I did not 'insist' on anything. Neither do I understand little about 'what is happening on the ground'.

On the contrary, I indicated that I hope I am wrong and your argument is proven right.

Publishing my opinion through a comment *is* taking responsibility. I did not do so in some ignorant or abusive away and anonymously.

Also, there are 'repercussions'. The USA is still a leading power in the World, even if its reputation and standing is somewhat tarnished and other nations and blocks of nations are attempting to change the World order.

However, I am British by birth and have lived in Australia for 50 years. I lived through the Cold War years and guarded V-Bombers that were in the air 24/7 as Britains nuclear deterrent.

I witnessed the disaster of the Bay of Pigs, of Vietnam and trained USA service men and women.

Both Britain and Australia have been and largely are sycophantic followers of the USA. Staunch allies but tiny in comparative power, though with significant contributions to make should a disaster occur.

Australia is a significant part of the USA's strategic intelligence and satellite network and particularly well placed to help USA interests in South East Asia. Something that the USA is attempting to bolster after years of neglect and in face of increasing Chinese influence and build up of activity in the region.

So, what happens politically & economically in the USA is definitely of concern to me and to Australians generally. Decisions made in the USA can and do have major influence on the lives of Australians. In the event of conflict or worse, an actual war, Australia will inevitably be involved and suffer the consequences.

So, your remarks to me are unjustified. I appreciated your article but, as I stated, simply have a different view.

There was neither need nor validity in your rude rebuke and I regret that you chose to make it. If you cannot accept that others may not share your view and may even challenge them or put forward alternatives then I suggest that you avoid airing them publicly.