[TRDRVR]

No I just think all those quotes reference colonization.

Many people believe that specifically the Irish Pale popularized the statement, but the OED aren't among them.

What are we disagreeing about?

[arduanika]

Where exactly is the reference to colonization in the Mackenzie quote? This one: "when we would be blessed beyond the pale of reason, we are blessed imperfectly". Sorry, I'm not seeing it.

"Many people believe..."

Name one. Have a free do-over: pick a source you actually agree with this time. Make sure it doesn't quote any reference books that you distrust.