I refer to your report , “Hong Kong school pull books they fear fall foul of law” (August 8). Amid uncertainty related to the national security law, Hong Kong schools are reportedly pulling sensitive books off the shelves, with public libraries suspending the lending of several titles written by the city’s pro-democracy figures, for review purposes. To avoid crossing red lines, school authorities have been taking a more cautious approach towards publications. Even world-renowned literature containing political elements, such as George Orwell’s Animal Farm , is reportedly being considered for removal. It is pathetic to see the excessive self-censorship in some school libraries. Pulling such collections, or planning to do so, puts the core value of a library – to provide a way for people to independently discover the truth and solutions – at stake. It is of utmost importance for young learners to be exposed to a variety of information and resources, hence training their ability to filter information and plot their way to the correct answer. Pulling certain books from the shelves may hinder students from doing so. Given the lack of an official list of banned books and a delisting guideline, I fear the worst is yet to come, as now the schools only superficially screen the covers and titles to determine whether a book is “sensitive” or not. Perspectives on the content of publications may vary, but academic freedom and students’ opportunity to read should not be undermined. Peter Lau, Kwun Tong Rethink post for scandal-tainted police officer I write with reference to “Anger as officer caught in vice raid keeps rank” ( August 8 ). After months of silence, we are told the officer concerned was cleared of any criminal wrongdoing but will face internal disciplinary action to be handled by the Civil Service Bureau. Since the announcement by the commissioner of police, a lot of discussion has been generated – largely, unfortunately, unfavourable, at a time when the force has been making some headway in rebuilding its image. Whatever the outcome of the disciplinary review, the move to allow the officer to head a post that oversees training and discipline raises more problems than solutions. Is this damage control – that is, not making things worse than they already are – or does this mean “damage controlled”, whereby the move ends any chance of further damage? It seems neither applies. From the officer’s point of view, he will have a hard time facing his subordinates when exercising his authority: do as I say but not as I do. Most people still trust the police. What is being done, however, will not enhance this trust, but have the opposite effect. A rethink can only demonstrate that good sound reason will prevail. I hope it will. James A. Elms, Mid-Levels What America’s exit from Afghanistan tells us Desperate America fought in Afghanistan for 20 years, spending more than US$2 trillion. Recently, it called an end to the sorry adventure, one corporate America would never have approved of. Two decades ago, the US invaded Afghanistan in the hope of building an American-friendly government, judging Afghan citizens to be less competent at building their own country and government. The US rallied allies to fight for its selfish cause in the name of democracy. This is but one example of how the United States influences its allies to interfere with another country’s politics, extracts whatever it needs, and leaves a cesspit. This has become a pattern, one that the world has got so used to, as if the US is licensed to do as it wishes, no matter the intention or consequences. This is a slippery slope towards war between countries even during uneventful times, not to mention during Covid-19. The world is preoccupied with a ravaging pandemic. People need jobs to provide food and shelter for their families; those who are sick need good medicine; businesses need sales to stimulate the economy. To raise the banner of democracy and talk down to countries living at the subsistence level helps no one but Americans themselves. Talk of democratic ideology misleads some people into believing their political system is the panacea, despite hunger, sickness and endless infighting. Behold all that is happening within American borders: democracy advocates relish the freedom to hate, to hold arms, to spread misinformation and to storm Congress . The US is desperate because its leaders know well the political sourness that has simmered in their country for half a century can no longer be solved internally. Thus pandemic mismanagement must not be their fault. A stagnating economy must be the evil work of another country. America needs an antagonist to soak up the hatred and anger that has accumulated as a waste product of its political formula. Decades ago, it had the Soviet Union, and later, Russia. Now, it is pointing fingers at China for its mishaps. The world must not be deceived. Dr Charles Ng, Central A thriving sporting culture holds key to Olympic success I am writing with reference to the article , “Taking the next big step” (August 9), which discusses whether Hong Kong’s Olympics success can be sustained. Hong Kong athletes won one gold, two silver and three bronze medals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, thrilling Hongkongers with our best result at the Olympics ever. To sustain this achievement, Hong Kong needs to nurture more athletes. However, the biggest problem is that our sports culture is weak, beyond funding and human resources. Many parents in Hong Kong focus only on their children’s academic results, and think children playing sports is a waste of time. Some think achievements in sports are only a part of the portfolio needed to get into secondary school. Few would dream of their children participating in the Olympic Games. We need to do more make different kinds of sports more widely popular. Hugo Cheng, Tseung Kwan O