tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42000607867615084332024-03-13T19:36:18.893-07:00Am Ghobsmacht!Highlighting the hypocrisy, double standards and short sightedness of the idiots who influence Northern Ireland's idiot class.Am Ghobsmachthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15333693607785579136noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4200060786761508433.post-23947361959292379412015-12-16T03:26:00.001-08:002015-12-16T03:52:21.949-08:00The Impending Doom of Belfast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSwD8QHXVtLx0VnVVKTjWa_wTjfFCyptAvQSsLx9RDHjU3FULeobSYnhhJh0aYvZ9keyl9VC6X54ZxmvxM6UP3a7cNi0groPSI-bx2nJekQoJDLltHIzx_S5P8vls1yZhn-C6M6TVuzCQ/s1600/Mitchell.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
Ok.<br />
<br />
A bit of a melodramatic title but now I have your attention.<br />
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For once this isn't about flags or having a go at Sinn Fein or the Orange Institution rather it is something that affects both communities; namely the proposed 'regeneration' of the northern part of Belfast's city centre and in particular the plight of The Sunflower bar.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNeJucnFjUctkUOnnzEJ6SWUBnbHMzkO2gYLkf1diArElPQZKQhh7_n3wJuZ5wEOtMHvxMLdIN_XMk67Vsz7QCa6cPONL2cB8G7hnlqpk7tU_KtrqiCmBsyIx-gswtw3CfpyE0SGe_jjM/s1600/TheSunflower.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNeJucnFjUctkUOnnzEJ6SWUBnbHMzkO2gYLkf1diArElPQZKQhh7_n3wJuZ5wEOtMHvxMLdIN_XMk67Vsz7QCa6cPONL2cB8G7hnlqpk7tU_KtrqiCmBsyIx-gswtw3CfpyE0SGe_jjM/s320/TheSunflower.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Sunflower. A spiffing wee place.</td></tr>
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Now, before we go into detail let us discuss the two extremes of regeneration:<br />
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<strong>1/ The hard-core conservationist approach</strong> - The extreme end of this would involve all and more of the following actions; a complete moratorium on the erection of tall buildings, a ban on knocking down pre-war buildings, forcing new buildings to adopt a pre-war architectural style, lobbying the government to seize neglected buildings so that they might be preserved, a ban on 'land-banking', compulsory purchases of Belfast's many car parks & derelict buildings and the importing & re-erection of pre-war buildings that have been demolished in other Victorian industrial cities such as Liverpool and Manchester.<br />
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<strong>2/ The hard-core merciless developer approach</strong> - Draw a red line on the map and demolish everything that lies within that red line regardless the publics feelings or affections for said area.<br />
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Now, both those scenarios are pretty extreme aren't they?<br />
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A rational person would think of a pragmatic arrangement the would fall somewhere between the two poles wouldn't he/she?<br />
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Well, from what we can glean so far option #2 is very much on the cards.<br />
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Yes, the crazy "no one would be that heartless?!" option is very much what is on offer (seemingly, the plans are conveniently vague when viewed in person at the planning office, 4 - 10 Linenhall St, Belfast).<br />
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That's right, the plans are seemingly about taking a wrecking ball to an area that has many interesting old buildings and a great deal of potential should a sympathetic plan be devised (remember what the Cathedral Quarter looked like in the early 90's?).<br />
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Now, the area does need some TLC.<br />
<br />
The Ulster University needs somewhere to house its students after the re-location to the city centre.<br />
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I'm not trying to hold back progress or change. What I am suggesting is that the existing buildings and architectural fabric of the area should be absorbed and incorporated into any new proposals.<br />
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And before you start shouting "that's impossible! Those buildings are wrecked ye eejit ye!" please consider that areas such as Temple Bar, the Cathedral Quarter, Glasgow's Merchant City, Melbourne's Fitzroy and various parts of Manhatten were in not too dissimilar states of disrepair and neglect not SOO long ago.<br />
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And now all of the above are rather desirable areas (all right, maybe not Temple Bar, it's too mad for me at the weekend, but, it brings in the tourists and the bucks) courtesy of small businesses and sympathetic regeneration plans.<br />
<br />
So, it CAN be done.<br />
<br />
Looking at Glasgow's Merchant City in particular, in the late 90's entire blocks were held together with scaffolding, they kept the facades of the old warehouses and wot-not (and the GPO) and built new buildings inside, despite the protests and hissy fits from developers who said it couldn't be done (READ: "That'll eat into our profits...").<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXgHkKiR02XeMwIUn-hLwGE-JK7UupZE0p8ozIRz_UBmbO6r9MLm1zNZKtiZz9siEmkSbXZFN0S_KcRJgHl4ZDVoAHUqBCaqzvzzvBxTh89sPtGJkFZockPh_XMaJG12UdvImQP5iTxA4/s1600/refurbishmentofbuildingingramst1991nmcn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXgHkKiR02XeMwIUn-hLwGE-JK7UupZE0p8ozIRz_UBmbO6r9MLm1zNZKtiZz9siEmkSbXZFN0S_KcRJgHl4ZDVoAHUqBCaqzvzzvBxTh89sPtGJkFZockPh_XMaJG12UdvImQP5iTxA4/s200/refurbishmentofbuildingingramst1991nmcn.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glasgow's Ingram St, before (scaffolding)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd8chdtOU6r1PP10G6R8ya7s4dm4_35IM44liIvWUdfdhVoM93E0rvBjirSna-93r8mbLyGFsjkeG1ZPQLlC1epA5klvSaUw57WJWYYwIklumGn5dPqdbc6vEJusVnEsrUkshyphenhyphenVt55Z3E/s1600/Ingram+st+after.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd8chdtOU6r1PP10G6R8ya7s4dm4_35IM44liIvWUdfdhVoM93E0rvBjirSna-93r8mbLyGFsjkeG1ZPQLlC1epA5klvSaUw57WJWYYwIklumGn5dPqdbc6vEJusVnEsrUkshyphenhyphenVt55Z3E/s320/Ingram+st+after.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ingram St, After (building on the left was the one with scaffolding)</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqCGE1toMvysrAZ-KkcnQlTr3FEDJgthuZzN3jTNRCEroxMXUzXluLf5J1NwTDgi8lsvCMCD07Fe4zzR5fIGajDTybajNwymF2WzPqjTFuWG-xYrFgO0QCbLeCcAd2hJrt1efFnd7FW50/s1600/GPO+before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqCGE1toMvysrAZ-KkcnQlTr3FEDJgthuZzN3jTNRCEroxMXUzXluLf5J1NwTDgi8lsvCMCD07Fe4zzR5fIGajDTybajNwymF2WzPqjTFuWG-xYrFgO0QCbLeCcAd2hJrt1efFnd7FW50/s200/GPO+before.