Comparing the reactions to two columns by two different columnists and assuming that the disparity can be attributed entirely to the gender of the authors is so presumptuous and elementary in its reasoning that it shows a lack of respect for column writing itself.  I'm not going to make generalizing claims about how men and women behave or write,  but of the stable of columnists at this newspaper,  the female columnists are noticeably more divisive and cavalier in tone than the males.  Ask yourself this, Ms Stead: Does Margret Wente receive the same level of hostility as other female columnists?

I've been reading this newspaper for my entire adult life and am troubled by the shift away from balanced reporting in favor of a social justice agenda.  I share the frustration of other readers, most of whom are as articulate and respectful in their criticisms of this newspaper as the journalists themselves.   Thanks for listening.