It's entire premise is emotional. It's content is innuendo. It's delivery is slander. It is completely obvious that it ignored all facts, as you point out. Anyone who remembers what you are responding to will also remember your original letter. Most people will probably scratch their heads and say "What?"

That's the point - facts are hard to remember while emotions are much easier.

What is interesting is that the paper decided to publish the response to your letter in the first place.

_{aspiring to genteel poverty}