FRIDAY, March 29, 2024
nationthailand

Scandal of ‘Gonadgate’ hits new low

Scandal of ‘Gonadgate’ hits new low

Re: “A fascist sawing at the democratic branch on which he sits”, Have Your Say, December 12.

I suppose I was over-optimistic in expecting my last letter to staunch the tsunami of bile and distortion that issues forth incessantly from the fault-line known as Dr Frank. Rather than take his letter apart point by point I will simply destroy any remaining credibility of this writer by addressing his opening sentence. The issue was the quality of post-war governance in UK where the actions of elected governments have been diametrically opposed to the wishes of the electorate on major social issues, and what I actually wrote was: “... as one who is not particularly enamoured with democracy”. Dr Frankfurt-School translates this as: “Nigel Pike ... is on record in this publication as brazenly holding democracy in contempt.” Typical over-egged exaggeration.
Moving on to what seems to have become The Nation’s “Gonadgate”, Dr Frank descends to new levels of abuse and mendacity by suggesting I should “grow a pair”, and that I am unable to “find gonads where there clearly are none”. It is now time for gloves off, or perhaps I should say “pants off”. I wish to put it on record that I grew a fine pair more than six decades ago that continues to serve me well (at least, that’s what my dear wife tells me). And, with the recent Alf Haupt-Eric Bahrt bare torso photo contest in mind, if Dr Frank wishes to make a similar challenge, I am happy to comply. But the prospect of old ladies choking on their afternoon cups of tea is only too real and I rather fear that Have Your Say’s image as a “haven of tranquillity” may take another hit. No doubt the editors will apply their usual discretion.
Nigel Pike
Phang Nga

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