Letter: Feeble US

Feeble US

Sir: The US flexes its muscles abroad, but is humiliated at home by big business. The giant redwoods of California will be felled because the state and federal governments seem unwilling or unable to acquire them by compulsory purchase from the thugs at the Pacific Lumber Company (report, 1 March). Monsanto abuses the potential of genetic science by breeding insecticide-resistant or sterile versions of staple crops and is rewarded by American government support in enforcing its monstrosities on Europe and the Third World. Is it any wonder that the USA's claim to international moral authority is so hard for the rest of the world to take seriously?

MEREDITH OAKES

London SW16