25/06/05 - 3:27 AM BST

It's very kind of you to say so!

I believe that's from HL Mencken, isn't it? In light of some of the recent actions of both this government and our friends across the pond, it's just as true today as it was when he said it.

More's the pity.

25/06/05 - 6:17 PM BST

Yes it was H.L Mencken and still, as you rightly point out only too true. Once the government have seen off public smoking and virtually harmless magic mushrooms, what's next?

27/06/05 - 1:53 AM BST

Well, given their apparent determination to push through the 'Incitement to Religious Hatred' bill, it would seem to be my freedom to call religious people (sorry, God-botherers) of all stripes fools for their beliefs.

The truly sad thing is is that this government started its life incorporating the Human Rights Act into British law, and other sensible measures such as downgrading the classification of cannabis. Now look where they've ended up!

27/06/05 - 7:58 PM BST

You're right! So much has happened that I'd forgotten this government used to do the odd decent thing from time to time. What's the penalty for laughing at the God squad to be? A black mark on your I-D card?