Dear Mr Cornwell. It has come to my attention that you do not wish to be associated with a group called the ‘English Shieldwall’. As far as I know, no-one has asked you to be associated with us. It is clear that you see some kind of racism in a group that merely wishes for the English identity to be recognised as an ethnic one. Despite the ravings of the Viking re-enactor who wrote to you and called us a right-wing group, we have no interest in politicising our identity, but merely want it recognised. If you find that so objectionable then maybe you should question your own views on the matter, as you clearly associate the wont of a clearly identifiable English identity with racism. It my opinion it is those that deny us the right to celebrate our ethnic identity and its unique culture and heritage who are the real racists. You may write stories in regard to the Anglo-Saxons yet this is where any loyalty to the English ends – at the bank! The same can be said of you Sharpe stories, if your accuracy to the period is anything to go by. Still, never let a thing like accuracy get in the way of a nice fat bank balance. At least we stand for something we believe in; a simple acknowledgement of our own identity – something that you obviously find objectionable. We exist only because we are unique in the fact that we have to fight to be recognised as an identity in our own right. Who else has to do such a thing? No-one, because what you find objectionable about us is accepted as normal for others. Thankfully I’ve never added anything to your coffers, Mr Cornwell. I’ve got better things to do with my time and money – the reality of being recognised as an Englishman, belonging to his own unique ethnic group and its associated culture and heritage being one of them. I find it a noble and innocent goal, yet if you find it somehow racist then what can I say? Maybe all I can say is well done Mr Cornwell, you’ve joined the ranks of the hypocrites and the uniformed – a bit like the aforementioned Viking re-enactor. Play actors in a history in which the protagonist’s ancestors can’t even strive for an identity without it being ‘racist’. It seems I’d be less vilified if I were a paedophile. Don’t bother replying, Mr Cornwell. I find people that hold your views have a tenancy to entrench themselves even more in their own stupidity and inability to see past the current in-word with the intelligentsia – racism. Mike