We can shoot journalists, can't we? (UPDATE)

In response to the utterly appalling piece in the Times OnLine, there's this letter from a woman whose son rode his bicycle into a piece of piano wire stretched across his path. "Irresponsible journalism" doesn't begin to describe Parris' piece. "Reprehensible" is better.

December 28, 2007 (LINK)

Piano wire menace

Decapitating cyclists is not a helpful suggestion

Sir, Matthew Parris (My Week, Dec 27 ) is no doubt intending humorous exaggeration in calling for piano wire to be strung across country lanes in order to decapitate cyclists.

Forgive me if I fail to see the joke. My son is an enthusiastic cyclist, and is also very responsible and courteous. Last year while cycling on a cycle path he struck piano wire that had been deliberately stretched across the path at head height.

Only the fact that he hit the wire with his helmet prevented his injuries being more serious. Had he been riding in a more upright position he could well have been severely injured.

There is enough random violence in society today without someone like Mr Parris making sickening and grossly irresponsible suggestions.

Malley Terry

Droitwich, Worcs