I first noticed it at a Flogging Molly concert in Philadelphia: a young man wearing a tee shirt identifying himself as a sniper. I immediately understood the pro-IRA connection, and my reaction was a cross between amusement, arrogance, and pride.
I was amused by the fact that a 'sniper'might identify himself. From various reading on the topic of the Irish Republican Army in Ireland, I learned that a punishable mistake is informing, or snitching, on a member of the IRA. How odd it is, then, that one would self-identify as a sniper - and most amusing that in America, it's even possible to do that without serious (or fatal) repercussions.
There was arrogance, as well. I thought I knew better than to wear my Irish-nationalist sentiment on my sleeve, even in contemporary times in the United States. How many times, though, had I said something in jest or to be accepted among a crowd sharing my sentiment?
Lastly, I held pride as well; here was another Irish-American who, on some level, believed that Ireland was still unfree. Part of me agrees.
Thus comes the complex set of feelings that many Irish-Americans bear concerning the IRA. It is in one way comparable to how we feel about pirates, in both a modern and historical/fantasy context - it's liberating to see them take some money or goods from a corrupt government, even if the truth about them is terrifying and corrupt.
In Irish-American culture, many take pride in the stereotypical rebellious nature of Irish ancestors. Rebellion is not only a trait bred by oppression in Ireland, but treasured by the post-colonial fervor present to this day in America. It's well-known that America has a proclivity for blowing things up; the Irish drink, so it's only acceptable on a level to excuse one or two explosions, especially if the targets were military police.
Americans in general also tend to care for the picturesque (and picaresque) propaganda which fueled the Irish Republican movement from the start and continues to create tourism in Ireland today - Yeats' terrible beauty, the juxtaposition of a haunting sadness and an eternal green smile. The Irish Republican movement - whether violent or peaceful, genuine in passion or firing propaganda machine - has always used the imagery of Ireland's lure and landscape to promote its cause for the preservation thereof. Furthermore, the image of the roguish rebel seems to be one treasured ideally by many Irish-Americans.
We are also distanced from the Troubles in Ireland - by both generations and latitude. Tragedies and eight-hundred-year-old rifts are difficult to understand when one is born an ocean away from the source (even if we don't wish to admit it). It only takes one reminder to illustrate the point, though, perhaps a citizen of another country talking about the impact of September 11th.
Truthfully, though, I forgive the 'sniper' guy at the Flogging Molly concert for his ignorance and his pride, until he tries to wear that shirt on an international flight (then he's frankly stupid). As Irish-Americans, we struggle for identity just as any other ethnic group in the melting pot, and as a result, sometimes we try to emulate what we perceive as true "Irishness." Hard to identify ourselves as a true 'minority,' most of us just check that Caucasian box, knowing the term doesn't even begin to cover it.
Here's a drink and a toast to prove it: Erin go bragh.
Factzone: The truth about Kim Jong Il Kim Jong Il, the leader of the free world, has decided to move on to more fertile grounds, leaving with us just the memories of 8-color rainbows, singing Korean women and couple of nuclear weapons. But who was this man whose next ambition would have been to get the next Nobel Peace prize? Here are just a few facts you should know about.
World governments charged with criminal negligence (in response to Megaupload case) EARTH (thecheers.org) - Federal authorities of the universe have charged the governments of all the countries in the world as well as the operators actually in power in these countries with operating a criminal enterprise, the Galaxy warriors announced Today.
USA says on 2012-02-12 01:25:33 about SufoOLIvQWWtAojS
W7L1nV Of course, I understand a little about this post but will try cope with it!!...
sean says on 2011-06-10 23:23:25 about Ireland
I think there are more realistic threats to ireland than the british. How about the billions of euro that irish people now have to pay to cover the debts of corrupt banks owned in parts by the likes of Russian gangsters such as Roman Abramowich. The Bristish ironically are trying to help ireland at the moment.
sean says on 2011-06-10 23:23:23 about Ireland
I think there are more realistic threats to ireland than the british. How about the billions of euro that irish people now have to pay to cover the debts of corrupt banks owned in parts by the likes of Russian gangsters such as Roman Abramowich. The British ironically are trying to help ireland at the moment.
shaun the brummie says on 2011-05-19 18:56:34 about american support of the ira
so you yanks think the ira are heros well i had a bloody good laugh when those heroic muslims landed those planes on the twin towers.you are fuking cowards,you're afraid to go to war on your own....pussy's.delta force dellta farce more like,green berets more like green fatties....you can put a man on the moon but you'd die climbing 2 flights of stairs..wasters.
