"artillerylane, welcome to FR. There are some complete loons on here. There is no arguing with them."
Thanks for the welcome! I wouldn't normally have raised this issue, but when these things are happening in my home town, I have a stronger-than-usual desire to see the problem engaged with responsibly and effectively. Hurling around blanket accusations just isn't going to help.
Yes, we should be sensitive and try to understand why they hate us. Your type has always existed - for some reason, the parlor meetings during the late 30s springs to mind. However, when the real fighting begins, it becomes a little more dangerous to take such a 'dignified' position.
No, blanket accusations do not help. However, I can understand their indignation. I feel it myself, and then try to remember that passion and emnity still doesn't provide a solution.