We all have a right to our own opinions

IN response to my letter criticising the tone of Anton Coaker’s article, Mike Butterfield asks what qualifies me to “impose views” on readers.

I am very happy to oblige. Does Mike Butterfield aim to impose his views when he expresses opinion on the letters page? I don’t – it is just my opinion. But if he was questioning my qualifications for expressing a view, let’s look at what I said.

My criticism of the article related to Anton Coaker’s tone as it made me uncomfortable. I explained that my reason was because of his characterisation of environmentalists and his divisive language – labelling people as ignorant, woke, demonising, contemptible hypocrites. Given Anton Coaker’s very personal attack on these environmentalists, I think I am also justified in asserting that his article would appeal to people who don’t want to take action on climate change. In both cases, no special qualifications are claimed or necessary. I have no expertise in farming which is why I made no comment on those elements of the article, In fact, I suggested that the WMN should find a farmer able to provide a credible, alternative view. So I am seeking expertise, which does exist. Readers may be interested to know that I wrote a letter in May praising two of Anton Coaker’s articles, one about a book on trees and one on reducing air travel. However, this letter was not published.

Michael Carter Exeter