In reply to Allan Thomson:
Allan,
I've been awfully abusive in the past to those who would have done you down. Lots of times. We chatted over email about it and chatted online about it.
All I can say is, don't be presumptious about those you don't know.
Assume the best of people first and foremost. And even when they don't live up to your expectations, look after them. Fight their corner until it becomes untenable.
That's what being a man is all about. Giving the best shot to those you don't yet know.
Do it enough, and you'll come to know the time when it's okay to retract your support; but don't start off from the other extreme. Don't condemn before you know. It doen't matter what people wear. It doesnt' matter how well they can climb. It just matters if they were worth your support.
If you didn't give them the support in the first place, then it's kind of you who's in negative equaty, morally speaking.
Strong men reject what is unfair, not what makes them feel uncomfortable. For all those who feel that we're somehow becoming emasculated or whatnot; there are plenty of strong men around who live their lives just so.
James