British Unionist says on 2011-05-14 03:38:48 about
U.S Prosecutors Seek Access to IRA tapes - Telegraph
God Save the Queen says on 2011-04-27 05:53:02 about Challenging the IRA's reason to exist
For anyone interested in history can be forgiven for respecting or even supporting the original IRA regardless of your political or religious views, but now its not the same IRA from all those years ago is it; now its a different organisation with a totally different agenda masked in old patriotism to rouse nationalistic feelings in the Catholic republican community to validate their claims for a violent cause. Its so outdated and out of check with the wishes of the Catholic community. They are now just criminal gangs who use the cloak of romanticism around the IRA to murder innocent and decent people on the streets and walk away from it.
But anyone sympathetic to the 'cause' now has lost the plot, its a different landscape now compared to back in the early days were the only way a poor, invisible and unrepresented community could have a voice was through physical force and it worked. From there real progressive Irish politics was born; albeit a little shaky and without a good relationship with its neighbour for next 90 years but time heals all wounds.
Everyone on both sides of the Irish Sea agree that this was acceptable and that the original IRA were freedom fighters and respectable people; but now anyone with a romanticised view of an armed struggle for Irish unity just has to wake up. Politics is the only way forward and a peaceful solution is what everyone wants except the hardline right wing dissident republicans.
Its up to the people of Northern Ireland to take this into their own hands and make a better future. The modern IRA are just murdering terrorist scum who keep the Catholic communities in check with fear and propaganda; how can any group like them continue to wage a violent sectarian war and try and rationalise it with old IRA logic and rhetoric? They are living in the past and have no use in a modern Ireland. They no longer have the moral high ground and have no legitimate voice.
Don't break under their provocative statements and bullying campaigns, the real power comes from the communities, not their guns!
Most of the communities are still fearful of each other on either side because of past sectarian atrocities and now the IRA are fuelling those fears again and introducing a whole new generation to the vicious circle of anti Anglo-Irish and Catholic-Protestant sentiment. Don't be a victim of it. You are not a traitor or unpatriotic if you stand up against the IRA; real tyranny and oppression doesn't come from the government or peoples of Northern Ireland. Don't give them the voice of the people.
I really do feel sorry for the PSNI and army who run the gauntlet of abuse and attacks to try and protect both sides.
I'm not a Republican, Catholic or Nationalist, I'm a Royalist but I respect their views as much as anybody else's and have friends who are progressive Republicans and they give the same respect to others regardless of their religious or political views. Open dialogue and progressive thinking will unite the fractured communities and move Northern Ireland forward to peace.
Don't play into the idea that you need to oppose any community that is different to your own, the IRA have no idealistic views and cannot offer any solution for the future, they divide and conquer to keep the blood flowing for their own selfish cause.
kit1 says on 2011-03-29 18:53:30 about IRA
Maybe once upon a time the IRA were freedom fighters.I dont like british.i truthfully dont like either side even though im irish.im sick of america sticking their nose in.I see everyday what happens here because i live here.americans will never admit they know less than they think they do.IRA have not been feedom fighters for years.They bombed innocent civilians in enniskillen,belfast and omagh.and all funded the hypocrites in ny and boston
British Unionist says on 2011-02-12 15:54:02 about Funny american
carrythezero84 - youtube.com
Thank you brothers. i hope one day to see all the shit that both ireland and palestine has gone through behind us. i just recently found out not one week ago that i am 5/8ths irish, and when i found that out, i wept. i am so proud. i hope to live in the north from where my family came from (on both my mother and my fathers side). although i am born in the states, my blood runs greeener then your coast. best of luck to the both of you in this struggle with The Trouble. Sinn Fein.
I have a question for the citizens of northern ireland. I am american born. but my great grandmother was from antrim, ulster county. I wish to live in ireland one day and I am thinking of appealing to get irish citizenship, all i have to do is go to school there. I do, however, want to ask you, the current citizens, if you would object to a yank with irish blood moving to the north. after all, it's your country and you make the rules. by the way: i would NEVER EVER consider myself a shit loyalist
Carrythezero84
-------
Haha this is so funny!! 5/8ths irish! Then he cried hahaha. Has anyone told this 27 year old that hes missed the troubles. I think the comment about not being one of those shit loyalists is ridiculous. Stay in the land of the idiots.
South Derry Republican says on 2011-01-30 04:37:48 about The Boys
Apollyon I have to laugh at your grasp of history! When was the Protestant Reformation? Pre-1492 (or even pre viking)????
Republicanism has nothing to do with religion any way. Right up to the present day some of Ireland's greatest patriots have been Protestant.
The 6 counties were stolen. The creation of the "statelet" of "Northern Ireland" was totally fake. A similar situation would have been the White Highlands of Kenya refusing to accept independence and the colonist leaders declaring their own state. Thankfully in Kenya this didn't happen, in Ireland it did.
In 1919 72% of the Irish people voted for an Irish Socialist Republic (including the loyalist Shankill in Belfast who happily elected the communist Sinn Fein candidate). It was only after this election that the concept of a gerry-mandered state came into being. In fact so keen were the unionist establishment to retain power over their own personal fiefdom that they abandoned 3 of Ulster's 9 counties and then pretended that Ulster was only made up of 6 counties. They abandoned their "brothers" in East Donegal and North Cavan.
Until a 32 county SOCIALIST republic is formed Ireland will never be at peace.
You Americans may not like it (but we don't care) but Irish republicanism and Marxism have been the same thing since 1916. It was a fear of an empowered Working Class which lead to unionist leaders playing "The Orange Card" and they have been desperately using it for 100 years. As long as unionists cling to power the Irish people will rise against them.
Apollyon says on 2011-01-24 11:26:28 about U.S. hypocrisy
While 9/11 was a terrible event, it did shake American attitudes towards terrorism.
Suddenly 'freedom fighters' (read IRA) were not quite the same anymore. Al-Quaeda supporters make the same claim and have the same arguments: we killed you because you are in our lands killing us.
Northern Ireland was not 'stolen' any more than the U.S. was stolen. Protestants have been in N.I. since the white man was in the U.S.
How about Americans stop preaching and start doing. All non-Native Americans please go home. Admittedly that will take some sorting out but it' the only honest response in light of the simplistic and hypocritical 'Brits out' position.
Do the people of N.I. not have the right to remain British? That is the majority opinion.
Will the U.S. give Texas back to Mexico? Fortunately we kept you out of Canada - both during the War of 1812 (we happily burned down the White House - twice)! and later during the Fenian raids from 1867-1870 (that would be Irish Americans stirring up sh*t again).
The Irish Republic has been 'free' since 1921 - the 6 counties in the North have freely chosen to remain British! I guess democracy need not apply...The Protestants, descended from the Scottish, have been in Northern Ireland since the Elizabethan Age (for dense Americans, look it up).
When you call Al-Quaeda and various Islamic Groups freedom fighters for killing Americans, then you can call the IRA freedom fighters.
Bloody ignorant American hypocrites.
Ira! says on 2011-01-07 19:22:38 about Ira!
I'm American and I hate the Ira! Oh wait, never mind... I'm thinking of the IRS. Although I did get attacked by the IRS with a bunch of tax audits, so I consider them a terrorist group...
British Unionist says on 2010-12-28 06:59:50 about MyNameDoesntMatter
Your comment started off quite interesting and then quickly descended into drivel.
This is now a forum for debate and a controversial article will obviously spark a debate. Some have constructive questions and answers and others do not. If you are unhappy with many of the responses then why don't you just click the back button and not read them? On the contrary to what you are saying, nobody is trying to sound intelligent by starting an argument, this was already active when I stumbled upon it too. Nobody is personally threatening anybody on here. I love constructive feedback from both sides but cannot stand right wing provocative responses. Sadly, your comment seem to be heading nowhere and is quite aggressive. If you had any real understanding of it all or was genuinely interested in the matter then you would then find the responses not to be irrational or egotistical. Some are misguided though.
MyNameDoesntMatter wrote: -
"Spare all of us the eyesore of accidentally reading your irrational, egotistical comments that you typed when you were sitting all alone in your room by yourself, masturbating with one hand, while typing your angry comment, trying to get your point across about how much you dislike the authors opinion with the other. Wake up, no one gives a shit about your opinion, because you didn't write the article." Actually mate, this sounds like you. Funny really.
MyNameDoesntMatter says on 2010-12-19 06:22:16 about Hmm
Who gives a shit. America's a completely different country with they're own separate culture and problems. What boggles my mind, is why do some of these people (Espescially those who have never even been outside they're own country), feel the need to concern themselves and try to share some form of empathy with other cultures they barley know anything about, yet they get involved with them and display a sense of pride, because they have the smallest, minute, and barley even traceable bit of a connection to another culture through ancestry.
