Recently, some Viners have made it their duty to troll my column and several of them have brought up the subject of my nationality/citizenship. The question usually arises out of the blue and more often than not in contravention of Code of Honor 4d. But seeing as a few people appear to struggle with the fact that despite my primary residence being in the UK, I still pay a an amount of tax in the USA every year. For the benefit of these curious people who just cannot help themselves when it comes to my citizenship, so much so that it apparently is a topic of conversation off of Newsvine, I thought I'd clear it up for them once and for all.

I have no problem with admitting that I was born to two English parents. England has a rich history, the bravery of our men and women during World War 1 and World War 2 is something that I'm extremely proud of. We have good, strong morals in the UK and pride ourselves on being welcoming, inclusive people always prepared to help with a community spirit. I grew up on the outskirts of London, arguably one of the greatest cities in the world. My wife is from Indiana and due to my fortunate position as an airline pilot I qualify for highly discounted travel that allows my wife and I to not only travel to Indiana quite frequently, but other parts of the world too. Through my wife, I qualify for US citizenship and I hold dual Anglo-American citizenship, which I perceive to be the best of both worlds.

I love America and Americans and Hoosiers in particular I owe a great debt of gratitude to for making me feel so welcome when I travel to Indiana and beyond. Indiana is a great state with great people. Due to my dual citizenship and my wife being American, I take a great deal of interest in political activities in the United States of America. Regardless of whether anyone's primary residence is in the USA or not, regardless of whether anyone is an American citizen or not, it's a fundamental American principle that these people are allowed to hold and express their opinions on any matter of American life or aspect of politics. I welcome anyone to engage in discussion about politics or life in the United Kingdom or any of the 27 European Union member states regardless of their citizenship. To question it is, quite frankly, rather absurd and carries only ulterior motives. Contrary to common belief among the trollers, I have no shame in being British, I am proud of my rich heritage, I'm also proud to hold American citizenship.

So there you have it. I'm an Anglo-American. Not ashamed, nothing to hide.