That’s enough of the callous cliches

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/jul/06/thats-enough-of-the-callous-cliches

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In covering the recent Tory leadership circus, Guardian columnists have entertained themselves with rhetoric that is both hackneyed and callow. On Wednesday we have yet another: John Crace’s piece “Tarantino Tories” – with “grinning assassins”, “blood-letting” and “stabbing”. Maybe Crace, and others, could pause long enough to remember that about three weeks ago, young MP Jo Cox was killed on the street in Birstall. Real blood. Real stabbing. Time to give the callous cliches a rest?Patricia Baker-CassidyOxford

• Nicky Morgan, education secretary, said in a BBC interview on Tuesday that the teachers’ strike, coming two weeks before the end of the summer term, is “not popular with children” (Teachers’ strike closes schools, 6 July). Oh believe me, Nicky Morgan, it’s extremely popular with children!Janet Walmsley (parent)Sheffield

• What a lovely picture of the cow outside Harrogate on Wednesday’s letters page (6 July). But I must correct the long-held misconception that a cow on the ground forecasts rain. The blue sky in the picture lends credence to the fact that there is no rain in evidence and that the cow is lying down because it is contented and is chewing the cud after a hearty feast of grass.Walter WaideHaslingden, Lancashire

• I’ve been intrigued for a while about Harry Venner’s Clare and her old tube television. Maybe the Gove-provoked irreparable damage to it (Clare in the community, 6 July) will see an upgrade to a contemporary flatscreen model in the near future.Bill WhiteLeeds

• I’m retired and have some spare time. But which job should I apply for? Conservative leader, Labour leader, Ukip leader, Top Gear host or England manager?Sue BallBrighton

• Jeremy Corbyn should have “sexed up”’ the case for the EU. That’s the kind of strong leadership the Labour party needs.Brendan GeorgeDidcot, Oxfordshire

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