The other problem I have, is with the people who do have the connections, or Who always try to prove themselves right to other people (Especially on the internet). I stumbled onto this article through Google while searching for something not even relating to the I.R.A, and decided to give it a read. I thought it was very well written and expressed the author's honest opinion on such a subject that I couldn't give two shits about. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the article.
Now, back to the people I have a problem with. 1.) If your going to threaten people over the internet, Instead of using caps, you should man up and give the person your threatening your home phone and address so that they can find you and talk about the argument you had with them over the internet in person. 2.) If you don't like the article, don't try and make yourself sound intelligent by starting an argument in the comments section. Just do us all and anyone (Such as myself who happen to come across articles such as these through Google on accident), a favor and hit the back button. That way you spare all of us the eyesore of accidently reading your irrational, egotistical comments that you typed when you were sitting all alone in your room by yourself, masturbating with one hand, while typing your angry comment, trying to get your point across about how much you dislike the authors opinion with the other. Wake up, no one gives a shit about your opinion, because you didn't write the article. Anybody here can write back with an angry response to my comment if you want, But chances are, that I won't see it because I just don't give a shit. Same for the majority of the people who have lives.
sincerely
Just another random guy who likes to shit on everyones day.
ForeverEngland says on 2010-12-04 03:35:04 about
You take pride in seeing someone who wears a tshirt supporting a terrorist organisation?
If you were to come to the north of England and wear a tshirt like that, you would be ripped apart limb from fucking limb and your bones fed to the fucking rats. Scum. Utter scum, IRA supporting vermin. Stupid Americans spouting shite about stuff they know nothing about because they think it gives them a sense of pride and belonging to support filth like the murdering IRA.
I dare you to come to England wearing that tshirt. Go on. You'd be kicked to fuck within half an hour of leaving the airport you fucking pro IRA cunt. NO FUCKING SURRENDER.
jay says on 2010-10-07 13:40:42 about ireland
relax
British Unionist says on 2010-09-22 19:15:52 about How America Held the IRA over a barrel
2001
The Farc debacle and 11 September completely changed the landscape. Adams' principal concern remained the maintenance of warm relations with the American administration and the preservation of millions of dollars from rich, conservative Irish-Americans.
The Sinn Fein leader was in little doubt about the mood change in America. Bill Flynn, a close confidant of Irish nationalists, is one of the pivotal figures in Irish-American politics and, as chairman of the Mutual Bank of America, is a conservative that no government in Washington can ignore. Flynn made it clear to Adams and Sinn Fein after Colombia that the only way to rescue the party's reputation in the US capital was for the IRA to disarm. 'They listen to me because they know I am a strong supporter of what they are doing to unite Ireland,' he told The Observer .
Flynn is the figurehead for a group of American businessmen sympathetic to Sinn Fein, who are simultaneously crucial to fundraising while also pushing for an end to the military campaign. Last year the party raised more than $1 million from corporate Irish-American backers and Adams realised that, such was the gravity of the situation, Sinn Fein risked having to close its crucial Washington office.
British Unionist says on 2010-09-16 20:58:19 about Up the ra
Somehow I don't think my reasoning is getting across to these simple minded right-wing republicans so heres another way.
Ok here we go...
The UK should attack targets in the Republic of Ireland like bombing schools and killing random women, children and the elderly.
We should help fund the UVF and target Irish people abroad and ex pats. We should wage a war of terror for what the dissidents are doing. An eye for an eye! Lets show no remorse and claim that its all a necessary loss for the cause. Lets do drug deals to fund weapons smuggling into NI and lets not stop until all right wing nationalist republicans are gone. My gun is bigger than yours!
Sound reasonable? Because this is what you sound like you murdering scum!
All that shit about "The Irish culture is separate and unique from the English and is soiled by the union jack being planted on Irish soil. " is utter bullshit!
The Scots, Welsh and English are different but are united. We all have a unique culture too, this is what the flag stands for
British Unionist says on 2010-09-16 20:31:50 about Up the ra's comment
Well 'up the ra' has commented here about how the original English and Scottish settlers have no place in Ireland and should get out even if they have been there for hundreds of years. Yep, sounds simple enough if we all lived in a child's make belief world!
Firstly, I could ask you exactly the same question about early settlers in the Americas which include a large proportion of Irishmen. Do they belong there? Is that their land too? If the indigenous Indian tribes started to wage a violent bombing campaign then would you support this and accept that all Irishmen should return home?
