Well, thanks for accepting my apology Eddie.....
I agree your post was a good one.... Made me think. I do not feel though that your thread was condescending, maybe I missed that part.

So many of the arguing posts and hard feelings seem to spawn from the feeling that many of the threads by myself and others are racist, bigoted, or intolerant.....

Speaking only for myself, it puzzles and frustrates me that making a complaint that I feel is valid is viewed in that manner. Again, I think in black and white. To me, calling a member of an ethnic group or minority a derogatory name is racist. Referring to them as subhuman or worse is bigotry. Complaining about actions by said groups or unfair laws/rights afforded to those groups does not fit the description of those names (racist, bigot, etc) in my view.
Think about it. Calling white corporate CEO's selfish, self-serving, elitist, worthless, etc., will not garner ONE accusation of being racist or bigoted. Say the same about ANY minority group and guess what.... The label is placed...

Thanks again for accepting my apology, and who knows.... Maybe someday we will be able to sit and have that brew together?!

MC