Hi HP,

Good to see you're still full of it. For a moment I was worried that I would be tainted by your compliment but now we're back to reality I can sleep easy. It also saves me from having to lie through my teeth and return the favor. Just as well. Couldn't figure out how I'd make a brown-nosing poseur out to be some sort of paragon.

See, Marc, we kick the brown stuff out of each other on Varick Street. If only you could have seen us when we were in the office together. It was only JB's calming influence that stopped TGAB from calling Don King.

Marc,

I know you've retired from this string and I think that's very wise - though it would have been better if you could have passed up on a couple of the more perjorative digs. They did you know who credit. I've had enough too, but before I go I'll set the record straight on a few points, though.

(i) Everything I posted was totally without JB's input.

(ii) Despite Alydar's accusation that I was somehow trying to gain a commercial advantage for TG, the purpose of my posts (and the vast majority of the content) was to take exception to (a) DP's practice of projecting different views on different boards (he would attack JB on the Sheets board knowing there could be no response and then project himself as a reasonable man on this board) and (b) Friedman's practice of attacking or allowing attacks on JB and then denying him the right to reply. I think both of those approaches unfair. If you see someone being attacked but unable to defend themselves what do you do?

(iii) I posted anonymously because I thought, given the petty level of the debate, that if I revealed any connection my views would be dismissed because of that connection. Clearly I was not wrong. I don't think I ever gave an opinion on whose figures were better. If that had been my purpose then I would, of course, have declared an interest. I wanted my posts to be judged on their principles, not on who made them.

(iv) I agree with the horse owner you quote. I've told Jerry similar stuff for months, virtually since he started getting into these pissing matches, though, of course, given that I am beholden to him I have to watch what I say. That's a joke, BTW, Marc. In my view it doesn't matter how many enemies Jerry makes because none could be worse than himself. Guess who said this: 'Listen, pal, I lead the world in Pyrrhic victories.'

(v) I'm sure that nothing you write is influenced by your employment at the DRF or instigated by Steve Crist. Why then do you think HP and myself post only because we are part of some sort of conspiracy and in awe of JB? You're obviously a far better man than I am, Gunga Din.

Regards,
Mandown