If you read the comments posted below properly then you would understand that we have all talked about how the past has left a sour taste between the Irish and British but is this the fault of the youth in NI or in the UK? Should the next generation be blamed also? Your message is not one of co-operation and peace but of war and violence.
Would you seriously just kill every British descendant in NI or forcibly remove them? You're not really helping to resolve the issue are you now?
The best thing to do is to mediate and help the people of NI guide their own future through non violent political means. Right now the majority of NI want to have a political union with the UK so let it be. Both the UK and the ROI work closely together with NI so this isn't an invasion like you would still like to believe.
The problem I have with your argument is that the people of NI have been there for generations, that is their home! They know no other!
I agree that both sides have been terrible to each other in the past and no one is innocent in the atrocities that have happened and I just feel sad for all of the victims on both sides of this stupid 'conflict'.
The real problem isn't that there are British immigrants that don't want to leave, I believe that its you're attitude about Irelands ethnic identity. You are simply bigoted and racist and it seems you are unable to accept that not all of Ireland will be Catholic and Republican. I believe your views are more aligned with that of America, try there instead. Im sure you will be able to drum up support there for funds to carry on your bully campaign.
Up the ra says on 2010-08-26 13:10:09 about wolfetone
unionists are the cause of the problem. and don't pretend like catholic school children were never attacked as well. loyalists are not truly Irish and need to leave. Just because you have occupied the land for hundreds of years does not make it your home. The Irish culture is separate and unique from the English and is soiled by the union jack being planted on Irish soil. Saint Patrick drove the snakes into the sea, who will drive out the brits?
MikyD says on 2010-07-20 10:25:02 about
Northern Ireland is not occupied by the British, where the hell do you idiots get this idea??? The situation is nothing like what's going on in Serbia or Kosovo. Northern Ireland is still part of the UK because the people of NI want to be part of the UK, full stop, and that is why you look at a map, Bobby Sands, and see Northern Ireland. It has nothing to do with Freedom. You can sit there dreaming up Star Wars like fantasies of evil empires and rebels but at the end of the day the IRA used the money provided by clueless Americans to kill innocents (including targeting children). There is no such thing as an Irish-American anymore, all IRA members hiding in the States should be brought to justice.
Read British Unionists comments again - pretty much the only intelligent posts on here.
MikyD says on 2010-07-20 10:24:16 about American-Irish
Northern Ireland is not occupied by the British, where the h*ll do you idiots get this idea??? The situation is nothing like what's going on in Serbia or Kosovo. Northern Ireland is still part of the UK because the people of NI want to be part of the UK, full stop, and that is why you look at a map, Bobby Sands, and see Northern Ireland. It has nothing to do with Freedom. You can sit there dreaming up Star Wars like fantasies of evil empires and rebels but at the end of the day the IRA used the money provided by clueless Americans to kill innocents (including targeting children). There is no such thing as an Irish-American anymore, all IRA members hiding in the States should be brought to justice.
Read British Unionists comments again - pretty much the only intelligent posts on here.
Blues says on 2010-07-17 14:27:18 about IRA
They (IRA) blew up two pubs in my home city of Birmingham. Brummies have not forgotten.
British Unionist says on 2010-06-14 18:19:05 about McCartney sisters take battle to IRA in America
An Irish citizen who makes sense, America why don't you listen?
The Times, 2005
A CATHOLIC woman from the Belfast streets where the IRA was born last night bluntly told Irish America to abandon its romantic view of the armed struggle for Irish unity.
Directly challenging the IRA’s reason to exist, Catherine McCartney said: “The struggle in terms of what it was ten years ago is now over. We are now dealing with criminal gangs who use the cloak of romanticism around the IRA to murder people on the streets and walk away from it.
“We want the people in America to know that any romantic vision they have of the struggle should now be dispelled.â€
Ms McCartney, one of five sisters whose brother, Robert, was murdered, they say, by the IRA after a bar-room row, was speaking as they arrived in the United States for a series of meetings with leading American policitians with Irish links and a visit to the White House.
The women’s comments and the welcome they are receiving represents the gravest challenge so far to the IRA’s primacy in its Belfast heartlands.
The sisters’ arrival in America comes as Sinn Fein and its military wing came under unprecedented pressure at home and from formerly sympathetic Irish Americans to take the final step in the peace process by disbanding the IRA.
British Unionist says on 2010-06-14 18:12:47 about
America is the biggest funder of terrorist organisations in the world and also the biggest and most evil state terror machine in the world.
A lot of Americans consider themselves "Irish-American" because they have last names like "Kennedy" or "Fitzpatrick", but are otherwise fairly ignorant of what has actually gone on in Ireland for over the past hundred years. They believe Britain is forcing Northern Ireland to remain in the UK when in actuality, pro-Unionists constitute the majority of Northern Ireland, both politically and in terms of population.
"Irish" Americans - your family's stake in how Ireland should be run died when you or your ancestors left Ireland for the sake of a more comfortable life overseas.
An Englishman says on 2010-05-19 07:17:15 about Double standards
America's war on terror wins again.
British Unionist says on 2010-05-08 19:18:00 about Irish Pride
Your name 'Irish Pride' has nothing to do with being a 'real' Irishman, if by Irishman you mean a republican.
You are a separatist who believes that it is better to separate from an old and unique union between the Isles. Yes I agree that in the past there were unjust prejudices against the Irish starting in the 1600's with English Protestant rule but Ireland has fallen short of any success story and has left a rift between itself and the rest of the British Isles. You hang on to America like a baby chimp crying for its mother. We are equal, strong and of the same people while preserving our old cultures and heritage. Things have changed for the better, people move on and the union is strong.
Stop being bitter, we can all learn from the past but once you separate the two historical islands then you have ripped apart a close culture and its people. You can't build bridges without spilling blood, China is a great example of unity between many fractured regions. It is regrettable and unpleasant and I'm sorry but this does not mean that the UK views or treats the now ROI any differently or with distain. We have no chip on our shoulder and there is no fight apart from the one in your head.
The Romans originally created these dividing lines between the tribes and then the Holy Roman Empire took a second stab to finish off all unique and beautiful religions and cultures within the Isles. America has no place in this fight, the Republic is an old and outmoded way of thinking, the Union will live on. We are unique to Europe and a total separation will devour us and amalgamate us into a drone-like EU superstate. A total loss of culture and history will occur.
What you need to realise that is both parts of these Isles now work together on many issues. Have you heard of the British-Irish Council or the British-Irish Inter-Parliamentary Body? The UK is not an evil Empire, get that into your thick republican head! We still work together. You are struggling to justify a means for this 'fight' and for the existence of your new 'republic'. Generally a Republic is not a bad thing but it is unjustifiable how Ireland created and demanded its 'republic' without a clear means for it. It is apparent how much the ROI is suffering on its own now, the Celtic Tiger will not last forever. The Unionists will fight this corruption of democracy and freedom in the north if you continue to insist on murdering innocent people for a false cause.
Which continued support do you mean when you thank the 'Irish' Americans? Is this the financial support offered around the 'Irish' themed bars where everyone digs deep in their pockets to help fund terrorism? This is open, blatant and proud in Irish American communities and is shameful. I hate armchair warriors who would never actually take up arms but would gladly fund a terrorist organisation. They talk about 'freedom for Ireland' and other fanciful depictions of an epic struggle between an 'evil regime'. Pro republicans love the idea of being the underdog or the idea of fighting outnumbered against an oppressive regime. This seems to be the only thing that the south of Ireland is interested in as the republic offers nothing else to the wider community or the EU. Just remember who supported the Germans in the First and Second World Wars when America and the UK were trying the stabilise Europe. The republic of Ireland isolates itself from the real world and would never offer any aid, financial or military support to the rest of the world for any humanitarian projects or to improve relations or security in any region.
I can't quite make out your terrible English on your post but are you trying to say that you can't quite support the north because of financial difficulties? Is this why the IRA are proving so unpopular in their mission to disrupt a peaceful solution between the two close Isles? Are you waiting for your American right-wing brothers to send more arms and money to kill? Just remember there are around 6.2 million people in the ROI and 67 million in the UK. You would be destroyed if you wanted a full war and your war would be unjust. You have survived because the UK have never seen this as a 'real war' but internal conflict. No majority would want it on either side. You are part of a fringe group with a small voice. You are scared and small. Your 'IRA' aren't even a real army, they cannot fight in any traditional sense on the battlefield and solely survive through guerilla warfare. You tread a fine line republican! Peace, not war!
