Let me now tell you a happier story. The Homeland Security agent who sent me hate mail? I sent him the Daily Mail apology. He has apologised for his 'emotional reaction' and sent me a picture of his beautiful black cat.

That is ten times more important to me than damages.

It doesn't exonerate that kind of thing but it does show you how deeply false stories via Breitbart, tabloids etc poison the minds of people who might otherwise be inclined to be decent.

And I'm not naiive though I'm happy to connect on a more pleasant level with a stranger who was angry with me. The winds have changed direction & there is less emboldened swaggering for the present.