Banjer,

>".... I was rather severely injured during a struggle with a group of blacks while on duty as an MP in 1969. Almost lost vision in my right eye. So according to tradition I should hate black people?? Not so. I don't think I could sit at the same table with the perpetrator, but I don't hate his entire race for his actions...."

But imagine if there were no black people in the USA (I presume that this was in the US) - better still, assume the incident had occurred at the hands of Ruritanians, that you'd never met a Ruritanian before that and that the only contact you'd ever had with Ruritanians was hostile (especially if it had involved your mates being killed), then tell me that you'ld have the same attitude that you have at present.

I'm not supporting (or even trying to justify) hating a nation or race, but I believe I can understand why it happens.

Regards

Tom