AS we enter into the third millennium, no doubt we all celebrated in style. Then on reflection, what have we learned?

We have learned skills beyond our forefathers' belief, discoveries in science, medicine and technology, even to the peak of sending craft to other galaxies and and landing men on the moon.

We are moving forward now at tremendous speed, but we all realise it has not always been plain sailing.

We all remember the many wars, two of them worldwide. After each, we vowed never to let it happen again, then went straight back into conflict.

Can we forget the suffering of the Third World countries - drought, famine and the natural forces of destruction? Many times the world has distanced itself from the needs of these unfortunate people.

It would be nice if we could turn the invented wonders and materialistic gains made in industry, finance and commerce - and the rush to make a quick killing - into humane and compassionate thoughts of understanding and kindness to our fellow man. Perhaps we are missing the real aim of life.

The American constitution states that all men are created equal. It appears to me some are created more equal than others.

K SOWERBUTTS, Southwood Drive, Baxenden.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.