Inconceivable

I can't verify this anecdote, and I'm also presenting it from my fuzzy memory, but years ago a reader wrote in and said that he bumped into Tom Friedman. He'd had a couple of drinks and first asked if he was Paul Krugman. Then, realizing it was Friedman he asked him about his "suck on this" comment. Friedman replied, "That doesn't sound like something I would say." Well there you go.

I was reminded of that when I read about the ongoing unfolding phone hacking case in the UK.

It is almost too horrific to believe that a professional journalist or even a freelance inquiry agent working on behalf of a member of the News of the World staff could behave in this way.

If the allegations are proved to be true then I can promise the strongest possible action will be taken as this company will not tolerate such disgraceful behaviour.

I hope that you all realise it is inconceivable that I knew or worse, sanctioned these appalling allegations.

It might be difficult or impossible conceive of, but that isn't actually a denial.