I've been following this thread for a couple of days and I finally have something to say:

I don't know Nigel other than through what he posts but I do enjoy his posts and he comes across as intelligent and as a decent human being. With respect to whether he is a racist or not - well of course he would deny it - we all do because it is not PC (politically correct) but that doesn't mean that deep down we don't have tendencies that we work hard to squelch. I don't think Nigel meant to be insensitive or insulting to any race but the fact that he did not realize that writing that comment was a major faux pas says more than anything he or anyone else has said or done in this thread. His action of voicing his feelings in such a way shows a sense of entitlement that he feels is his due. Do you see what I am saying - the fact that he felt he could write that comment says way more than the comment itself. And as Excellfriend said - this is merely my opinion and I respect the fact that not everyone will agree with it.