After 1980, people assumed, because I was white and everyone there was white, that it was Ok and that no-one would take offense.

That isn't the same as your accusation:

And what does that have to do with Molly's claim that Reagan's election "made racism again okay?"

She was talking about her experience, and the conclusion a reasonable observer would  draw is that after the election of Reagan the people around her felt more comfortable about expressing their racism.

You accused her of making an unfounded statement,and I demonstrated what such a comment looks like, using your comments on the thread in question as a prime example.

I confess to being wrong twice in four years.

And the check is in the mail, don't call us, we'll call you, and it isn't the money, it's the principle of the thing.

Can I thank you for the giggles you've provided us on this thread tonight?

As for ankle-biting, you shouldn't be jealous, you always excel me when it comes to snarky, cranky, illogical and ill-humored comments, I'm not a threat to the reputation you've built for yourself here over the years.

Perhaps this thread isn't the appropriate forum for your self-esteem and/or self-worth problems, but thank you for sharing your problems with us anyway.