John, I had no idea that political debate had become so genteel since, oh, the time last year that you referred to Al Gore as “insane”. But while we’re on the topic of the d-word, here you are back in October 2004 describing Fahrenheit 9/11 as, well, “disgusting”. It was. You were right. Why, in this fair Corner the old, tough J-Pod even used the dreaded d-word to describe George Galloway, Michael Moore and Al Sharpton. Bad people all of them, but do you now think that you were comparing them to murderous despots? I don’t and I don’t believe that you do.
Could it be, John, that you just find robust parliamentary language too rough when it’s applied to people with whom you agree?
Anyway, to the relief, doubtless, of our readers we’ll have to agree to disagree, although, turning to the substance (remember that?) of our dispute I am curious to know why you believe that persistent deceit, character assassination, cronyism and spin is not disgusting? And if you think I’m exaggerating about Blair’s behavior, I can suggest plenty of books to read. The Rise of Political Lying by Peter Oborne (He’s the political editor of the Spectator , so, you know, informed) might be a good place to start.
Be warned though: it might not be in keeping with your notions of “good sense, good taste and common decency.”