What’s smug and deserves to be decapitated?

Here's a lovely story from the UK that starts off with a suggestion that cyclists be garroted with piano wire stretched across their paths.  It certainly works as an attention-getter, but of course, the editors would insist that this isn't a serious threat.  Mr. Parris is merely using hyperbole.  He's not genuinely advocating doing harm to any cyclist.  So with the same tongue-in-cheek approach, I'd suggest Mr. Parris be gut shot and left to die on a lonely country road somewhere.  It's just a joke.  Honest.

UPDATE 27DEC2007

Related story, a reply to the Times Online regarding the above piece.

LINK

(Link will open in new window)

Sir, Matthew Parris (My
Week, Dec 27 ) is no doubt intending humorous exaggeration in calling
for piano wire to be strung across country lanes in order to decapitate
cyclists.

Forgive me if I fail to see the joke. My son is an enthusiastic cyclist, and
is also very responsible and courteous. Last year while cycling on a cycle
path he struck piano wire that had been deliberately stretched across the
path at head height.

Only the fact that he hit the wire with his helmet prevented his injuries
being more serious. Had he been riding in a more upright position he could
well have been severely injured.

There is enough random violence in society today without someone like Mr
Parris making sickening and grossly irresponsible suggestions.

Malley Terry

Droitwich, Worcs