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I am not necessarily an uncultivated Southerner, depends upon who you ask.   Normally I do not take offense at the term "Yank". I understand it for what it is. The key is in the line "If it is in good cheer". And most other Americans see it this way.

If you will notice that my comment about it was followed by a smilie that had a wink or something like that.

I for one do not care to have war talk excluded - freedom of speech is what I am all about. However, with that freedom comes the responsibility to know when to keep your mouth shut when your insensative comments might offend a friend. Kinda makes 'em think that they are not welcome nor a friend.

Now I know that I have not been onboard here very long and few of you know me. I am aware that few of you could care less whether I stay or go. I would like to stay. Stay for the whole site - not just a few to avoid the forums that talk politics.

But I will not stand idly by while people badmouth my country. There is a fine line between healthy critisism and outright hostility.

Case in point? Read the thread about the American friendly fire that killed the two Brits. And then read the thread about the Brit friendly fire incedent. If you are open minded you will see my point. The same people that were so outraged about the American incedent were conciliatory about their own troops mistakes. And that is exactly what it was in BOTH cases - mistakes and accidents - that was all it was. And every country can make them. American Grunts are no more trigger happy killers than Brits are.

Ah, to hell with it. I am tired of argueing and trying to get people to be civil with each other and apply the same standards to others that they apply to themselves.

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if i remember correctly there was a second part, a "yank" response

Oso,

For my part, if any, in being insensitive in the thread you mention, I apologize, and regret any insensitivity that may have been evident.

The "Grunt" comment was mine. I don't think I dealt with either incident with a double standard. Neither involved my countrymen, but easily could have, on either end of such a mistake.

I have read again, as you suggested, and I do see where one incident seems to have incited criticism and the other, understanding.
I would like to think that it had more to do with the fact that the thread had spanned a period of time that reflected a change in general attitude. I'm sure our Pommy friends didn't mean to "point the bone" at the US services and not their own.

But for the sake of all, especially myself and yourself, I would hate to see someone leave the forums under any kind of controversial circumstance, unless they were the deserved one. You are not.

I am sorry for my part. 

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Thanks, Mate.

No, I don't for a moment think that most people in Western Nations, at least, are, or live any differently than I do. (except the odd emu attack while on the dunny!).

The references I made with regard to the "American influende" has really been going on since the War (WWII). But it does seem to have gotten a bit out of hand in the last 10-15 years.
I've seen movies and TV shows where, as part of the plot, there is one or more white blokes attempting to behave in that distinctly "black manner" (no offence intended, just a particular way, that we are all familiar with) and when white Americans try it on, it's ridiculous, so you can imagine white Aussies (or even worse Aboriginals) fancying themselves as "BAD".

Imagine the comical content of Richard Prior and Gene Wilder in "Stir Crazy" coupled with true national embarrassment.