I don't doubt that he's a decent enough chap, most people are within their
own circle of friends, but there are ways to present oneself and ones
opinions on a public and international forum in a much more diplomatic and
coherent way, that are rather less likely to start a flame war. It's an
important lesson that more people should learn.
I'm not a big NASCAR fan, and I don't really have a strong opinion on the
Toyota debate, but I strongly dissaprove of John reinforcing the current
public (British, at any rate) general opinion that Americans think their
country is the best & feel they must say so at every opportunity. Everyone
thinks their own country is 'the best', but telling a foreigner that won't
change their opinion about their own country, it'll just***them off.
I'll not harp on about freedom like John and others have, I'll just go right
ahead and USE that freedom of speech that he doesn't think I have.
John, if you don't want your message to the world to be misunderstood by, in
Goy's words 'a pretty smart guy' then make it less ambiguous.
There's nothing wrong with not liking Toyotas, I don't particularly like
them either, but there's one hell of a lot wrong with not liking the
Japanese and that's the message you inadvertantly put out. There's no
journalistic spin on a flame war, it's just lots of people reacting in the
predictable way that crowds do.
Crowds have acted this way throughout history. You not caring about other
people's opinions won't change the fact that THEY care about their feelings,
and THEY don't like having them upset by YOU.
Ever heard of the story of "Pandora's Box"?
Ever heard the phrase "An Eye for an Eye"?
Or my personal favourite, "Stiff upper lip old chap."
These are stories you are taught at school, because they are important
social lessons in how to behave.
And Goy, I don't take sides, I'm on MY side. Unlike redTed however, I don't
bear grudges, and I appreciate what you're trying to do.
Malc.