irish pride says on 2010-05-06 21:44:35 about everything
we in ireland are gratefull to the americans for there continued support and to all republicans in the north we in the republic have not forgoten our economy just wouldnt be able fo the dtruggle at the moment but tiocfiodh ar a mo chara
BALLYMENA LOYAL TO CROWN says on 2010-05-05 12:40:07 about KAT
FUCK THE RA NORTHERN IRELAND / ULSTER LOYAL TO QUEEN AND BRITAIN NO SURRENDER
NORTHERN IRELAND says on 2010-05-05 12:36:53 about KAT
FUCK UP U YANKS WTF WOULD USE KNOW ANYWAY USE ARE CLINGING ON TO SOMETHING USE NO NOTHING ABOUT BECAUSE UR ANCESTORS CAME FROM THE EMARALD ISLE USE THINK USE HAVE A SAY IN THINGS. FUCK THE IRA NO SURRENDER
British Unionist says on 2010-04-15 20:44:34 about Karadjordje
Wicked Cover, your English is terrible! It is like 'text speak'; I hope this isn't due to the American education system. I would recommend that you speak Irish instead if that is any better. DO NOT TYPE IN UPPER CASE, IT IS CHILDISH. AND SO ARE YOUR COMMENTS.
Karadjordje, you have no real grasp of the situation in Northern Island or of the complex history between England and Ireland.
The English do not occupy NI, the province is occupied by Irish Protestants and Catholics. Both will either support a continued union with the UK, or support for a united Ireland. Some want to be separate from both countries. Some Catholics will not necessarily support a union with Ireland as some Protestants will not necessarily support a continued union with the UK. It is not as simple as your idea of an invasion of one country over another and draws little parallels with your countries current situation Karadjordje.
Devolution is happening and the IRA do not want compromise or a peaceful solution. NI is for the people of NI and the decision they make will be for the good of the community. No one else has any input in their affairs. The USA cannot comment on the current political climate and cannot offer a quick fix as it usually attempts with other foreign countries. They are not the world police.
Imagine what would happen to non Irish nationalists if Britain failed to keep the peace between republicans and unionists? The Republic of Ireland doesn't want the responsibility of having to deal with civil unrest and a further economical burden thrust upon it. The south have no interest in claiming the north at this point, it is too fragile and costly.
The British public also have no real interest in continuing to fund this province of the UK and do not share the same views expressed by the many hardline protestant groups in NI. Remember, NI at this point in time still wishes to be part of the UK and this cannot be ignored. It would be destructive and irresponsible of the UK to deny them their wishes.
If the IRA were allowed to continue their acts of terrorism and the UK withdrew then there would be mass bloodshed between all groups, no doubt fuelled with American money from its pro IRA supporting citizens. This is shameful and disgusting that to support the IRA is both acceptable and popular in the USA. I hope this is pure ignorance as this blots a huge stain on America. The IRA are no different from any other terrorist organisation and should be dealt with in the same way. Politics is the answer, not bombs.
Irish American views make me sick, you have no idea of the pain and torment caused by your support for an overly fantasised cause. Please talk to the families that have been affected by the loss of a loved one that met their end at the barrel of an IRA, UDA or UVF gun.
No one in NI wants your opinion as you are all foreigners and can do no good to heal the wounds of Americas mother countries. The UK and Ireland need peace and cooperation, not your funding for a terrorist group that has claimed hundreds of lives. You are safe and detached from troubles past and present, I assure you that your views would be most unwelcome among real Irishmen. Also remember that the British army take no sides in this conflict, they are performing a difficult role as peace keepers were lines can be blurred and atrocities have occurred on all sides. I believe your enthusiasm for war is the real enemy of Ireland.
I believe that the 'Sniper' T-Shirt worn by the aforementioned American Irishman is both distasteful and helps tarnish Irelands new image. Remember that your 'America' also displaced the native American indians and that you are also an immigrant to that continent, hypocrite? As a more recent example, please read about the Island of Diego Garcia. 3000 islanders were displaced and dumped illegally to allow for a US base to be established in the Indian Ocean. This is now used as a launchpad for operations in the East. Is this right? Would you understand if these islanders waged a guerilla war against your servicemen? Can you now see the difficulties faced by both the UK and the ROI? Unless you have a balanced view and constructive feedback or comments then you are just part of the problem.
NI are taking that slow but positive step towards united community where violence has no voice. Please, don't be proud of any right-wing terrorist group that feels it is morally right and a necessary loss to target children and innocent families. Omagh is fresh in the minds of every Irishmen.
Commitment to peace, no pride for a violent cause. Shame on you.
British Unionist
fearr-eirinn says on 2010-04-04 09:40:46 about letter
Tiocfaidh ar la mo chairde. Nuair a thainig me saoirse i Eirrin, bim sult as!
Belfast loyal says on 2010-02-12 09:25:28 about your comments
i think you should leave us all to it northern Ireland is part of the united kingdom and will always stay like that. so what are Americans getting involved for. it has nothing to do with you
belfast loyal says on 2010-02-12 09:25:07 about your comments
i think you should leave us all to it northern ireland is part of the united kingdom nd will always stay like that. so what are americans getting inolved for. it has nothing to do with you
bobby sands says on 2010-02-05 21:32:00 about IRA what else?
up the ra! were clearly still not FREE check the F##### world map and you can specifically see "Northern Ireland" wear your IRA shirt proud Tiocfaidh Ar La! up the IRA from an irish-american.
O\'bryant says on 2010-01-18 14:35:44 about nature of conflict
I see passions run deep here. Good, because being unthinking & unfeeling is one of the biggest wastes of humanity! But when sides oppose and feed each other's bitterness it is only when we choose to allow it. There is evil in the world! Why pay dues to it? Indeed, evil does exist. Therefore there must be GOOD also, right? Where does GOOD come from? Inside us? Guess again! Sure, we'd like to think so. But can good water and salt water come from the same spring? If it is mankind's nature to find trouble so easily what is our problem? We have gone on without remembering our Creator. Our righteous holy creator is also the God of Grace- EXACTLY what we need! But we must take Him as He is. Any attempt to bargain with Him or to define our own path will NOT be good enough. MUST be His way, which is only reasonable if you are the architect of the universe reaching out a hand to a rebellious undeserving creation to give it a second chance. So dust off a Bible and start reading the Gospel of John and the Book of Romans to start. If you object to religion- GOOD! So does God! He does not want man's feeble attempts to build a bridge to Him (and along the way stumble badly & often). No, He is reaching to us which is entirely different. Which is why it is the ONLY path to reach Him. If you are a thinking person you will consider how you must actually wrestle with this Truth a bit. So be it, but please do so with open mind & heart. If you do you can be rewarded with a massive dose of genuine peace as you find true grace...
saz says on 2009-11-16 06:55:41 about
The British ae protecting the majority of people in Northern Ireland- The Protestants. They asked to stay part of the UK because they were worried about being the minority group in the country- and rightly so, as parents dropping their children off at protestant PRIMARY SCHOOLS were under military protection from the IRA. say what you like about Al-Queda, but they never stooped to the level of targeting young american school children.
Jeff says on 2009-06-14 12:15:46 about Karadjordje
Its not the English and its extremely different than Albania in Kosovo. The majority of people in NI want the Brits there, or else they WOULDNT be there! Its not colonial rule, hell GB doesnt even have so called 'colonies' there called oversea protectors
Karadjordje says on 2009-06-03 13:32:22 about
As a Serb I understand the fury that the Irish are feeling over having northern Ireland occupied by the English just as I feel about the albanians occupying the serbian land of Kosovo
wicked clover says on 2009-05-29 02:30:37 about letter
I STRUGGLE EVERYDAY WITH WHAT KNOWLEDGE IDO HAVE OF IRISH HISTORY. I'M CONSTANTLY DEFENDING THE ETHENTICITY OF THE IRISH HERITAGE ANYET WHILE TRYING TO EXSPLAIN IT TO OTHERS IGET IGNORANT REMARKS THAT FUEL MY ANGER AN BRINGS OUT MY VIOLENT NATURE DUE TO BLANTANT DISRESPECT FROM THE PERSON OR PERSONS. YOUR LETTER SAYS IT ALL AN SHOULD ENCOURAGE ALL TO ADHIEVE TO THE STRUGGELS OF THE AMERICAN-IRISH AS WELL ABROAD. WE NEED TO STAND UP AS A UNIT AN LET THOSE IN POWER KNOW THAT WE WILL NOT TAKE THIS KIND OF DISRESPECT OR ANYTHING OF THE NATURE HERE OR ABROAD. WE NEED TO STAND UNITED AN UNITED WE WILL STAND FOR THE GREEN FLAG OR THE TRI-COLOR GIVE A PEACE OR PEACE WILL BE TAKEN AT ANYCOST..!!!! YOU CAN EITHER LIKE US OR NOT THIE IS NO IN BETWEEN. PEOPLE NEED TO REMEMBER WHO BUILT THIS COUNTRY.!! THE BLOOD OF TRUE AMERICANS THEN AN NOW AN ALWAYS.!!
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