> do you really think I do not have my own mind? Do you think that I'm sticking up for Scott because oh I don't know, he helped me out on a few issues and I feel such intense loyalty that I have to defend him even though I know he's completely in the wrong?

i know you have your own mind :-)

i'm not at all saying that he is completely in the wrong. i think it is an unfortunate situation all round.

often people do think that in order to be a friend to someone they need to defend them in the face of their alledged 'persecutors', however. i just meant to say that very gently and it is up to you what you choose to do with it.