First of all, it is anything but clear to me from reading that thread for the first time cold now that you are factually correct in your assertions and that Solveig was wrong.  If anything I think you have fatally misrepresented her argument.  But that is not the point.  Whilst Mig was busy digging up documents to clarify the matter you instead resorted to ad hominem abuse, accusing her of believing lies because they suited her prejudices.  No arguable factual error on her part justifies such an insult on your part.  You badly overstepped the mark and you are now compounding the error by claiming to be victimised as a bully.

You are also seeking to muddy the waters by claiming that Chris called you a Euro fanatic.  He has already admitted to doing so in anger after you insulted his partner.  Perhaps he marginally overstepped the mark of fair comment.  However I'm not so sure that being regarded as a Euro-fanatic is an insult.  I know No Campaigners in Ireland would regard me as one.  As it happens my views on the EU appear to be much closer to yours that to Chris'.  I have taken issue with his views on the EU on this thread, and can't say I understand how, concretely, he would move the EU from where it is now to where he wants it to be.  And I am also not sure that I find his vision for Europe obviously better.  But all of that is by the by.

The issue is one of you as founder, owner and frontpager seeking to apply one law for others and a much lesser standard for yourself.  There is nothing anyone can do to stop you doing this.  But this would cease to be a true community blog if you do so.  You have painted an admirable vision of your commitment to the EU in this Diary.  Unfortunately you also seem to have an authoritarian streak which cries "whatever" when others make a different case and insists on having it all your own way.  My fear is that such authoritarianism will destroy ET as a community blog (and the EU as a democratically evolving demos) and will leave everyone with a very sad and sour taste indeed.  It's time to pull pack.  To have a bit more respect for those you disagree with.  Your moral authority is based not on your winning every argument, but on your allowing respectful argument to flourish.  You are the freely acknowledged leader of this community now.  Don't throw that hard earned respect away.

I'm going to leave this conversation now because I have said my piece and don't want to exacerbate tensions even more.  Perhaps a cooling off period will do us all some good.  ET is the best blog I've found   anywhere.  I don't want to lose it either.  Losing an argument is nothing compared to losing a friendship or a community.  

notes from no w here