Yes, but was Deborah's effort worth it for the OP's benefit? We've had this discussion with him/her before, and not too long ago. I thought we all settled to agree to disagree, especially since there were cultural issues at hand with the OP being a friend from the UK. This thread gives me pause, did s/he just want to stir the pot?
Hopefully at least Deb's words are not wasted and others will be educated by a nondiscrminating viewpoint.