AS a blood donor I have potentially saved the lives of 255 people (85 donations to date). I have done this voluntarily and freely and am happy to do so for as long as I am able.

However, I totally object to the proposed presumed consent for organ donation. Whilst agreeing that there should be more education and campaigns to encourage people to opt in, I firmly believe in the "opt in" practice.

The state does not own my body. I wish to be able to dictate what is to happen to my body in the event of my death.
JC Goodwin

Right of way gone
IN response to the letter by Coun Mel Speding (Sept 3), numerous suggestions were put to the management of the Aquatic Centre, during May this year ... that the public right of way demolished in the fielded area be reinstated. It is now September and nothing has been done.
Coun Speding quite rightly states that the council wish is to encourage people to use public transport and to leave their cars at home when going for a swim; and that there is a convenient bus stop outside the centre. The bus stop is at the junction of Southwick Road and Keir Hardie Way but the only plausible reason why pedestrians cannot use it is that somebody ordained the field be deeply furrowed so that water and mud present an impassable obstacle.
Even in dry weather the way from the bus stop to the Aquatic Centre is dangerous to pedestrians.
It can also be seen in a Council pamphlet "Proposeed junction improvements at Wheatsheaf and Stadium Way". Indeed, the open gate at the light-controlled pedestrian states that (probably illegally), a public right of way has been quite physically stopped up and without any consultation whatsoever.
Ron McQuillan,
Hylton Castle,
Sunderland

No restrictions
CONGRATULATIONS to both the Republicans and Democrats in the U. S. for choosing a woman and African American for the top jobs as a possible Vice-President and President. John McCain did consider men before making his choice, so unlike the Labour Party in our city there were no artificial restrictions in his selection of Sarah Palin, while Barack Obama made sure that the Clinton dynasty was nipped in the bud, at least for the time being.
One issue that I will pay a good deal of attention following is the possibility of double standards, with some of the liberal media quite happy to dig the dirt on Sarah Palin because she is a woman who happens to be very Conservative.
This will be something these commentators will have to get right if they are to retain any credibility after years of assuming that most Republican Presidents are either cowboys or half-wits, whereas in the case of Nixon (China), and Reagan (Soviet Union), they were politicians of much vision when it came to important aspects of foreign policy, unlike Kennedy, Johnson and Carter who were basically ineffective or failures.
In one case of a Republican President, however, these commentators were totally correct and from a personal point of view either McCain or Obama will be a blessed relief from Bush Junior.
Coun Michael Dixon, Conservative,
St Chad's Ward

Sign not tasteful
I WONDER if Tony Griffith of Wylam Leisure and the Echo's Comment writer live nearby or pass the Queen Vic sign as I do on a daily basis?
If they did I doubt they would appreciate such a large, vulgar sign in their neighbourhood. To say it is not obtrusive is ridiculous! It is completely out of character.
I am thankful for the work that Wylam Leisure has undertaken as the building was an eyesore but why do Wylam Leisure feel they should be excluded from planning permission in this conservation area? They knew when they took over the Queen Vic where it was located!
They already have two large, plastic external price lists on the adjacent wall – is this not enough? Yes, by all means advertise but please do it a little more tastefully!
Melanie Shee,
Roker

Working for Ryhope
WITH reference to Patrick Lavelle's comments regarding Ryhope being left behind.
My husband was a councillor for the old Ryhope ward for 16 years and in that time got on and did his job for the Ryhope people where he was born and bred.
During his time he helped to get built Ryhope Infants and Junior School, St Paul's C of E primary School and also the Venerable Bede C of E Secondary School.
He also helped to establish the Blue Watch Youth Centre, helped to lobby for the new Primary Care Centre on the Ryhope site, also the new customer care centre at Black Road, and the new road for Ryhope beach which money has been put aside for.
Another positive result is the plan to demolish Kwik Save and build new shopping facilities.
Patrick Lavelle says for two years he has fought Ryhope's corner. My husband fought Ryhope's corner for 16 years.
Unfortunately, the new Ryhope ward with Grangetown, which has never been part of Ryhope of which I'm sure the Grangetown people will agree voted for a Tory.
Mrs Eileen Bainbridge,
Hawster Close,
Tunstall Village