SASLess, I agree with Finnpog. Regardless of any of the issues you raised, I think you failed in not maintaining your aim. While you may be valid in everything you say, feature just the main point and hammer that one alone. Westmorland is just an historic distraction. Dempsey, in your letter, would be collateral damage.
Old-duffer's suggestion is the best. I know you have posted the whole letter to his FB page but you can ensure it reached the light of day through an 'agent of influence'.
I know somene who placed a story through a former news editor which caused accute embarassment to the hierarcy who discovered the carpet was smaller than they thought it was.
Find a sympathetic journalist and go from there.