two things strike me (even before Randy's second comment, which only reinforces):

First, Randy is a generous spirit, and I have to admit I would like to have a bit more of that. I respect his opinion and attitude even if I don't agree.

Second, I do have to agree the 'apology' is just more of the same from Oz. I made a promise to avoid the personal, but I think it is reasonable to say (without comment on Oz as a person) that his comments did not consitute apology or contrition, rather and shift in approach that then criticisizes others for the same transgressions he has just sworn off and while calling for an end to 'flaming' proceeds almost instantaneously into that flaming.

I don't agree with the genuinely held sentiment that Oz's postings have been valuable. I do agree that we can try just to ignore him (though given his prolific posting and high-volume style that is hard) though I truly believe he ought to leave of his own volition, because censorship is always a bad idea and the only way out is for him to voluntariliy go. I don't see that happening unfortunately. He just isn't a fair person. He has whatever standard d'jour he wants, expects others to agree with him, changes, ignores, does whatever, all while attacking others for the same. In a real-life situation he would be shunned and shamed into leaving the group. In an e-world those pressures don't really come to bear.

I must admit the greatest puzzle to me is the statements of people who's opinion seems reliable that Oz is nice in person. I just can't integrate the idea with what I see here...It just boggles me "Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain."