I think that some of the people who regularly post some of the nastiest and hateful comments here are those who, in real life, wouldn't say boo to a goose. That is, they utilise this forum to give voice to ideas and sentiments that they can't where they are identifiable and are likely to be held to account for what they say.

While this aspect certainly doesn't enhance the quality of discussions here, I suppose it could be argued that this is a useful function in some ways. Firstly, it's probably quite therapeutic for the racists, misogynists, homophobes, Islamophobes etc to get their suppressed hatred off their chests. Secondly, it's useful for the rest of us to know the depths of hatred out there in the community.

Guys, dunno how Gibo feels now, but I have to say that I feel somewhat reassured.

I have put another spin on things after reading your posts.

Thank you.

For a time I was wishing that this thread had appeared before I went on leave so I hadn't been wimped out by two bus-drivers and a newsagent and had, instead, realised how dumb I was being to let three people out of a total of over 20mill affect me.

But then, if I hadn't gone to Thailand I would have missed out on yet another one of life's all-time wonderful experiences and brought home yet another incredible story of the kindness of strangers from there.

ps Didja see that? I just referred to China as "home"? Woa.

Romany and Gibo et al

Take heart. While not perfect, humans are capable of great kindness and compassion. People are inherently good and you only have to look at the way we rally around and help out during natural disasters and other hardships.

Sometimes it takes simple acts of kindness at the local level to restore our faith in human nature. A while ago the families at our local school pulled together for a family faced with a personal tragedy and the support and care offered was heartwarming and life affirming. This is just one example, there are many other examples which I am sure we have all experienced at one time or another.

Yes it's twee but don't you love this saying - "Practice random kindness and senseless acts of beauty" which was used as the basis for the film Pay it Forward (the plot was pure American formula but it did tweak the heartstrings).

OLO is a forum it is not real life and as others have said not to be taken too seriously. Some subjects will always stir the passions, I guess in this way it is like real life and the cloak of anonymity may bring out the brute in some but not most.

Pelican - ran out of posts on the other thread so couldn't reply to you there. But hey to you.

Thanks for the "Random acts.." quote. I have written it down and posted it on my computer next to a vase of flowers - sadly past their prime - which represents the senseless act of buying roses the other day instead of lunch.