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glasgow GPO (before)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX1FmRqF0n_YuRsnQSxOAe864LSHmtUfIwzt4GUGsrZKtnzpFPhh-_DQvQQKQaM5B81HljWc8wr3n032V-YLCbQ3_R96zf1iDjf_w3ir7nrFLpa1zVg37yhYUGWeO5s8lCSjz4KaWcYiU/s1600/glasgow+GPO+after.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX1FmRqF0n_YuRsnQSxOAe864LSHmtUfIwzt4GUGsrZKtnzpFPhh-_DQvQQKQaM5B81HljWc8wr3n032V-YLCbQ3_R96zf1iDjf_w3ir7nrFLpa1zVg37yhYUGWeO5s8lCSjz4KaWcYiU/s320/glasgow+GPO+after.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glasgow GPO (after)</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5op3MQP7NAh1PFhTzZfWL5Y0hWUjRYy19Du_aGDyHPz4fjEy-fM9p67OD38Iyn_cHKC_BH8pXpDlPk-SLQ9dNoohKlfAUlE_YNIv8ggKLj8zI5A3uJLDmSaDbvs_OKpAzwr-KaPq5HT0/s1600/6124596979_144ee1b1bd_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5op3MQP7NAh1PFhTzZfWL5Y0hWUjRYy19Du_aGDyHPz4fjEy-fM9p67OD38Iyn_cHKC_BH8pXpDlPk-SLQ9dNoohKlfAUlE_YNIv8ggKLj8zI5A3uJLDmSaDbvs_OKpAzwr-KaPq5HT0/s200/6124596979_144ee1b1bd_b.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Olympia, Glasgow (before)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdztyIJ8wlP9PoJ1hNcL4vyRD-rbXOQVz0DznTyKjm5N1WS8xn28ZD8YzJkWWuw_HEqAKrV-tlbiVmjp05JX67CIbCGuAcYeWBecZv8Uaopio24-wo-fR7rGCXpgdYMzrBzgE0yTPyerc/s1600/intro_images_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdztyIJ8wlP9PoJ1hNcL4vyRD-rbXOQVz0DznTyKjm5N1WS8xn28ZD8YzJkWWuw_HEqAKrV-tlbiVmjp05JX67CIbCGuAcYeWBecZv8Uaopio24-wo-fR7rGCXpgdYMzrBzgE0yTPyerc/s320/intro_images_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Olympia (after)<br />
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<br />
So, it quite clearly CAN be done. The only problem is that it eats into the profits of a developer.<br />
<br />
So, at present, the plan is for developers to have the profits from this 'regeneration' proposal and for Belfast to pay the price in terms of lost heritage.<br />
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Not to mention lost potential of long-term employment and tourism.<br />
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If that area was done up to a decent and sympathetic standard then it might be enough to persuade tourists to hang around for another night or two. It could be the decider for people who are thinking of a weekend break (Liverpool and Glasgow have put a lot of effort into regeneration and restoration, the two cities most like Belfast in terms of people, culture and history are now pulling out in front in terms of competition for tourists).<br />
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"NO ONE CARES ABOUT STUPID OUL' BUILDINGS!"<br />
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Well, if that is the case then Belfast city council conceals these feelings superbly. Look at the pictures below from Belfast promotional posters (this one is in the Shaftesbury Sq area), they're of some of Belfast's key attributes and most appealing parts:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3UehMueTBpincCtp1YxBu1VLWzfQyTyuxkp5kX-qHMHlX45rKCHcSuJHHK_e_x_G-fQy5tpFIkmG5UDlcCGFLlahLDqdXoByj24BG8cxASJmljfYobwTq_SF7V_-QZTn0QX9r3fPqbhs/s1600/20151208_130156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3UehMueTBpincCtp1YxBu1VLWzfQyTyuxkp5kX-qHMHlX45rKCHcSuJHHK_e_x_G-fQy5tpFIkmG5UDlcCGFLlahLDqdXoByj24BG8cxASJmljfYobwTq_SF7V_-QZTn0QX9r3fPqbhs/s320/20151208_130156.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6aoc-t_Z-kA1_Wu1ze0b-ChkNVvqJvSrlnYV4aw35zjp6K8LategCY5XnYxuAOzaxAAS2cCq6EQQf2XucFIeJ9ZWHPwcF6crvlmOFg8V6F4-yi55yWCeoSrKMCo5115lCOz3pC_7pM0I/s1600/20151208_130151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6aoc-t_Z-kA1_Wu1ze0b-ChkNVvqJvSrlnYV4aw35zjp6K8LategCY5XnYxuAOzaxAAS2cCq6EQQf2XucFIeJ9ZWHPwcF6crvlmOFg8V6F4-yi55yWCeoSrKMCo5115lCOz3pC_7pM0I/s320/20151208_130151.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And these tourist info boards on Gt Victoria St fail to mention the flats, apartments and office blocks in the area.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJPkioPR-YjFDe8380YzzPEoTYKZwG1pZm1K5T7ZDFCjoBu6rLM2VUTY0uEbtA5S5mZKFw8o0AyHBfYEQqZke4Hj7cQjgFkXx7hZBpWdaKm90RmdUeQ7kLLDuqOjrW5IkmhAez5iRrujU/s1600/20151208_134401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJPkioPR-YjFDe8380YzzPEoTYKZwG1pZm1K5T7ZDFCjoBu6rLM2VUTY0uEbtA5S5mZKFw8o0AyHBfYEQqZke4Hj7cQjgFkXx7hZBpWdaKm90RmdUeQ7kLLDuqOjrW5IkmhAez5iRrujU/s320/20151208_134401.jpg" width="192" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM8Yztw1GDCW-OSoURvDEFtsTlG3qVRvAtSaWbq7iq35FRE0Kq-4Bg0Ya14cKGmEgu8NX3Mn50vpJD1OOZUN2R4_EReOvCPv35SYfSMEAtzth68_twEeNSF1n8TWxjC8DgTlP3wN05Vyw/s1600/20151208_140229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM8Yztw1GDCW-OSoURvDEFtsTlG3qVRvAtSaWbq7iq35FRE0Kq-4Bg0Ya14cKGmEgu8NX3Mn50vpJD1OOZUN2R4_EReOvCPv35SYfSMEAtzth68_twEeNSF1n8TWxjC8DgTlP3wN05Vyw/s320/20151208_140229.jpg" width="192" /></a><br />
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Now, how many of these marketable assets were new buildings? Not many, apart from the Victoria Square building (which is rather schmick in my book).<br />
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So, on one hand were being told how wonderful Belfast is with it's wealth of architecture and at the same time the latest proposals are to BULLDOZE the exact same architectural tapestry in an effort to make the city more marketable and appealing.<br />
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How does that make any sense? At all?<br />
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And look at the tourist agency's website: <a href="http://visit-belfast.com/things-to-do/category/attractions">http://visit-belfast.com/things-to-do/category/attractions</a><br />
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Aside from the Titanic Quarter and Victoria Square the attractions are all rather old.<br />
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You'll notice that new apartment blocks do not feature as key attractions...<br />
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So, now that we have the crazy plans for all to see and the clear merits of regenerating an area in a sympathetic fashion what can we do?<br />
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Well, quite a bit actually.<br />
