John from Hull - My dear fellow, I know you are a fiercely independent and quite opinionated man, but I think you are sorely in need of some cogent advice. I will put it briefly.

You are not covering yourself with glory, sir, in launching this tasteless thread. You are in fact giving people the impression that you are an uncultured buffoon. I recommend a brief apology or disclaimer to set things right, and that should make a quick end of it.

I agree that Kim Howells is certainly not above criticism, but this is not the intelligent or appropriate way to do it.

Your concerned, if casual friend - Penelope Rutledge