people in Mr Agon's situation consider establishing a Representative Office close to their main area of activity on the mainland? Quickly and cheaply, multi-entry visas and work permits can be acquired through this structure for foreign citizens.

While it involves some extra expense and effort, and some increased tax liability, it may alleviate the disruption to important business activities that outweigh the extra costs.

Simon E. F. Appleby, Sha Tin

Picture crossed boundary line

I agree with Clive A. Gregory that you went way too far with Wednesday's front-page photo. ('Tragic picture went too far', May 15). Yesterday, you continued in the same vein, with five pages of photos that cross the line of what is appropriate.

Hong Kong people rally around a crisis. Already, dozens of fund-raising efforts are under way to get relief aid to the earthquake victims. We do not need the shock of gruesome photographs to understand the severity of the situation.

Anna-Carin Hart, Pok Fu Lam

Graphic photos are disturbing

I agree with Chris Pearce ('Moved to make contribution', May 15) that the shocking pictures of the earthquake disaster do reveal the full horror of events. If this prompts more people to contribute more money, then that's great.

However, I also agree with both Clive A. Gregory ('Tragic picture went too far', May 15) and Suey Lam ('Image frankly gratuitous', May 15). Are these graphic images really necessary? Primary Six children at my school are SCMP subscribers and receive their newspapers every day in school. On Wednesday, we asked the children to share the newspaper at home, with an adult, instead of reading it in school. Young people can find such images hard to deal with.

Sandra Wyatt, Discovery Bay

Spurred to act

I disagree with the criticism over Wednesday's front-page photograph. While I would find it despicable to use images of gore and death to attract readers, I think everybody's attention on this disaster is safely beyond any morbid curiosity. I thank you for publishing this heartbreaking photograph, for shaking me out of my stupor of cynicism, and for mobilising me and others to help my countrymen and victims of other recent catastrophes.

Chen Zhuoying, Pok Fu Lam

Moved by image

Your decision to publish the heart-wrenching photograph of the school collapse was correct, in the circumstances.

Not even the most self-centred reader could fail to be moved by the sight of crushed innocence revealed by the rescuers.

I have also been moved by the genuine distress of Premier Wen Jiabao in his frontline visits. I have lived in Hong Kong since 1967 and this tragedy has brought me much closer to a sense of belonging to China.

I would urge you, however, to use your coverage to encourage the continuing search for survivors, as previous incidents have shown that people can survive for many days.

Guy Shirra, Sai Kung