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<strong>1/ Object</strong><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZSu9Z8Ftm_jCanjvhc04smcCYLsImZkS-5WnMox5Ca8fQHckbIGT-b2ucldFfVBDRjbFezwyKdoein0X2lecb115ZstYH3kxaru9kT7rbRT14Z-6wTRROnKs_WIZazv0Y8QXUU5GG7A/s1600/1410563074639_wps_2_Northern_Irish_religious_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZSu9Z8Ftm_jCanjvhc04smcCYLsImZkS-5WnMox5Ca8fQHckbIGT-b2ucldFfVBDRjbFezwyKdoein0X2lecb115ZstYH3kxaru9kT7rbRT14Z-6wTRROnKs_WIZazv0Y8QXUU5GG7A/s200/1410563074639_wps_2_Northern_Irish_religious_.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"NOOOOO!!!"</td></tr>
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Firstly and most importantly you can object online. The planning office simply need to be made aware of public discontent. It's easy to do.<br />
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Follow the links below, register, and add a comment (and tick the 'object' box). It is widely regarded that an economic based argument e.g. tourism would be more effective than an emotional based argument.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The planning portal can be accessed here: </span></span><a href="http://epicpublic.planningni.gov.uk/publicaccess/" id="LPlnk301778" previewinformation="1" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">http://epicpublic.planningni.gov.uk/publicaccess/</span></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">If you follow this link you can search for applications across NI by address/key word or reference number. The ref for Northside is: </span></span><a href="http://epicpublic.planningni.gov.uk/publicaccess/simpleSearchResults.do?action=firstPage" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">LA04/2015/0577/O</span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">You can go directly to the application here:</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://epicpublic.planningni.gov.uk/publicaccess/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=NR2M3ISV30000" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">http://epicpublic.planningni.gov.uk/publicaccess/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=NR2M3ISV30000</span></span></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://epicpublic.planningni.gov.uk/publicaccess/simpleSearchResults.do?action=firstPage" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></span></a><a href="http://epicpublic.planningni.gov.uk/publicaccess/simpleSearchResults.do?action=firstPage" target="_blank"></a> <br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 15.2px;">The key thing is to send your comments to: </span></span><a href="mailto:planning@belfastcity.gov.uk" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15.2px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">planning@belfastcity.gov.uk</span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 15.2px;"> with the reference number, address and proposal clearly stated at the top/on the title. Ask for a notice of receipt to make sure your comment is logged with planning. "</span></span></div>
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2<strong>/ Support a campaign. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXFbVg-DwZVeogkJJbxZJZMb95GEp2MUWEtpv9eJMtMce6FKv_bpNYKH8zAF3C6_0L0iKS4T5DcPgogzbBlQpca6F8etEDlMfl8fW2cD3r1nirQDwcTyDgtQ5P83P37qYuLiIqh4Zl-Ic/s1600/Trump.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXFbVg-DwZVeogkJJbxZJZMb95GEp2MUWEtpv9eJMtMce6FKv_bpNYKH8zAF3C6_0L0iKS4T5DcPgogzbBlQpca6F8etEDlMfl8fW2cD3r1nirQDwcTyDgtQ5P83P37qYuLiIqh4Zl-Ic/s200/Trump.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No, not THAT campaign.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</strong><br />
<br />
The Sunflower has its own campaign (and it includes amongst its supporters Jamie Dornan a useful man to have should it come down to chaining protestors to the railings).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=9&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiixPnxhd_JAhUIxRQKHcTDAagQFghTMAg&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.belfasttelegraph.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fnorthern-ireland%2Fsave-the-sunflower-bar-petition-reaches-more-than-1500-signatures-in-less-than-24-hours-34249255.html&usg=AFQjCNFzrIlXv_eJp7PIaifZ7zHvTojnHg&sig2=TVAdfIeis_uxM_1kOFphIA">http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=9&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiixPnxhd_JAhUIxRQKHcTDAagQFghTMAg&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.belfasttelegraph.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fnorthern-ireland%2Fsave-the-sunflower-bar-petition-reaches-more-than-1500-signatures-in-less-than-24-hours-34249255.html&usg=AFQjCNFzrIlXv_eJp7PIaifZ7zHvTojnHg&sig2=TVAdfIeis_uxM_1kOFphIA</a><br />
<br />
On Twitter you can follow them: <a class="twitter-atreply pretty-link js-nav" data-mentioned-user-id="1598494526" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/Sunflower_Pub"><s><span style="color: #66b5d2;">@</span></s><b><span style="color: #0084b4;">Sunflower_Pub</span></b></a> <a class="twitter-atreply pretty-link js-nav" data-mentioned-user-id="20478197" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/EmmetMcDB"></a><br />
<br />
#savethesunflower<br />
<br />
There is also the seeds of a broader campaign being sowed at present, email <a href="mailto:belfastrevival@gmail.com">belfastrevival</a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null">@gmail.com</a> if you are interested in being kept in the loop. It is hoped that when/if numbers hit a practical level there'll be meetings, discussions and airings of alternative plans.<br />
<br />
If this interests you in general then you could touch base with the Ulster Architectural Heritage Society. They've been working tirelessly for years trying to save architectural gems: <a href="http://www.uahs.org.uk/">http://www.uahs.org.uk/</a><br />
<br />
<br />
3/ <strong>Write</strong> <br />
Write to the planning dept ( <a href="mailto:planning@belfastcity.gov.uk" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15.2px;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">planning@belfastcity.gov.uk</span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15.2px;"> ,ref no <a href="http://epicpublic.planningni.gov.uk/publicaccess/simpleSearchResults.do?action=firstPage" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">LA04/2015/0577/O</span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span> )</span></span>, your MLA, councillors and/or newspapers and keep the momentum going.<br />
<br />
<br />
