No apology needed Jezza! and as for offensive, I just don't see it

Why in the name of all that is good was Jeremy Clarkson today forced into making an apology for merely stating his opinion?

...and make no mistake about it, in my mind he was forced - after all why else would a man who has made a career from being outspoken and controversial do just that?

I find it ridiculous, but not nearly as ridiculous as the comments from Steve Winyard, from the RNIB who went as far as to accuse Clarkson of offending blind and visually impaired people. Now THAT is ridiculous and, in fact, offensive!

For those that don't know, and can't be bothered to read the BBC article, this is th short version. Discussing the Australian Prime Minister's comments about the world financial situation, Jezza suggested that it was good to see a man who looked genuinely concerner rather than our "One-eyed Scottish Idiot" who keeps making out that he has the solution and that everything's under control (or words to that effect)

Let's check:

One-eyed? Yep, both literally and, one might argue (depending on your view of Brown) metaphorically

Scottish? Yep

Idiot? Possibly, and certainly a valid statement of personal opinion.

What I don't see is any suggestion that any one chaacteristic is inherently linked to another. No matter how hard you try to convince me, Mr Winyard, you just won't do it.

I might refer to you as an RNIB-employed Male Buffoon - am I suggesting that all of your colleagues are therefore buffoons? No, of course not.

I currently have a standing order donating a monthly amount to 'Guide Dogs for the Blind' - not directly connected to the RNIB, thankfully, otherwise I might be tempted to fire up my internet banking and cancel it.

Idiot!