Letter: Archer's moral cancer

Sir: I am shocked by the moral confusion in David Aaronovitch's extraordinary article on Jeffrey Archer's behaviour ("A flawed man, but he should be in therapy, not prison", 20 July).

Trust and honesty are fundamental values in the good society. Respect for others requires that all parties share a common standard of truth. This does not permit the qualification "but it's OK if you can get away with it" nor "if it doesn't hurt anyone else" nor even "if you're rich and powerful and can do a good fund-raising party". We don't cheat on others because we expect them not to cheat on us. We all have a duty to preserve an unconditionally high standard of mutual integrity, and those in public life must set an example or expect the gravest censure.

The Archer story shows how easy it is for the weak and vain to fall for the charm of a crook. Aaronovitch's admiration for his style seems quite unashamed. He sees his failings as excusable character flaws. However, the issue is not the nature of his activities but his habitual lying. It is a small step to see Archer as a role model for anyone wishing to justify dishonesty as a necessary expediency in the pursuit of success.

Whatever made Aaronovitch claim that such a malignant cancer is only an instance of "the minor sins of the modern age"?

RICHARD WOODALL

Sherborne, Dorset

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