ON INSULTS AND FACT CHECKING.

Facebook can be so predictable sometimes.

It's the only one of those Social Media type things I use and I do post there on a fairly regular basis and comment on other posts when i feel I've something to say on whatever topic is in question.  I do occasionally comment on Youtube too but the reactions there are pretty similar.

I can't be bothered arguing with total strangers much these days.  It's pretty pointless and only leads to stress that I can do without.  What I normally do is comment and then walk away.  I hardly ever respond to a follow up comment.  Life is so much easier that way.

But you always know what's to follow.  Comment after comment of abuse, attempts at insults, those stupid gif/meme things and always, always ridiculous accusations.  I often wonder if people dishing this sort of thing out actually take the time to read what you've said?

A case in point recently that I didn't respond to but will answer here.

BBC Northern Ireland, NORTHERN IRELAND is the words you should keep in mind here, had full coverage and even sent a camera crew to cover Boxer Kellie Harrington's gold medal win at the just finished Tokyo Olympics.

Now don't get me wrong, fair play to the girl and I wish her every success for the future but she is from Dublin and was representing the Republic of Ireland's Olympic team so I questioned what relevance this had to Northern Ireland sport?

Yes there are other points here which are for another day.  I realise that several competitors at the games from NI chose to represent ROI and others represented the Team GB & NI team.  But your Irish I hear you say....again another thing for another day.  Why Team GB & NI is not just Team UK is yet another which I won't go into right now.

No sooner was my comment on when within milliseconds the abuse began.  You can probably imagine the sort of usual stuff it said without me repeating it here.

But one comment in particular I'd like to look at in detail.  My comment was described as 'Racist' and 'Sectarian'.

So then, number one 'Racist'.

Kellie Harrington is white.  I am white too.  So 'racist'?  In what way am I racist against someone who is the same race as I am?  I never mentioned or commented on her skin colour whatsoever?

Number two.  'Sectarian'.

I don't have the slightest idea what religion Miss Harrington is (neither do I particularly care) and I would safely assume that the person making the accusation has no idea what religion I am?  Taking a stab in the dark I would think that she is probably Christian.  I am Christian too?  You get where I'm coming from here?  

It does irritate me being accused of things that I'm quite clearly not but I don't lose much sleep over it.  Sticks and Stones and all that sort of stuff apply.  It's not the first time and won't be the last I'm sure.

But it passes the day.