Dear Editors of ICELAND REVIEW,
 
Having been in close relations with Icelanders and Iceland for over twenty years, I have read with utmost attention the Iris Erlingdottir's Changing Iceland's Culture contribution in the latest issue of "Iceland Review".

Albeit its criticism of Icelanders reaches cruelty the impassionate publication seems to me fair, and as such it deserves close attention of every Icelander.

Based on my own experience I would like to mention that, for years, my Icelandic friends have been voicing ever growing concern over their compatriots' reckless spending and alarmingly growing monopolisation in Iceland of both political and economical system. It is true as well that arrogance displayed by a few of Icelandic personalities, as well as by some members of the rank-and-file, has not been exceptional phenomenon.

However, as many centuries' experience proves it - and this is the most important point! - Icelanders have been the society capable of surviving, overcoming and ultimately taking advantage of the direst challenges of their history.

This should be the source of their optimism and strength.

And let them not overlook or disregard this fact.

Best regards,

Dr. Stanislaw Laskowski
Honorary Consul General
Gdansk/Sopot, Poland