Sentence:  In a recent column in The New York Times, William Safire referred to Mr. Morris as Ed. This prompted Mr. Morris to write "an open letter" to Mr. Safire <WSD>remonstrating</WSD> that, in his case, such usage "grates like sand in salad." 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  To state or plead as an objection, formal protest, or expression of disapproval.