16 FEBRUARY 2002, Page 31

Arrogant America

From Lissa Demetdou Sir: Mark Steyn's diatribes against anyone critical of America's present stance have reminded me all too depressingly of the lines of Ogden Nash:

The catchphrase 'Nothing human tome is alien' Was coined by some dreadful European rapscallion.

This dangerous fallacy I will now illumine: To patriots nothing alien is human.

I am still proud of my New England blood, but I loathe the overweening arrogance, aggressiveness and grinding ignorance on display by powerful Americans at the moment, and by their mouthpieces.

Lissa Demetriou

Wood Delling, Norfolk