If we could look behind the scenes of great events in history, perhaps we would discover that those in charge were always fighting like rats in a sack. However, with modern communications, we are in the unfortunate position of being able to learn, while still in the midst of the crisis, that there has been pandemonium at government level (Cummings texts show Boris Johnson calling Matt Hancock ‘totally hopeless’, 16 June). Perhaps Dominic Cummings intends the release of these texts to be cathartic, but for many of us outside politics they will just add to a deep sense of sadness about what we have all been through. Susan Tomes Edinburgh • Though they have not resulted in the same sound and fury as Dominic Cummings’ revelations on life inside No 10, the comments by the former race adviser Samuel Kasumu are far and away more damaging (Johnson’s former race adviser accuses Tories of inflaming culture wars, 15 June). Cummings told us what we already knew, that his ex-boss is uniquely unsuited to the office of prime minister, but Kasumu provides substance to support the view that there are more stokers in the cabinet than in a ship’s crew. And for those who remain to be convinced by Kasumu’s analysis, the pursuit of a journalist by a baying mob calling him a “traitor” may be a good starting point (Boris Johnson condemns anti-lockdown protesters’ treatment of BBC’s Nick Watt, 15 June). Les Bright Exeter, Devon • Reading the report of Boris Johnson condemning the hounding of a journalist reminded me of the Guardian report (‘A couple of black eyes’: Johnson and the plot to attack a reporter, 14 July 2019) about Johnson agreeing in 1990 to supply Darius Guppy with the address of the journalist Stuart Collier so that he could be given “a couple of black eyes” and a “cracked rib”. At the time your report appeared, Johnson had not apologised to Mr Collier. Is there no end to this man’s two-faced point-scoring public comments that are undermined by his actions? Ian Knee Stoke Gabriel, Devon • Boris Johnson, Priti Patel and Andrew Neil condemning the attack on Nick Watt is a bit like arsonists complaining about the heat from a fire that they’ve started. Alan Pearson Durham • The home secretary is certainly doing her bit to inflame the culture war. In her debut on GB News she described English footballers as engaging in “gesture politics” and “virtue signalling” when taking the knee. In the context of the racist abuse that is a fact of players’ lives, this dignified and peaceful act has a meaning far beyond what is suggested by the terms she chooses. The effect of this dismissive attitude is compounded by Patel’s clear indifference to the malevolence signalled by the booing that she will not speak out against. William Shepherd Lower Heyford, Oxfordshire • By referring to taking the knee as “gesture politics”, Priti Patel has insulted the integrity of our footballers simply because they have chosen to demonstrate humanity and compassion. Standing up against all forms of discrimination is not politics. This is about humanity and fundamental human rights. The home secretary should stick to her own portfolio and perhaps consider addressing her own failings in relation to human rights, given her previous record of bullying and aggression. This country needs a home secretary who will work to unite our population. Patel is clearly not fit for office. Yasmin Ataullah London • Surely it can’t be long before Priti Patel has her own talk show on GB News? Max Bell Thame, Oxfordshire • Have an opinion on anything you’ve read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication.