Sinkers, I understand what you're saying.Might I repectfully say...

Sinkers, I understand what you're saying.
Might I repectfully say that in both cases you identify the underlying reason for short selling is still a fear of the price falling?

If the portfolio holder wants to reduce risk, it is a risk of the price falling.
Of he/she did not think the price would fall, there is no risk!

The hedger has to hedge because there is a risk of the price falling. Same deal.

I'm not trying to argue for or against short selling and I'm a longterm holder of HDR.

Short sellers are driven by a belief or fear of a price falling, in my opinion.

T