[Barry the Sprout]

OK, so this thread contains some thoughts on IW in general, but it also has some stuff on 4th of July in it. I know some of you know me so you are immediately worrying about what I'm going to say, well, in some ways that reaction is kinda the basis of my ideas...

Anyway, I've now finished the first year here at Uni and I'm going back home in about an hour. This means no more computer access on a regular basis, goodbye to IW until September at least. So first off, goodbye to you all, its been fun. [img]smile.gif[/img] When I came to London I knew no one and didn't make friends properly for a few months, like everyone else really. So when I found this little innocuous forum on BG 1&2 I signed up. Hooked in days... I still try to explain to people I know that this is a real community, a community that will look after you in exactly the same way as any other. But all they do is stare blankly and move sharp objects out of my reach. So for getting me through a bit of a transitionary phase in life I thank you all, its been wonderful.

But (and you all knew there was going to be a "but" didn't you...) some of the stuff here has annoyed me, some of it has worried me, some of it has insulted me. I've been told I don't know what I'm talking about and I've been told to go f*ck off and die... and...

... I've been called Anti-American...

Well, funnily enough its the last one that gets my back-up most. It sometimes seems like its impossible to criticise without being declared anti-american. Doesn't the idea seem ludicrous to anyone else? I can't physically hate America, or Americans. Where I dislike American policy I will say so, you cannot dismiss my view that easily I'm afraid. I am a perfectly rational person with the abilty to reason through my position on any number of areas. I am not somehow fuelled by a hatred of Americans and the country in general. As pretty much anyone whos actually listened to me knows I am pretty opposed to a lot of stuff Tony Blair does. Does that make me Anti British? There are some people on here who also dislike much of American policy, but are themselves American... are they anti- American?

It often simply seems to me as a weapon for US supporters and sympathisers to get around objections. So, just my final thought, considering the time of year and my 99% most favorouble opinion of the people on this board:

Disagree with me, argue with me, think that I am stupid, think that I don't know what I am talking about, but please, please, don't call me anti-American.

Have fun all of you, its been great, enjoy the Summer. [img]smile.gif[/img]