Oooh, now this looks interesting.

You’ll remember that Paul Staines had the Thunderer column on Tuesday? Presumably because I commented on it I’ve received an email from IPN, one of those critiqued in it. It opens:

Here
is a link to our rebuttal of Staines
false and defamatory claims about us:

And here indeed is the link.

There’s also this in the email:

I
actually share some of Staines’ concerns about the attempt by
corporations to corrupt think-tanks, which is why IPN has a very strict policy
on independence and conflicts of interest. If he wants to spend his time on
such matters he should look into groups that are in fact working as consultants
to companies and governments rather than those acting independently. And he
really should check his facts before setting finger to keyboard.

There’s one irrestible image going across my mind right now. John Belushi is cramming food down his throat as he passes along the cafeteria line and he goes over to sit next to the pretty girls. Aficionados of the film Animal House know the line that’s coming next:

Fooooooood Fiiiiight!

And may the best man win.