McGrath, I disagree and think that the title would be offensive to certain members of any nation regardles as to whether the chosen word was big or fat. It is an unfair generalisation which in this case, whether meant or not implied all Americans are fat, or overweight or what ever you care to call it.

Having read his opening post, it would appear that obesity was not the intended topic, so why even use a title like that? He said.

"I guess that most people here are aware that there is more than enough food produced to feed everyone in the world.

I recently heard the statistic that if everyone ate as much as the average American, we'd need 5 earths to feed them.

Cousins, please eat less "

He was asked what his point was and repied.

"My point is that us US citizens consume far more of the worlds resources than we have a right to.

I for one feel damn guilty"

Again, no mention of being fat.. but by that point, he is telling other US citezens what the have a right to eat and it could be to imply that they should share in his guilt.

I am still not as convinced as some are that it was a troll but I think that once a thread has got of to a bad start with what will be offensive to some, others having been upset, will look for the worst possible interpretation from then on and I agree with those who pointed out that the fact that thread turned with some interesting disuccsion was down to other Mudcatters efforts.

Jon