It's a well known fact that when people are losing an argument, they resort to verbal abuse of their opponents. The best arguments don't need raised voices or pointed fingers.

There's also been discussion of how those who abuse others verbally are often holding up a mirror to themeselves. Those who cry 'bigot' are on often found on closer examination to be amongst the most intolerant and bigoted themselves. There are others who label people 'evil' and 'sick'.

A topical example of this phenomenon is in today's papers.

To take the account of one today's newspapers:

"Geoff Hoon, the Defence Secretary, left his home in Nottingham yesterday morning. Mr Marke and a group of fellow photographers were at the end of the lane about a quarter of a mile [sic] from Mr Hoon's house taking photographs as he drove past.

"Mr Marke said: 'Suddenly Hoon's vehicle screeched to a halt, and Mr Hoon got out and came towards me, shouting at me. He just lost the plot completely. I thought the guy was going to hit me. I was very concerned for my own security.

"'He thrust his face at me, shook his finger, and shouted in my face: "You low-life scum"'."

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[Note: One of Mr Hoon's Special Branch security officers later apologised, saying; "He is under a lot of pressure at the moment".

Comment: But may be not quite so much pressure as Dr Kelly was under 10 days ago]

Correct. It is amazing how those who act negligently, thereby shifting pressure onto other people, suddenly cry "pressure" when their guilt catches up with them.

I have chosen to respond to this because my words "evil" and "sick" have been quoted.

I stand by my remarks.

I am not impressed by the above woolly theory about mirrored personality.

Console yourselves with this if have to.

Just remember, my remarks were prompted by reported actions from ARM. I have not mirrored this.

Your a bit of a funny sort aren't you?