New World Disorder

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Trouble on the Street
Re "London's Long Burn" [Aug. 22]: How refreshing to see a respected publication acknowledge the lack of social mobility within the ostensible British meritocracy. Until our government is prepared to acknowledge the deep class resentment effervescing under the thin veneer of social equality, this will only be the first of many riots in the U.K.
Jannine L.Golder, LANCASHIRE, ENGLAND

To those who argue the case of this "lost generation," I would ask that they look at the light laws that exist in the U.K. Lawmakers need to raise standards of policing and create laws that hold criminals to account. Anything less will only give lawbreakers the courage to continue with impunity and the damage will be lasting.
Vivek Chand, SINGAPORE

World's Most Annoying Animal: Man
Andrew Marshall's article states exactly what I have been thinking since I first saw Steve Irwin's show many years before his death [Tie Me Animals Down, Sport, Aug. 22]. I felt sorry for the countless snakes that got their tails pulled by the presenter. Now it seems most hosts are doing that. I miss the days when nature shows were about the animals and how they live in the wild, not how they react when harassed.
William Nophakoon, BANGKOK

This is one of the most sensible, nonsentimental, intelligent articles I have read recently in defense of animals and condemnation of the treatment humans impose on them. Marshall is to be congratulated for his courage in writing this article and for highlighting what we almighty humans feel free to do to the animals on this planet.
Maria Teresa Gil del Real, MADRID

Finally, a criticism of the often misleading approach to nature on television. These shows portray lions, snakes, crocodiles and sharks as top predators but miss the boat. The real top predator is man. What they should be showing us is how we can protect our ecosystem.
Terry G. Lacy, REYKJAVIK, ICELAND

Marshall's article is on point in showing the rogue manner in which nature is being presented to us. If there isn't a more rational way to bring nature to our screens, then I'll stick to reading about it, as that doesn't seem to hurt anyone or anything.
Sola Agbaje, LAGOS, NIGERIA

Regarding Marshall's obnoxious piece: Irwin was a dedicated conservationist who sought to educate people around the world about wildlife in an exciting and innovative way. The man was a passionate advocate for endangered species and literally donated millions of dollars to wilderness-protection funds. To suggest that Irwin's work taught children to "fear and subjugate creatures" is an insult to an Australian national treasure.
Conor Canning, TASMANIA, AUSTRALIA