[jeffersondem]

“Oh, so jeffersondem admits there was at least a “pretext” about “freedom and equality”?? Well, that's good, I like that — “pretext” is a start, obviously taken more seriously by some than by others.”

The word “pretext” is not exculpatory.

Definition of pretext
: a purpose or motive alleged or an appearance assumed in order to cloak the real intention or state of affairs

[BroJoeK]

jeffersondem: "The word “pretext” is not exculpatory."

Sure, but a pretext can't work unless some people take it seriously.
I am suggesting that what you call "pretext" was in fact taken very seriously by many, indeed arguably by most.
Further, if a "pretext" is indeed believed by enough, then it ceases to be mere "pretext" and becomes actual reason.

So, you've confessed that "freedom and equality" was used as mere "pretext" by some, will you also confess those words were taken very seriously by many more?