you should expect me to be broadly critical of all sides, if the data justifies the criticism.

i'm not going to hold back.

now, understand this - my position here is that truth is paramount. you can't build solidarity on lies, and friendship isn't real if it's based in falsehoods.

but, you should realize this as well - if somebody will not criticize you when you're wrong, then they aren't really your friend, either. that's a key aspect of what friendship actually is.