Colonialism still exists

I would like to respond to Keith Marshall's letter (July 23) in which he extols the virtues of British colonialism and the consequences of colonial independence.

He rationalizes this nationalistic nonsense by citing the high mortality rate of African nations which were once "fortunate enough" to have been colonized by the British.

Has it occurred to Mr. Marshall that the cause of the perpetual turmoil and grief that plagues many British ex-colonies was brought about by plundering colonialism. It tore apart long- established social systems and customs and the colonies were left in ruin when the British finally quit.

Many developing nations have high mortality rates. However, in Australia, another British colony, the rates of mortality, morbidity, imprisonment and unemployment for the indigenous people are infamously higher than their white counterparts. This is in spite of the fact their British masters never left.

FRANCESCO

Jakarta