Now, as good as the photos look of the regeneration plans <a href="http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1762465">http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1762465</a> it should be pointed out that so did the proposed plans for Glasgow's redevelopment in the 60's<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiEngSVWTsE3DK_vbrhT4LVyH-JB8OtgM1RE51G5vHxPmjKDTh9F2qtO4Gbm9VQeJScsteHogE6eDC4gg4cEukzpLkoSkAUs-TlEzxcjpTudkaim2aCBkXwsRujzByF2zELRDYCi8cBQo/s1600/03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiEngSVWTsE3DK_vbrhT4LVyH-JB8OtgM1RE51G5vHxPmjKDTh9F2qtO4Gbm9VQeJScsteHogE6eDC4gg4cEukzpLkoSkAUs-TlEzxcjpTudkaim2aCBkXwsRujzByF2zELRDYCi8cBQo/s320/03.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Theory</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSwD8QHXVtLx0VnVVKTjWa_wTjfFCyptAvQSsLx9RDHjU3FULeobSYnhhJh0aYvZ9keyl9VC6X54ZxmvxM6UP3a7cNi0groPSI-bx2nJekQoJDLltHIzx_S5P8vls1yZhn-C6M6TVuzCQ/s1600/Mitchell.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSwD8QHXVtLx0VnVVKTjWa_wTjfFCyptAvQSsLx9RDHjU3FULeobSYnhhJh0aYvZ9keyl9VC6X54ZxmvxM6UP3a7cNi0groPSI-bx2nJekQoJDLltHIzx_S5P8vls1yZhn-C6M6TVuzCQ/s1600/Mitchell.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reality</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidkEAa3YRX-9WwD3u4sePP6Bd2g4EBphHixBltAmaOYeppTjJ0-JsY9Wjl61PelQ6EohKxZQaRlwj8c5FEttSfsbt9TCkDE37UXoTN77F-_ZQOENtlcDDWoSyHIIWx7QfCmvRJIWKY7Ag/s1600/South_flank_unbuilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidkEAa3YRX-9WwD3u4sePP6Bd2g4EBphHixBltAmaOYeppTjJ0-JsY9Wjl61PelQ6EohKxZQaRlwj8c5FEttSfsbt9TCkDE37UXoTN77F-_ZQOENtlcDDWoSyHIIWx7QfCmvRJIWKY7Ag/s320/South_flank_unbuilt.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Theory</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMH07ycKi8DF3oRJjGwsDyDS2U1Be98Lt5i4o3eYCQps2SVmJxn5vEC0vgBnZ5ljjyFYAFlqa6mLXhF7Se6klubUPuQoLit5tzVe17nKGPZUqCJkXUOPE4NlnxHl5UU0pZhM96F0j9ezI/s1600/Gorbals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMH07ycKi8DF3oRJjGwsDyDS2U1Be98Lt5i4o3eYCQps2SVmJxn5vEC0vgBnZ5ljjyFYAFlqa6mLXhF7Se6klubUPuQoLit5tzVe17nKGPZUqCJkXUOPE4NlnxHl5UU0pZhM96F0j9ezI/s320/Gorbals.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ideal<br />
<br />
The reality: <a href="http://urbanglasgow.co.uk/archive/fury-over-gorbals-tribute-to-man-who-designed-%E2%80%98alcatraz%E2%80%99__o_t__t_475.html">http://urbanglasgow.co.uk/archive/fury-over-gorbals-tribute-to-man-who-designed-%E2%80%98alcatraz%E2%80%99__o_t__t_475.html</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="left">
Of course it's a bit mean to be so harsh on Sir Basil Spence's work, there were many reasons that led to the demise of the flats, but I'm simply trying to highlight that shiny new plans and proposals are no guarantee of good end product especially as we DO have examples of fantastic end products in places like The Merchant City.<br />
<br />
We're not asking for a lot. We can have regeneration AND our heritage. No one needs to lose, certainly not Belfast.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl8hOY9VFU4Qew3u-7yK24DdIEHy37aHV7rpn0DU0sLcEC6-OD0DXLYtuw42fdv5AkfcH9skALv8wE5H-7jGWa6Ggw9UbUncnfE0y-DY3IX5UbJ7CEFsplplGhKG6Y4GdVcqfxa7TTXbo/s1600/merchant-city-festival.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl8hOY9VFU4Qew3u-7yK24DdIEHy37aHV7rpn0DU0sLcEC6-OD0DXLYtuw42fdv5AkfcH9skALv8wE5H-7jGWa6Ggw9UbUncnfE0y-DY3IX5UbJ7CEFsplplGhKG6Y4GdVcqfxa7TTXbo/s320/merchant-city-festival.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-kn8NtKmWWnkUML2XvdRQAqJP6YJaXBnADHuBnJALmAmIc5Ao5_KOgMsg02jWvWV4UwqH49H4jD_CIrVmmp-IoyDsnyQ3rvGNTZ-0pp05jFE_7xYebqE85VnXyE7NQ142HaYWwYPR1J0/s1600/images58LNMFDZ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-kn8NtKmWWnkUML2XvdRQAqJP6YJaXBnADHuBnJALmAmIc5Ao5_KOgMsg02jWvWV4UwqH49H4jD_CIrVmmp-IoyDsnyQ3rvGNTZ-0pp05jFE_7xYebqE85VnXyE7NQ142HaYWwYPR1J0/s1600/images58LNMFDZ.jpg" /></a></div>
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Am Ghobsmachthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15333693607785579136noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4200060786761508433.post-83353240428835299442014-10-02T01:04:00.000-07:002015-05-05T18:30:35.919-07:00Santa Isn't Real and Other Hard Truths<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1c1c; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 13.63px; line-height: 17.81px;">"</span><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px currentColor; color: #1c1c1c; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 13.63px; line-height: 20.79px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">On his time as Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure he (Poots) told me that his greatest achievement was ‘burying the Irish language act’ as he believes there was ‘precious little demand for outside of republican circles’...</span><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px currentColor; color: #1c1c1c; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 13.63px; line-height: 20.79px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> " <b>- David McCann's interview with Edwin Poots on Slugger O'Toole</b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
Despite all the time I waste on forums and blogs listening to the same old thing some people are convinced that I haven't heard every argument regarding the controversial topic of the public use of the Irish language by republicans and the damage this does for the language's prospects in Northern Ireland.<br />
<br />
So, with that in mind I'll address all of the non-convincing arguments that I've heard over the years and stick them here, as a reference of sorts.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcMhzulJXWT0Rk5g5_ok8_aOWcUbTJOkT9Lzp52phq-pQvZVuT0vV9ecIRxj5M6V_Lmx-l41B9JRrkQwqNx7W9DeTU7_0gbTEtZHvp6ksTDIJL7Iq0TYg1ok2ODnSDuL2qHnyFY1TwsyA/s1600/unconvinced.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcMhzulJXWT0Rk5g5_ok8_aOWcUbTJOkT9Lzp52phq-pQvZVuT0vV9ecIRxj5M6V_Lmx-l41B9JRrkQwqNx7W9DeTU7_0gbTEtZHvp6ksTDIJL7Iq0TYg1ok2ODnSDuL2qHnyFY1TwsyA/s1600/unconvinced.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>THE BACKGROUND</strong><br />
<br />
As things stand now most unionists/Protestants see a strong association between the Irish language and republicanism, especially Sinn Fein and the IRA.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg26hc7Pt0qkpZQiXuGBy5Nh9cwv2jvuGiatJNEwzFRBWOj3_eSGFxZl1yeGnwwgEkcxPXIa3woont-NJ29jmIk-0Qwjef_ulQ6k28BWkoRVcsJczYXY98_u9l9i3UMjxJ0V6dX8T0-9Sk/s1600/a-choinneail-calma-agus-votail-sinn-fein.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg26hc7Pt0qkpZQiXuGBy5Nh9cwv2jvuGiatJNEwzFRBWOj3_eSGFxZl1yeGnwwgEkcxPXIa3woont-NJ29jmIk-0Qwjef_ulQ6k28BWkoRVcsJczYXY98_u9l9i3UMjxJ0V6dX8T0-9Sk/s1600/a-choinneail-calma-agus-votail-sinn-fein.png" height="320" width="274" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look closely and you'll see a subtle association...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
That is that.<br />
<br />
The bottom line.<br />
<br />
