"beardedbruce, yes being a conservative on this forum would be quite similar to being an African American on an almost entirely Anglo-American forum."

You're kidding right? The idea that in some way entering into a robust debate over matters political can be compared to the emancipation of a people is ludicrous and not a little bewildering.

Bruce might feel he's in a minority on this site but then who doesn't sometimes? I have been called a lefty, commie, do-gooder, high and mighty, holier-than-thou and a hundred other insults for my views but so what? It's a debate. It's supposed to be a bit of rough and tumble and people will not agree.

Comparing the kicking you get in a political debate you willingly enter into with the issues raised by racism in modern society is not only distasteful, but ignorant too. We've all got the right to our opinions, and we should be allowed to air them and be prepared to defend them, but being a true blue does not make you part of an oppressed minority any more than it does the rest of us.