'Offensive'/'offended' - used in last two posts: not quite the right word[s]. Let me draw your attention again to the title of this thread, which the OP chose to give it. The only point I have been making thruout is that the symbol under discussion has a specific history, having originated in what was unarguably a political statement — that the UK should unilaterally disarm itself of all nuclear weapons. Whether or not one agrees with that position or not [I did at first but developed doubts as to its viability later], it is a political statement. The fact that the symbol was later adapted for other purposes does not alter the fact of its original meaning. But a whole lot of the replies from the US were predicated on the suggestion that, because they didn't know that, it couldn't be the case; or if it was it didn't matter anyhow because only what Americans think matters [how else is one to interpret Jeri's 'Most people', for example?] — an odd sort of confused, illogical, being in denial as to the facts of the case. No point saying OK! OK! to me, my dears: I am not getting heated. But some of you seem to be getting a bit agitated at having unwelcome facts drawn to your attention — going into denial, I say again, aren't you?...