Irrational prejudice breaks down in the face of fact. Newspapers gradually wind down their absurd campaigns. The difference with paedophiles is that they can be reached and, given the nature of their crimes, are rarely forgiven. Newspapers will never cease their hostility. This is the monster for a millennium.
Newspapers raise a hue and cry and leave it at that.
Governments, fearing to take any radical action in the face of newspaper hostility, wash their hands of the problem. In that sense, I understand the motives of the News of the World's editor. Recognising a policy vacuum, she thought she was acting for the public good. But the device, manufacturing yet another monster, will surely prove counter-productive. Media monsters foment mobs.