Look here, we're getting to where we're simply talking past one another. If I am to be drawn into discussing economics - wh is well and good - I shall be forced to do so in less choppy format, the more so as I cannot deal in succession with the series of red herrings being trailed here. I imagine I may have some time over the weekend to do so, although I'm rather busy just now w the new books. Ad interim, I merely state again that you began by decrying the Tories, full stop, and Lady Thatcher; I know you thought little of Blair and Brrrroun, but you did NOT begin by assigning them or their lot any blame, whatever you now say.

Approving, grudgingly, in the current crisis, reductions in spending growth for the police, the gaolers, and the fire brigade is not of course windbaggery, and, again, it will require me, I see, to explain why, in Very Simple Words. And that is true of all of what you are pleased to call yr 'points'.

Finally, I really do think it unseemly, under the circumstances, for you to take the tone and tack you are taking here, 'righteous indignation' or no 'righteous indignation': upon reflection, don't you?