On Mother Teresa

Grant Haswell writes: Re. “Mother Teresa was a foul ideologue undeserving of sainthood” (yesterday). As a subscriber for a number of years I am disappointed in the publishing of this article. Normally Crikey is much better at balanced journalism than this unbalanced, highly emotional, hate filled article.

This is the first time I have ever felt the need to comment on an article in Crikey. I would certainly be reconsidering my continued subscription if such poor quality articles were to become a regular feature.

Niall Clugston writes: Helen Razer attaches her attack on Mother Teresa to a Bible verse that she takes out of context. Matthew 26:11 records Jesus as saying, “The poor you will always have with you.” But Razer has cut the rest of the sentence: “but you will not always have me.” Mark 14:7 records Jesus’ comment as: “The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me.” In any case, according to the Bible, the comment was a response to a specific incident, it was not an “economic declaration”, and it is not relevant to a critique of Mother Teresa.

This research brought to you by Coca-Cola

Cameron McClurg writes: Re. “Taste the feeling of a Coke shame campaign” (yesterday). Just wanted to say thanks for the articles you guys are presenting on the Coke funding of health research.  Your coverage is considerably more balanced than other sites have presented.

I have watched the fall out from this saga with interest as, and I will disclose, I am personal friend of Professor Jeff Coombes.  Since this issue was raised on the project, he has received more than his fair share of hate mail and similar phone calls for only doing his job.

As you would be well aware, there are numerous safeguards in place to protect the integrity of research in most institutions despite funding from big corporates.  It’s a pity that there is a considerably vocal section of our society that are more interested in confected outrage than the reality of the situation. Please continue your great work of presenting the objective balance on this issue.