If it wasn't for the fact that the political climate is rather testy of late, I'd have to agree - but only up to a point. I agree that it is entirely anti-lance, but I have to think - and this is based on years of having lived in Europe - that it is exacerbated by the fact that he is American. It's sad to say, but I honestly feel that if Lance were, say Canadian, then the situation wouldn't be quite so bad. Sports can be war by proxy in some ways - not to get too crazy about it. The Calcutta Cup match (Scotland vs. England in rugby) each year is "war". People back home get violently upset if we lose to England (you'd think we'd be used to it by now ). They don't get so upset if we lose to Ireland. Of course, no-one is going to spit on Dean Richards though!