Phanto, thankyou for your comments.

You write; "Why do you feel the need to describe my generalisation as naive?" I described them as such because they seem to have emerged from a rather impulsive thought process that committed them to the written word before subjecting them to critical examination. I do not regard my criticism and description as patronising or petty. Uttering such broad assertions as if they are holy writ divinely endowed and unquestionable imparts an honour and gravitas that very, very few assertions can truly bear, certainly not those you presented to us however noble were your intentions.

You write; "Why do you feel the need to tell me that I am not familiar with history? Not as familiar as you – is that what you mean?" The examples of exceptions to your generalisations were not extracted from some musty, neglected tome of arcane fable but were personified by two of the most widely known historical figures of the 20th century. I'm sure you have heard of them. You attribute to me a meanness that is unjustified and unjustifiable as I had no intention of arousing your ire.

You write; "I am entitled to express my opinions about the current topic no matter how misguided they are." And I would defend to the death your assertion of such entitlement including your right to be misguided. By the same token you cannot deny me the right to express criticism of and disagreement with your opinions if you freely choose to publish them in a public forum. Cont.....

You write; "I do not have to be familiar with everything I express an opinion on." Indeed, my defence of your entitlement here would be just as stout. But you must admit that the lesser your familiarity then the higher your vulnerability to criticism and disagreement.

"If you do not agree with me then you are entitled to say why but if I am obviously not familiar with history then why would you waste your time replying to my post? If my generalisations are naive then why bother responding?" I confess that my susceptibility to a naive altruism can no longer remain a secret. In order that your sojourn in OLO be a happier one and your contributions be brimming with interesting facts and entertaining anecdotes all stamped with the authority of erudition, I thought to offer encouragement to one whom I considered might profit by it, especially as I see in you an enthusiasm that I had so many years ago.

I try to be as accurate as possible and have an extensive library of history accumulated over the years.