End of.<br />
<br />
Case closed.<br />
<br />
There's no point in denying this cos that's the way it is at the moment.<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><br /></strong>
<strong><br /></strong>
<strong><br /></strong>
<strong><br /></strong>
<strong><br /></strong>
<strong><br /></strong>
<strong><br /></strong>
<strong><br /></strong>
<strong><br /></strong>
<br />
<strong><br /></strong>
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">THE COUNTERPOINTS</span></strong><br />
<br />
<em><strong>1/ UNIONISTS REJECTED THE IRISH LANGUAGE BEFORE THE IRA KICKED OFF</strong></em><br />
<br />
This is true to an extent, mainly as a response to Catholic Irish nationalism BUT it is also a straw man argument ( <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Straw_man">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Straw_man</a> ).<br />
<br />
In this case, while it is true that unionism went cold on Gaelic a long time ago this point simply ignores the original claim which is that nowadays most Protestants/unionists feel it is linked with republicanism.<br />
This is where we are now.<br />
<br />
These are two different points.<br />
<br />
The fact that unionism let go of its Irish heritage following partition is a separate topic altogether from the argument of association, in this case the association between SF (republicans) and Irish.<br />
<br />
And if you think there are no grounds for claiming association then please glance through the following few choice photos:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu1iuDingdHkdWjDhahnrYEJWLyGsXLCobHPYymBhAYIBj59HYRqaFOPWXNEa8a0cc4nFMCIbc0oL_fAvsyI3mnlp3dtdwIPtQxT4HIQ_PUy0v-JKXJvmKAkSQ7sFr-FfLTv4PYJe2ZiM/s1600/SF.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu1iuDingdHkdWjDhahnrYEJWLyGsXLCobHPYymBhAYIBj59HYRqaFOPWXNEa8a0cc4nFMCIbc0oL_fAvsyI3mnlp3dtdwIPtQxT4HIQ_PUy0v-JKXJvmKAkSQ7sFr-FfLTv4PYJe2ZiM/s1600/SF.png" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhghfaqJ15VA93_qgKVCeeda2c9dNPpIHAylWimSnLevbZ001sJpB0YwsiXiyEwG8GvcYE-HBjeUhJR2OsKilmAl2wke60OOHPk_GSbDB74ir0bZxTef2zFiBuBO5iTcPG0kfJfYQH0s-A/s1600/untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhghfaqJ15VA93_qgKVCeeda2c9dNPpIHAylWimSnLevbZ001sJpB0YwsiXiyEwG8GvcYE-HBjeUhJR2OsKilmAl2wke60OOHPk_GSbDB74ir0bZxTef2zFiBuBO5iTcPG0kfJfYQH0s-A/s1600/untitled.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjB2fjWemaIqXCblgezRL53lJhlRQJeQtZg4FgL4pFloru_o_3Qvf3B58xozfkYsB4bnpJGHgOr888d8JzPuGtNN8mdEIBiP4BTO11MSkqozjcQlaTOB_su_amnn-XoUsTW0UouSoO-Fc/s1600/street+signs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjB2fjWemaIqXCblgezRL53lJhlRQJeQtZg4FgL4pFloru_o_3Qvf3B58xozfkYsB4bnpJGHgOr888d8JzPuGtNN8mdEIBiP4BTO11MSkqozjcQlaTOB_su_amnn-XoUsTW0UouSoO-Fc/s1600/street+signs.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://dublinsinnfeincampaigns.blogspot.com.au/2009/03/sraid-ui-chonaill.html">http://dublinsinnfeincampaigns.blogspot.com.au/2009/03/sraid-ui-chonaill.html</a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7pzfh-a_nLMtrWee-NT9Xew838q1XwFQzQZkZCzpt8Ok99BboYn_van6moK4BXuZ8XugtmNjy67m8sO-hi7-KAhUb5QUC79SpYQEWF6tL0tp0JcVqtCphBJL5MNMiEbNqmdiiqFv78T4/s1600/SF+Irish+act+protest.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7pzfh-a_nLMtrWee-NT9Xew838q1XwFQzQZkZCzpt8Ok99BboYn_van6moK4BXuZ8XugtmNjy67m8sO-hi7-KAhUb5QUC79SpYQEWF6tL0tp0JcVqtCphBJL5MNMiEbNqmdiiqFv78T4/s1600/SF+Irish+act+protest.png" /></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWPBMvCKgX3f4YMOeiC-w9ekpBmkM7Xn0r4cIJh2k2ZywGp69CTQZQWdylpUrAMm7tcDAdCjJtAYhiFyVlgPAeu583lt-JSryzRb3d5yKGsHTACbtyfiaP6jIUkY2L1GjNQv_E0F7TKak/s1600/imagesWJG1GI6L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWPBMvCKgX3f4YMOeiC-w9ekpBmkM7Xn0r4cIJh2k2ZywGp69CTQZQWdylpUrAMm7tcDAdCjJtAYhiFyVlgPAeu583lt-JSryzRb3d5yKGsHTACbtyfiaP6jIUkY2L1GjNQv_E0F7TKak/s1600/imagesWJG1GI6L.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Republican SF: Not. Helping.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-tGZC-DlUOH_cKFXq2x7xVmbTe3Dm1l1Ij-VU49WD4ZDnSvAonX7O1ZQAoPGLm_WAdcnrJEjlJo98NVfqrgv_S4XlflhKNdLR5Wl9SeKNmpYafcUdMtrv2_aWs_4VXhkPHVtobt9pTZY/s1600/Gerry+Irish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-tGZC-DlUOH_cKFXq2x7xVmbTe3Dm1l1Ij-VU49WD4ZDnSvAonX7O1ZQAoPGLm_WAdcnrJEjlJo98NVfqrgv_S4XlflhKNdLR5Wl9SeKNmpYafcUdMtrv2_aWs_4VXhkPHVtobt9pTZY/s1600/Gerry+Irish.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Gerry Adams. <a class="spell" href="https://www.google.com.au/search?q=Gaeilge&spell=1&sa=X&ei=OJQsVL7fIYSoogTL6YKwCQ&ved=0CBsQvwUoAA" style="background-color: white; color: #660099; cursor: pointer; line-height: 21px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none;">Gaeilge</a>. Gerry Adams. <a class="spell" href="https://www.google.com.au/search?q=Gaeilge&spell=1&sa=X&ei=OJQsVL7fIYSoogTL6YKwCQ&ved=0CBsQvwUoAA" style="background-color: white; color: #660099; cursor: pointer; line-height: 21px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none;">Gaeilge</a>. Gerry Adams. <a class="spell" href="https://www.google.com.au/search?q=Gaeilge&spell=1&sa=X&ei=OJQsVL7fIYSoogTL6YKwCQ&ved=0CBsQvwUoAA" style="background-color: white; color: #660099; cursor: pointer; line-height: 21px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none;">Gaeilge</a>....</span></td></tr>
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Finished?<br />
<br />
Took a wee while didn't it?<br />
<br />
So, it's not unfair to say that there a perception of a link between the Irish language and SF/republicanism.<br />
<br />
The only people who could claim otherwise would be Robert Shapiro (OJ Simpson's lawyer) or people suffering from delusion.<br />
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<strong><em>2/ THERE'S NOT A SIMILAR PROBLEM IN SCOTLAND WITH GAELIC</em></strong><br />
<br />
That is correct.<br />
<br />
Thankfully there is not.<br />
<br />
In Scotland the majority of Gaelic speakers are Protestants, mainly Presbyterians in fact.<br />
<br />
In addition, no terrorist group or significant political party in Scotland has used Gaelic in the way or to the extent that some groups in Ireland have.<br />
<br />
So the comparison is a duff one, it simply doesn't compare.<br />
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<strong><em>3/ SINN FEIN HELPED TO KEEP THE LANGUAGE ALIVE WHEN NO ONE ELSE DID</em></strong><br />
<br />
Well hats off to them then. <br />
<br />
Keeping a language alive is a commendable feat.<br />
<br />
Equally commendable is the ability to admit that the survival stage is over and that the 'expansion' stage should begin.<br />
<br />
In the business world it is common enough to find company founders who will step aside once the company has hit a certain level e.g. Richard Branson.<br />
<br />
Why? Because they understand that certain stages of a company's growth requires certain skills and outlooks.<br />
<br />
Why is it beyond question that SF's stewardship is absolutely what is necessary for the next stage of the language's development?<br />
<br />
We are at a stage where there is a small awakening amongst some Protestants and unionists regarding their Gaelic history and where an Irish Language Act is the aspiration of many people in the land.<br />
<br />
Given that many unionist politicians have an axe to grind with SF then surely the development of the language is hampered by its association with SF i.e. unionists use it as a stick to beat SF with?<br />
<br />
So, the language is held back on this account.<br />
<br />
Perhaps it's time to take the stabilisers off and let the language progress to the next stage?<br />
<br />
If beating the language down because it is seen as a republican thing is something unionists like to do then it will be very difficult to advance the interests of the language, ergo does it not make sense to break this association for the good of the language?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim_bBc0B6NtIjMwXEOId628VdV12JribD1oDuKDXdZv4gplWk3X-uyI24dR7dgQFzEOO8SdGAld8nYAsiGPqasiTGhv2z0QvkVAc0jc-5vBwdNetoslCfspZmqQIZUKSRQ6YGv__D7I_g/s1600/richard-branson-screw-it-e1363005858469.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim_bBc0B6NtIjMwXEOId628VdV12JribD1oDuKDXdZv4gplWk3X-uyI24dR7dgQFzEOO8SdGAld8nYAsiGPqasiTGhv2z0QvkVAc0jc-5vBwdNetoslCfspZmqQIZUKSRQ6YGv__D7I_g/s1600/richard-branson-screw-it-e1363005858469.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Branson: Knows when to hand the reins to someone else</td></tr>
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<strong><em>4/ IF SINN FEIN STOP USING THE LANGUAGE PUBLICLY PROTESTANTS STILL WON'T EMBRACE THE LANGUAGE IN THEIR DROVES</em></strong><br />
<br />
Correct.<br />
<br />
Anyone who can cause a mass conversion of a group of people with a simple act should consider a career in either marketing or televangelism.<br />
<br />
A more realistic way of looking at it will be that slowly but surely the language will lose some of its tainted features and gradually become more acceptable to people within the Protestant community who may have been a bit 'iffy' about the language beforehand.<br />
<br />
And with such a change comes the advancement of the language within our society.<br />
<br />
To bemoan the idea that SF drop the language on a Monday and that Carrickfergus is not then speaking Irish on a Wednesday is a very weak foundation for an argument.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMk_b7_Rh0oKeForMPfcbytqpwPqvWMn0s7RHqOi8KnfHK7_srkUxNrFhvMuD4oedl0T-pO55odt1PnjIyp7ix7e3JyO6H5fQ9YZjJhOMpX9DUAzYSZ6hAEAL0Ch9ubrRtm3XMm1039Ws/s1600/Gaelic+Orangemen.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMk_b7_Rh0oKeForMPfcbytqpwPqvWMn0s7RHqOi8KnfHK7_srkUxNrFhvMuD4oedl0T-pO55odt1PnjIyp7ix7e3JyO6H5fQ9YZjJhOMpX9DUAzYSZ6hAEAL0Ch9ubrRtm3XMm1039Ws/s1600/Gaelic+Orangemen.png" height="281" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unlikely to happen overnight, but...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<strong><em>5/ THERE ARE PROTESTANTS LEARNING IRISH NOW SO OBVIOUSLY SINN FEIN'S INVOLVEMENT HASN'T PUT THEM OFF</em></strong><br />
<br />
Correct. <br />
<br />
Sinn Fein's involvement hasn't put THEM off (and fair play to them, keep up the good work) that really doesn't account for the others who ARE put off by Sinn Fein's involvement.<br />
<br />
That argument is like singling out a hot girl in McDonald's or KFC and saying "look! She's eating fast food and she's not fat so obviously fast food doesn't make you fat!!!!". (You know it...).<br />
<br />
(Incidentally, I did a Google search for 'beautiful people McDonalds' but couldn't find any, the picture below is the best I could manage)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpyhB7yzMiOjwmss_ZcAfHA2Y_Z4pTwQvvKkYfTGbo7WMOTJ23g2ugb0IGKtCULKmleKf6keH-6i1ZGSmQcYCoqcDvWbJlnGuo4LWWKh4D3ZRoJVHKZqhnDCzkZS_6n_phkqcjCVDxy2Y/s1600/creepy-ronald-mcdonald.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpyhB7yzMiOjwmss_ZcAfHA2Y_Z4pTwQvvKkYfTGbo7WMOTJ23g2ugb0IGKtCULKmleKf6keH-6i1ZGSmQcYCoqcDvWbJlnGuo4LWWKh4D3ZRoJVHKZqhnDCzkZS_6n_phkqcjCVDxy2Y/s1600/creepy-ronald-mcdonald.jpg" height="160" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sinn Fein's new Irish language spokesperson? </td></tr>
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<em><strong>6/ UNIONISTS HAVE BEEN VERY HOSTILE TO IRISH SINCE PARTITION</strong></em><br />
<br />
Yes they have, but again that ignores the modern assertion that it is now viewed as a republican thing (thanks in part to unionism's abandonment of the language).<br />
<br />
Also, it ignores the previous point that there is evidently some appetite for unionist acquaintance with the language (and you know there is).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyiJ3jRHn1wXL8rcpTki_l5pvtqBebsB-XhNKLirnVPb7MrDV27VvYnUk_zIkiQGRFnbwuevTguD8vhyphenhyphen0JJ-twSlD7MTHDyu3lfnusmR8aSHnl4pG9_aQ1E1lp133QVGddvdIBytO8Aug/s1600/Erin+Go+Bragh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyiJ3jRHn1wXL8rcpTki_l5pvtqBebsB-XhNKLirnVPb7MrDV27VvYnUk_zIkiQGRFnbwuevTguD8vhyphenhyphen0JJ-twSlD7MTHDyu3lfnusmR8aSHnl4pG9_aQ1E1lp133QVGddvdIBytO8Aug/s1600/Erin+Go+Bragh.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common Ground?: 1892 Unionist Convention "Erin Go Bragh"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<em><strong>7/ IRISH IS A LANGUAGE FOR EVERYONE</strong></em><br />
<br />
Well yes in theory it should be but let me tell you from personal experience that it is very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, difficult to get this point across when the PERCEPTION is that the language is very much a thing for republicans.<br />
<br />
Throw us a frickin' bone will ya?!!!!<br />
<br />
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<b><i>8/ REPUBLICANS HAVE THE RIGHT TO SPEAK THEIR NATIVE LANGUAGE</i></b><br />
<br />
"Mr Straw-man! We meet again, en garde!"<br />
<br />
Yes they do and every time they do they reinforce the perception that it is a republican thing. Simples.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_NwD_wWL0jchGqBrvjRYYIRO190B6JbYsz7YLSnVwlyRbRYlEsgcB5fuGmtxcbjoSfMgLMuIz0qqNIlPV_f4zgd6i6-dtgpX4llKJO-afFY3UnCh7X5UAo8hb30xm39IKw3s386lI9ig/s1600/language,+resistance+and+revival.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_NwD_wWL0jchGqBrvjRYYIRO190B6JbYsz7YLSnVwlyRbRYlEsgcB5fuGmtxcbjoSfMgLMuIz0qqNIlPV_f4zgd6i6-dtgpX4llKJO-afFY3UnCh7X5UAo8hb30xm39IKw3s386lI9ig/s1600/language,+resistance+and+revival.JPG" height="400" width="251" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wood. Trees. Visual obstruction thereof?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
No one is saying that they CAN'T, what is being highlighted is that IF their public (NOTE: NOT private) use of Gaelic is detrimental to their goals regarding the language then surely this public use should be examined?<br />
<br />
I recently applied the same logic to the Orange Order's parade in Edinburgh in support of the 'No' campaign, ( http://amgobsmacked.blogspot.com.au/2014/09/better-together-homer-simpson-style.html ) as in yes they had the RIGHT to march but if it was potentially detrimental to their objective (in this case galvanising support for the No campaign) then what is the point?<br />
<br />
Why shoot yourself in the feet with which you march?<br />
<br />
Similarly why would republicans shoot themselves in the mouths with which they use to speak Irish?<br />
<br />
It makes no sense, it is pride and stubbornness above objectivity and pragmatism.<br />
<br />
<br />
Now, speaking of the Orange Order, irrationality and the Irish language please recall this jaw dropping episode from one of their senior (Christ!) representatives:<br />
<br />
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XR1_KFwPkbc<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeTu3Qb0v9v2BUDNiTCiaHhBR45cD9_wUnA3rR1TBe4AMe1KCg2AvISmV3sqoQ3D3guHjfhSjVWnS1gJUY5n6ru1CZ4tQOleHfH0hgjwRZPCauMEmeZQffGuD-9oojVYAlTE6iw1ZwiuM/s1600/Penfold's%2Bpublican%2Bgenda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeTu3Qb0v9v2BUDNiTCiaHhBR45cD9_wUnA3rR1TBe4AMe1KCg2AvISmV3sqoQ3D3guHjfhSjVWnS1gJUY5n6ru1CZ4tQOleHfH0hgjwRZPCauMEmeZQffGuD-9oojVYAlTE6iw1ZwiuM/s1600/Penfold's%2Bpublican%2Bgenda.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Penfold's 'Publican 'Genda</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
In fairness to him though, in between all the nonsense please pay attention to 1:33.<br />
<br />
He's highlighting how one of his predecessors Dr Ruteledge Kane was Arran Irish speaker who would recite the minutes in Irish (not sure which Arran though...).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJxj5zHpMBC3JPhNZHHGxqLMmTkKwJJaNB8e3DpgCz8mi7mzkPRlyBFA5ELmMCbrD7P1oOT82XUhdKIuTrJ4Y9lci2-NQJfIe-ZMtX7O4rykOsXjdlcqbOytowlcQ4QTNEhWHR3elzbQ/s1600/picard-facepalm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJxj5zHpMBC3JPhNZHHGxqLMmTkKwJJaNB8e3DpgCz8mi7mzkPRlyBFA5ELmMCbrD7P1oOT82XUhdKIuTrJ4Y9lci2-NQJfIe-ZMtX7O4rykOsXjdlcqbOytowlcQ4QTNEhWHR3elzbQ/s1600/picard-facepalm.jpg" height="256" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Listening to George Chittick...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Now, as much as I was face palming for most of this interview that is still an interesting point; he accepts the place of Irish within the Order's history but now sees it as "political"<br />
<br />
Now, can anyone tell me of any political groups that use the Irish language in a very overt and public manner?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLT1wxqFDlI842z3IkxQG-P8GQIfqZZKjKJnEZAJ7dxSwoErN-bqNLs_cPHJ3Jv6k00hECrKvI7g3yWzqHLmrMDOMh9wp42VMK0J6n8dlkXAiP_PmJhG4cRmbRtz-hsu7vSiHN3Ui28wE/s1600/clue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLT1wxqFDlI842z3IkxQG-P8GQIfqZZKjKJnEZAJ7dxSwoErN-bqNLs_cPHJ3Jv6k00hECrKvI7g3yWzqHLmrMDOMh9wp42VMK0J6n8dlkXAiP_PmJhG4cRmbRtz-hsu7vSiHN3Ui28wE/s1600/clue.jpg" height="139" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A clue</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
And staying with the 'Orange' theme, that brings me to the next topic:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJjxuy1wqngcDy_Wi09tadmkOHzTu-zq9h_VHXkZdExr6leuu9bavzLlx8o4lglI17-ywxXdZE880PqfLmNBqb8kN2LPhyitTmCvqzkU4WsgJ5reG56aMWnxklP9x2HidlPNxL6UR7CRg/s1600/orange.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJjxuy1wqngcDy_Wi09tadmkOHzTu-zq9h_VHXkZdExr6leuu9bavzLlx8o4lglI17-ywxXdZE880PqfLmNBqb8kN2LPhyitTmCvqzkU4WsgJ5reG56aMWnxklP9x2HidlPNxL6UR7CRg/s1600/orange.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>ASSOCIATION IN THE MIND</b><br />
<br />
One of the things that the mobile phone provider Orange had to consider back in the time of the mobile phone network's infancy was the negative connotations of its name in Northern Ireland:<br />
<br />
<b></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/the-futures-not-so-bright-as-orange-gets-the-red-light-in-ulster-1328424.html<br />
<br />
They had to give real consideration to the notion that there were/are negative connotations between the word 'orange' in Northern Ireland and 'shenanigans' (to say the least).<br />
<br />
The fact that a multi million pound operation took this seriously should cause you to think about the importance of negative association.<br />
<br />
This was not lost on NTL or Tennents, two sponsors of the Old Firm.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglNrxWq9w78eizWehOUfkyYq5-kEiO8qhsHzS5BGSmbmjABVL202_tn4UOBIm0eytno0LxCUF9-5ZoiqQ0gyHraXs0otZk7lGsTB47BCgyQ0PsGeMNyxlDBy0IvO6n122OdWTjVqSOqRw/s1600/sponsorship.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglNrxWq9w78eizWehOUfkyYq5-kEiO8qhsHzS5BGSmbmjABVL202_tn4UOBIm0eytno0LxCUF9-5ZoiqQ0gyHraXs0otZk7lGsTB47BCgyQ0PsGeMNyxlDBy0IvO6n122OdWTjVqSOqRw/s1600/sponsorship.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
They took it upon themselves to sponsor BOTH Old Firm teams rather than just one was it was feared that they'd lose more customers than they would attract (and anecdoatally speaking I know at least one die-hard Celtic fan who would never touch McEwan's Lager (and not just because it tastes like rotting asses ass) and another who stopped drinking 'Oranjeboom' beer because of its association with the House of Orange).<br />
<br />
Maybe Magners will do OK now that they've went alone with their Celtic sponsorship but it's difficult to imagine that it won't be poured down the sink of many Rangers orientated pubs around the islands.<br />
https://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCQQFjAB&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fwww.therangers.co.uk%2Fposts%2F580759048604402&ei=3ZAsVOP9Ks-uogSYsYLICg&usg=AFQjCNHC65MR_KCwgct1VGKFNxpvmZKngA&sig2=D4uO3zLug_WRTDWu8hN7ag&bvm=bv.76477589,d.cGU<br />
<br />
<b>MORE ASSOCIATION</b><br />
<br />
