Thanks for the reminder, Pete.
Sometimes needed, especially during these "controversial" times. However, this time 'round, as I'm sure you've noticed me comment in several threads, I have found everyone minding their "P's & Q's" and not making personal comments or generalising about any group, be they nation, sex, religion or whatever.
My opinion is that there is a "political aspect" to many things we speak about. This war is a very important part of all our lives, particularly those in the coalition countries. Not to monitor and speak of it would be unnatural and, come to think of it, restrictive.
There is not so much political content than opinion with regard to freedom, threat of harm and concern for our world.
Australia is upset at the US subsidising their wheat farmers and causing our farmers great hardship. That's politics. It's also very uninteresting and not of very much importance except to our farmers (at least it didn't stop us from going to war with the US). So, I think "political" is the wrong description to give to these, shall we call them "controversial" threads.
Also, speaking of "controversial", just one question from one who honestly does not know, to all Americans.............
The word "Yank" has been AFFECTIONATELY used by (Australians especially) since WWII to describe our American friends. I have heard the term used on 1950's Bugs Bunny Cartoons (by Yosamite Sam) and in this forum and others, over a good deal of time, have never had an American take offence.
I believe the Union soldiers in the Civil War were called "Yankees" by their Southern brothers. But apart from this 138 year old reference, I'm unable to find any reason why it might cause offence today.
If one was to be offended, would they be Northern or Southern? (I've looked at the US map and have been unable to find a line which defines those descriptions, given my knowledge of which States were Union and which were Confederate).
Incidentally, the only time in Australian history that we have been a little upset with our US friends is during the War, when the GI's were "stealing" all our women. ;D
The slogan went like this:
Q. "What's wrong with the Yanks?"
A. "They're OVER paid, OVER sexed and OVER 'ere!"
...!
...!
Just pondering again. 
