Understood -- I can agree with that in general. BTW I totally understand that HN is not Debate Club, and that comments aren't required to be formal, rigorous,

Understood -- I can agree with that in general. BTW I totally understand that HN is not Debate Club, and that comments aren't required to be formal, rigorous, evidence-based arguments. Occasionally I just feel compelled to point out times when beliefs about people in general are used to justify accusations against specific people in specific circumstances -- even when I can empathize with the original sentiment, as was the case with the OP.