AS I probably instigated one of Mr Siret’s two recent letters, it’s worth a reply.

Mr Siret uses the aberration of one drug-abusing American sportsman to support his views that there is good and bad in everyone.

No one doubts that there are good and bad across all societies, nations and institutions. There were most certainly good German citizens in Hitler’s fascist regime, and Russians in Stalin’s communist regime, but that doesn’t make those political regimes remotely good. Isolating one drug cheat, when drug abuse is unfortunately widespread across sports and nationalities, is trivialising the main issue.

Communist and Fascist regimes are undoubtedly bad for ordinary citizens, and their respective leaders were bad, if not evil.

Take a deep breath, Mr Siret, to finally acknowledge and accept that both extreme left-wing and right-wing political regimes are equally bad.

With regard to Mr Chavez’s election win in Venezuela, Mr Siret conveniently forgets to mention three issues.

Firstly, Mr Chavez’ majority has been significantly reduced, as almost half the electorate voted against him – 45 per cent.

Secondly, independent commentators report that Mr Chavez has created a deeply polarised country.

Thirdly, the people of Venezuela have elected Mr Chavez in a democratic society, something that would never have happened in left-wing, communist countries which Mr Siret seems strangely reluctant to condemn.

This is hardly a ringing endorsement for socialism, more a victory for democracy.

Finally good luck to all Venezuelans: I hope Mr Chavez can also respect and represent the 45 per cent who didn’t vote for him.

IAN CUMMINGS, Gibson Close, Abingdon