IT looks like the two blokes (R&T) have offered waka to one of the famous ‘the Simpsons character’ who is obviously apprehended by some virus (FT 22/3/16).

Whether he will recuperate and respond to the waka or regress, the guys seem to approve their own remedy. A bit freakish but reasonable it seems for natural healers.

On the media, I’m glad we have “me too” opinion leaders among our columnist. Whatever your reporters/journalist say, they also agree and acknowledge. No criticism but praise.

Such positive thinking will be a good source of virtue, especially during election time. They don’t criticise anything but are full of praise that shapes positively anything.

But criticism is an old value of democracy inculcated by the education system where one is free to criticise as long as there are reasons to support it.

A university education sharpens this critical ability but can also be deviant.

One of the great US presidents Thomas Jefferson said that “we must not be afraid to follow the truth wherever it may lead, nor to tolerate an error as long as there are reasons to combat it”. I entirely agree.

But there is a difference between the above and those who criticise merely with the intention of being destructive and mischievous.

The difference is obvious and we are glad this newspaper upholds proper freedom of the press and will not tolerate those who breach it.

On violence against young girls and women, I’m surprised that the Minister for Women Rosy Akbar seems to be putting the blame for lack of monitoring by parents (FT 22/3/16).

I believe this is nothing short of ignoring social problems pervading the country now making people furious for lack of action.

There is widespread emotion about the poor girl and other similar cases in the past that should compel the ministry to recommend stiffer penalties.

Yet she looks for other reasons. If they can’t measure people’s opinion on this, take a public opinion poll. No one feels their women are secure.

Ecclesiates 8 (11) says that when a crime is not quickly punished, others are encouraged to break the law.

I hope it does not reach that level.