Clarkson does it again

[Dougal Maguire]

I see David Cameron's buddy has put his size 10s in it again:

Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson has faced a storm of protest from mental health charities after he branded people who throw themselves under trains as "selfish".

The 51-year-old, who was forced to apologise earlier this week after saying all striking workers should be shot, was embroiled in further controversy after he reiterated his view that those who commit suicide on railway lines cause "immense" disruption for commuters.

Charities said his comments were "tasteless" and accused him of trivialising the subject of suicide.

In his column in The Sun newspaper, Clarkson said: "I have the deepest sympathy for anyone whose life is so mangled and messed up that they believe death's icy embrace will be better. However, every year around 200 people decide that the best way to go is by hurling themselves in front of a speeding train. In some ways they are right. This method has a 90% success rate and it's extremely quick.

"However, it is a very selfish way to go because the disruption it causes is immense. And think what it's like for the poor train driver who sees you lying on the line and can do absolutely nothing to avoid a collision."

Later in the article the presenter referred to those who choose to jump in front of trains as "Johnny Suicide" and argues that following a death, trains should carry on their journeys as soon as possible.

He added: "The train cannot be removed nor the line re-opened until all of the victim's body has been recovered. And sometimes the head can be half a mile away from the feet. Change the driver, pick up the big bits of what's left of the victim, get the train moving as quickly as possible and let foxy woxy and the birds nibble away at the smaller, gooey parts that are far away or hard to find."

[Up The Middle]

Why is this tosser allowed on tv?

[thewobbler]

He's right on this one.

[CiKe]

Maybe this is his Jonathan Woss moment

[thejuice]

I don't question what he has to say, more that I question those who make up his audience or pay for him to voice his opinion to the wider public.

[Tony Baloney]

Agree with the main sentiment of piece. Could have done without the bit about the foxes etc.

[Forever Green]

Don`t really like him but I agree with him here

[Agent Orange]

Clarkson for PM.

[EC Unique]

He speaks more sense than most politicians!

[Armamike]

He's a durtbag.

[theskull1]

Would wager hes a book out for Christmas? The dumb masses will play right into hands.

Agree with the basic argument

[ziggysego]

Would wager hes a book out for Christmas? The dumb masses will play right into hands.

Agree with the basic argument

A DVD.

[Tony Baloney]

Would wager hes a book out for Christmas? The dumb masses will play right into hands.

Agree with the basic argument

A DVD.

And a book. Same as every Christmas.

[pintsofguinness]

Don't have an issue with the main parts (although I don't agree) but it's the bit about the foxes and the birds etc that I'd consider being out of line. No need for it and seems to just do it for a reaction. Imagine having lost someone that way (suicide or by accident) and having to read that.

And that's only a few days after he caused uproar over saying the strikers should be shot....although that reaction was OTT.

[BennyHarp]

Objective acheived - sales of his DVD doubled in the days after his outbursts. I actually dont mind Clarkson but I cant believe people are so stupid to hear those comments and think - i know, i'll go and buy the DVD he has just released!

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011/dec/05/jeremy-clarkson-dvd-strikes