Motives and the man
From Mr William Claxton-Smith Sir: Leo McKinstry's article about the right of politicians (and others) to change their views on the back of experience (In defence of treason', 12 August) struck a strong chord with me as someone whose own position has moved from supporting central planning of the economy to strong support of the free market.
One point did, however, grate. If the home-owning professional is entitled to dif- ferent views on taxation from those of a student living off the state, do they result from a different view of what is best for society or from self-interest? I suspect the reason why Gladstone, Joe Chamberlain and Churchill are highly regarded, and MacDonald is not, is that the first three changed their positions to reflect what they believed was best for Britain, while many would see MacDonald's change as motivated by personal considerations.
William Claxton-Smith
williamclaxtonsmith@hotmail.com
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