[Eonwe]

I am certialy agast at the horrible anit-hobbit sentiments that seem to abound on a tolkien-related fourm, considering how close hobbits are related to tolkien!

as far as i can make out, bilbo is accused of:

Thief and sneak it is.
slandered
cheating at the riddle game
stealing the Arkenstone

Let me attempt to set the record straight. As for thief, how can you be accused of 'stealing' something, when you didn't even know you had it? Cheating at the riddle game, eh? Well, i believe if you seach the records, you will find a blatnat attemp on behafe of Gollum to, yes, EAT (that would be canabolize!) Bilbo! Now, would you cheat at a riddle game to save yourself from dismemberment and consumption by a subterrainian creep? Stealing the Arkenstone? yes he did that. but look deeper at his motives and you will find a good natured, pipe loving, comfortable living hobbit. no more and no less. though when called apon, he could display a vast vat (he, he!) of inner strength and fortitude. it seems we need more of these types of people on teh island to help with the difficult challenges.

Now if you will turn your attention to The Master (of greed, manipulation and deciet) i think you will find a more worthy target of teh aformentioned accusations.

++The Master