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Do you ever get the uneasy feeling when you read a thread posted by someone you know in your heart of hearts doesn't like you that, although your name isn't mentioned, they are referring to you?

They post a thread and you read it and ask yourself: "Is this person trying to prove a point? Are they playing to the gallery?

My old pop used to tell me that there were two givens in life ...

#1 Nothing is exactly what it seems ...

#2 Every so often in life you happen upon an opponent who matches you in every single way you wish to name.

And I added my own ...

#3 When a person gets in your face in a sort cowardly way, like when they use subtle insinuations, grab them on the throat, cross swords with them and do not allow them to pour scorn upon you behind your back.

Perhaps I should end with something only the person I am referring to will be able to understand ...

"Living in a foreign country and earning your daily bread there, does NOT necessarily mean you are a citizen of that country."

Oh ... and if the shoe fits, please wear it!

Well of course it fits but I assure you you're mis-reading the South Africa thread. I may be accused of opportunism but my post was a dig at Israel from start to finish, you merely provided a suitable moment. If you can see any personal attack it can only come out of your own perception; since I know nothing of your history I can scarcely have held any ammunition. If you think about that for a few moments in a reflective fashion you might realize my account here is both reasonable and likely.

I may have picked the wrong thread and I may not be the poster you're referring to, of course - "although your name isn't mentioned" scarcely fits what I wrote.

Wow that was so quick ... You are either very perceptive or you needed shoes! :

Okay ... I have never ever been one to shirk an apology when one is required as I am sure you can attest to ...

Guess I have become ever so slightly paranoid, given my history here I guess that should come as no surprise to anyone ...

I apologise to you unconditionally ... Sorry!

I'm interested in anything you have to say regarding South Africa's history too, you understand. But not from any preconception of you having any implied burden of guilt, merely from your having observed it at close hand.

I certainly have experience of life here and can compare it to life abroad, and can formulate and articulate an opinion of pre and post-apartheid South Africa.

There is much that is good and much that is bad in the "rainbow nation."

eg ... A National Health Scheme that is being phased in over the next few years that is going to raise many eyebrows both here and abroad.

It will be funded partly in the way their UIF or Unemployement Insurance Fund is. In other words all employees earning OVER a certain figure will contribute, even if you are already contributing to a private Medical Sceme and all employers will contribute about 3.5% of their monthly salaries and wages to the NHS ... I will post something more ASAP ...