18 MAY 2002, Page 40

May Day mores

From Mr Michael Slipsky Sir: As usual, Mark Steyn's ('Who's ugly now?', 4 May) insights are trenchant, truthful and much needed. I would add to his observations regarding the working man in America my own reflections upon the recent European May Day. In Europe, the working class celebrate their Labour Day by marching and protesting — and sometimes rioting. In America, the working people celebrate Labor Day by piling into a relatively new car and going to the beach, or perhaps having a picnic with the family. It makes you wonder who has been more successful in labour relations — the unfeeling capitalist Americans or the complex and sensitive socialists in Europe. Food for thought.

Michael Slipskry

North Carolina, USA