WHILST Rona Hooper (‘I thought charity began at home’, Letters June 30) no doubt realises that the financial state of this country has been brought about mainly by selfishness, dishonesty and greed (sadly, as in most other countries), our so-called poverty cannot be compared with that in parts of the Third World.

We in the west still waste while those in the Third World are still in need.

If there was less selfishness, dishonesty and greed there would be a lot more to go round for everybody, even in those countries affected by climatic disasters e.g. droughts and floods etc.

Solomon said: “He that hath pity on the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will He pay him again.” (Proverbs 19:17), and the apostle John said: “But who so hath this world’s good and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?” (1John 3:17).

This country doesn’t have many Christian principles left: let’s not get rid of this one.

ROBERT TUCK, Pardy's Hill, Corfe Mullen