Regrettably, this thread reminds all of us in America that many of our "friends" from across the pond carry bitter anger toward us, and it doesn't take much to bring it out.

I don't believe that for a minute, Stim. It's quite possible to believe that the American people as a nation are decent and civilised. I've corresponded with many Americans over many years and found friendship and humanity. My partner has visited the US on many occasions and been treated with kindness and civility - open arms, in fact - wherever she and her friends went.

What I object to is the thuggery of governments - in whatever country they are - which threaten, bully and attempt to coerce just to get their own way. And I would apply that to aspects of the government in the UK as much as those in the US. Let's not confuse anger at régimes with anger at individuals in the countries governed by those régimes.