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I always read Country Diary to give me a sense of perspective about the world and to make me smile. Andrea Meanwell’s piece about TB (3 July) reduced me to tears; but thank you, as it shone a light on something that we otherwise read about dispassionately when it is covered in the media. I offer her my heartfelt sympathy.
Robin Gardner
Nottingham

• Congratulations to the United States for 250 years of independence from the British empire (For allies and adversaries alike, America at 250 is a solid global citizen gone rogue, 3 July). Now is surely the time for the UK to declare independence from the American empire.
Anthony Matthew
Leicester

• I can’t think of a place I’d rather browse the shelves and sip a coffee before buying a book than Buckingham Palace Waterstones (State functions, offices and tourists: plans for revamped Buckingham Palace, 26 June).
Linda Sayigh
Brighton

• Forty years on from Maradona’s infamous “Hand of God” goal in Mexico City, what is going to be required on Monday at the same Azteca Stadium is Kane’s “Head of Harry” (Azteca avengers? England return to scene of infamous Maradona handball, 2 July).
Adrian Brodkin
London

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