Steve Gardham, it's a good point, well made. I, too, know several of the tutors and numerous graduates and have made the same points as you.

Why keep going on? Well, look at WAV's track record. He doesn't just spout this stuff on Mudcat. He spams the internet with his verses and his political opinions. He has "gifted" libraries with his work.

Now, we know he's a sad, backward nutter. But what he's doing is spreading the word that his risible politics are linked with English folk. It's the worst kind of damage to the tradition.

When this thread dies, he'll start another, and another. Again, so what - just ignore him, right? But what about the people who surf in and see his nasty insularity go unchallenged?