Someone completely misinterpreted what I had written on the group's post (my opinion on the position of the British in the American War for Independence) and lambasted me for it (actually Lucianus, because this was the group's journal, and it was directed towards everyone on his list, not simply those who know of our plural group). Now Lucianus feels guilty for what I have written, and has issued an apology to those who are aware of my existence. I do not apologise, however, for my opinion. I apologise if I have caused suffering, but I do not apologise for what I think. And no, I do not advocate for colonialism or slavery, which are both incredibly disgusting human acts.* I am a bloody utilitarian, and would never advocate such horrific nonsense as slavery or colonialism, and there was no romanticising of Britain! People, I dare say, are ridiculous. These days I wonder if I should keep my publicly expressed opinions to science, or air them in a group that is far less interested in woolly, relativistic ways of thinking.

*and not in the same way two men having sexual relations is; as much as I am disgusted by male homosexuality, I recognise gay men's right to practise whatever they wish. It is no-one's business but their own. No suffering is caused by it, and it is pleasurable to them.

edit: I repaired my spelling of 'disgusted'. I think I am still unused to this keyboard.

Yours sincerely

A very frustrated

Richard