> But it's simply a fact that politics and race have played a part here.

You just described your entire "pre-edit" opinion as a statement of fact.

> I take exception to you describing my comments as "race-baiting"; that is offensive and uncalled for.

Bringing race into this is what someone might consider as offensive and uncalled for.

But that's okay, you are entitled to your opinion, and I don't downvote anyone I respond to, so you have nothing to lose here from me.