I am writing in response to the letter 'Of conscience and courage' (June 12) by Yee. While I am heartened by the spirited and courageous tone of the letter (though it remains to be seen whether it will be translated into action on the part of the author), I do not quite agree with parts of the letter.

His assertion that "it is better to be unemployed than to sell your soul to the devil" is unlikely to find much agreement amongst those with a family to support, or a mortgage to service, especially in these economically trying times.

Certainly, I too would rather lose my job than "sell my soul to the devil", but surely, there has to be a middle ground, some way of keeping your job and your soul! It is unfair and unrealistic to expect common people to give up their sources of livelihood unless there is evidence that our very lives and personal security are being threatened, which I do not believe is the case.

What I would like to mention rather, are the little things which we can do to help promote our cause - without losing our jobs! (Actually, these apply not only to politics but to any cause that we believe in).

These may be more subtle in nature and less confrontational than what Yee seems to be suggesting, but I believe that the long-term effect of the persuasive action of a large number of people will be more beneficial, and less socially disruptive than any radical, emotional action taken by a small number of people.

Depending on the amount of time that you would like to spend, or the amount of commitment you wish to invest, the following are ranked in order of increasing impact/visibility but with a corresponding increase in commitment/time:

1) Talk with those who agree with your viewpoint and offer a sounding board for each other, reinforcing and strengthening your viewpoints.

2) Talk to others who may not be aware of your viewpoint. Let them know of your viewpoint but do not attempt to convince them overnight. Give them a chance to evaluate your viewpoint and to make up their own minds.

3) Talk to others who you know disagree with your viewpoint to test your and their views against the other. Remember that they too may have valid reasons for whatever they believe in.

4) Read/listen to the media on a regular basis to learn about recent developments regarding your cause. Write a response to any articles or shows which seem to disagree with your viewpoint.

5) Provide a one-time contribution to any of these organisations which advocate your viewpoint.

6) Set a periodic personal goal to reach, say, two letters/month.

7) Pay attention to local political efforts that appear opposed to your viewpoint. Make your opposing viewpoint known to any/all government officials privy to these efforts through a letter, a phone call, or personal appearance.

8) Write an article advocating your cause and submit it to a publication friendly to your cause. Write an article advocating your cause and submit it to a publication which is neutral to that cause.

The points above have been extracted and condensed from the essay: 'Making a difference (Or: Becoming an Activist For Your Cause)', by Stuart Bechman.

These are simple things which all of us can do without risking an unwanted holiday in Kamunting! Yet, collectively, I believe that it is exactly simple actions such as these that can bring about the changes that we desire in a gradual and civilised manner.