Richard: I am not American. I used the term "Land of the Free" in a way to emphasise that, for so many Americans, they are not free at all. However, they are heading there, as are so many countries, by every human right that they give to all.

I look forward to a day when America truly is a land of the free and, in the meantime, accept that their President was and is willing to make a statement on the world stage that perhaps helps those freedoms get a little closer. His words have actually leant more weight to a cause that can say "Land of the free" today with less discrimination than it could yesterday. People will be more exposed to the arguments and discussions than they were a week ago. Some will be educated. Some will change their minds for the better. Have you ever noticed how such changes tend to create better citizens and a more open minded society. It does not create more bigotry and hate: it quells a great amount of misinformation. Soon the boot will be on the other foot hopefully.

In this I can say I am proud that the UK is actually ahead in its fight to give human rights to one and all and that for our 'special relationship' with the US to mean anything, perhaps our leaders can now sing off the same hymn sheet to bring about more rapid, and fair, change in a global context.

These rights affect everyone and I think what opponents to human rights - rights they may have and take for granted - overlook is this. Once we get rid of all the minorities, if they had their way, who would they turn on then? What do these people think about if one of their family is born coloured, disabled, gay, transsexual, female opposed to male, brown eyes, red hair... the list is endless.

This is a global problem. The Americans are not responsible for this one. However, so many of them, and now their President, have took a stand for freedom of rights we should not lose sight of the good that has gone on here :-)

Best wishes as ever

mp