Sir, - About a week ago in a record shop in Dublin, I found myself queuing for the till behind a man in his forties. He was enquiring about a video, had the name, distributor, catalogue number, etc. Apparently it was a video of real executions recorded in different centres of democracy and justice throughout the world.
The shop assistant, a master of tact and professional courtesy, punched the details into the computer. It was not in stock. No, since it had not been approved by the censor, they could not get it for him. Could they arrange for it to be posted directly to him from abroad? The assistant didn't think this was possible. Yes, he would check with the manager. He disappeared for a minute. Our friend whistled a cheery little tune, turned to me, nodded and smiled. I smiled back.
The assistant returned. The manager said no, they could not have anything to do with this video. "Ah well," says our friend, "I'll just take this one, so." Can you guess what he had chosen as an alternative to a film of people paying the ultimate price to satisfy society's revengeful blood lust? Would you believe The Lady and The Tramp? - Yours, etc., Philip Mullen,
Philipsburgh Avenue,
Fairview,
Dublin 3.