Editor:
I thank Professor Brakel for his kind words and even for the amazingly, gratifyingly, close reading that led him to fix on one phrase from the whole. Indeed, getting people to read one's writings closely is an increasingly burdensome demand, and unrealized expectation, in this media‐saturated age.
First Amendment issues aside, I must respectfully disagree with Professor Brakel, however, that I should somehow take responsibility for some other thorough (but insane) reader who might also fix on that phrase and go out and harm others. I remind the professor that at least one politician blamed the acts of the Columbine shooters on the fact that they were taught evolution in school. If that kind of leap can be made, then anything I might write about anything might be blamed for bad events.
For what it is worth, the Philadelphia audience chuckled at the remark, as I imagine The Queen's hearers did. With wits like Disraeli around, even conservative politicians of that time could afford to accept an occasional laugh on themselves.
My renewed thanks to Professor Brakel for paying such close attention.
- American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law
