From Mr J. Schembri

It seems that your columnist Howard Hodgson has no respect for anyone who comes in his line of fire. I feel that his so-called article “Cancer victim bitten by pit bull” is, to say the least, in very bad taste or, as the British like to say, “not politically correct”.

Trying to ridicule our politicians as if they are from an ex-British Banana Republic, calling the German head of state “ugly Chancellor Angela Merkel“, the French president “wee Frog President ‘Emperor Napoleon’ Nicky Sarkozy” and the Australians “ex-Cockney convicts”, is unacceptable in today’s civilised world.

From what he wrote in this column he seems to be a permanently drunk condescending settler, expecting Mrs Arafat to dine with him and Gabi (for us little mortal plebeians, Jubran Taweel) in the place he chooses, while he (the self appointed judge and jury) hears her “with an open mind”. How’s that for diplomacy?

All I suggest to Suha Arafat is: “ignore him and don’t waste your time on empty vessels that write before they think”.

This is a typical “first I shoot, then we talk” attitude. He is too proud to apologise unconditionally in public to the respected lady.

And who, in his right senses, would write that the book Charles, the Man Who Will Be King is “a bloody good read”? Imagine this review on the cover of the book: “A bloody good read” – Howard Hodgson, The Malta Independent on Sunday, 20 January 2008”.

Who is he inviting next to his favourite pub? Or is it going to be fish ‘n chips next time?

John Schembri

ZURRIEQ