(NOTE: This is copied over from a LAD blog http://loyalistsagainstdemocracy.blogspot.com.au/2014/04/what-nationalism-doesnt-get-or-maybe.html )<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px currentColor; color: #1c1c1c; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 13.63px; line-height: 17.81px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"People say it's daft that a language can be a thing of offence but it's not unique to Ireland.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px currentColor; color: #1c1c1c; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 13.63px; line-height: 17.81px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br />Look east and in the eastern Croatian town of Vukovar there is a similar controversy.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px currentColor; color: #1c1c1c; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 13.63px; line-height: 17.81px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br />Vukovar was smashed up by in the wars that followed the fall of Yugoslavia.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px currentColor; color: #1c1c1c; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 13.63px; line-height: 17.81px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br />Destruction, massacres, the works.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px currentColor; color: #1c1c1c; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 13.63px; line-height: 17.81px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="-ms-word-break: break-all; -ms-word-wrap: break-word; background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; border: 0px currentColor; color: #1c1c1c; float: left; font-family: Gudea, Helvetica, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Verdana, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 17.81px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 0px; padding: 4px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline; width: 542.01px;"><tbody style="border: 0px currentColor; font-size: 13.63px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<tr style="border: 0px currentColor; font-size: 13.63px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><td style="border: 0px currentColor; font-size: 13.63px; margin: 0px; padding: 10.83px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0jqcwtZ7l9o4y1qyv9HDJwUtud-_ctdgE-CCd6m393EzXNN6t02K4PmSR7bAXtEJYjGYxUuHttciENQYmAkTij-fvIkHz_cVNalmIMXvccLvVIdzRTKj6hOKXliXrPqHiW2IQx1I9L7p_/s1600/dual+signs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="border: 0px currentColor; clear: left; color: #e53b3e; font-size: 13.63px; margin: 0px auto 1em; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px currentColor; color: black; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 13.63px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0jqcwtZ7l9o4y1qyv9HDJwUtud-_ctdgE-CCd6m393EzXNN6t02K4PmSR7bAXtEJYjGYxUuHttciENQYmAkTij-fvIkHz_cVNalmIMXvccLvVIdzRTKj6hOKXliXrPqHiW2IQx1I9L7p_/s1600/dual+signs.jpg" style="border: currentColor; color: #e53b3e; display: block; font-size: 13.63px; font-style: italic; height: auto; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr style="border: 0px currentColor; font-size: 13.63px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><td class="tr-caption" style="background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0392157); border: 0px; font-size: 10.9090909957886px; margin: 0px; padding: 10.8380680084229px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px currentColor; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: xx-small; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Vukovar: 2 cultures</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px currentColor; color: #1c1c1c; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 13.63px; line-height: 17.81px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Now the Serbian residents wish to promote their identity and culture by means of erecting signs written in Serbian Cyrillic.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px currentColor; color: #1c1c1c; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 13.63px; line-height: 17.81px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br />On one hand, fair enough.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px currentColor; color: #1c1c1c; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 13.63px; line-height: 17.81px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px currentColor; color: #1c1c1c; font-family: Gudea, Helvetica, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Verdana, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63px; line-height: 17.81px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px currentColor; color: #1c1c1c; font-family: Gudea, Helvetica, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Verdana, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63px; line-height: 17.81px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUTswAETheHQcPFEAbBJayL5KttpAMqdD5aIROsGDpBxVtnGcxRV04mLcpvh6jIc6kURw8anXtMsbBR8WNndZVxjl87C2BRCpENE5J90pxRGxgi2ZBRVk3iGaFoS5SNKW_FYsYQaK3bu6F/s1600/vukovar+swastika.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="border: 0px currentColor; clear: left; color: #e53b3e; float: left; font-size: 13.63px; margin: 0px 1em 1em 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px currentColor; color: black; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 13.63px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUTswAETheHQcPFEAbBJayL5KttpAMqdD5aIROsGDpBxVtnGcxRV04mLcpvh6jIc6kURw8anXtMsbBR8WNndZVxjl87C2BRCpENE5J90pxRGxgi2ZBRVk3iGaFoS5SNKW_FYsYQaK3bu6F/s1600/vukovar+swastika.jpg" height="154" style="border: currentColor; color: #e53b3e; display: block; font-size: 13.63px; font-style: italic; height: auto; line-height: 0; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px currentColor; color: #1c1c1c; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 13.63px; line-height: 17.81px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> They live there, have lived there for centuries so why not promote their culture?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px currentColor; color: #1c1c1c; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 13.63px; line-height: 17.81px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br />On the other hand, it evokes painful memories to the resident Croats who were traumatised by the fall of their city and its destruction.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px currentColor; color: #1c1c1c; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 13.63px; line-height: 17.81px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /><br /><br /><br /> (I'm not taking sides either way!!!).</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px currentColor; color: #1c1c1c; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 13.63px; line-height: 17.81px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px currentColor; color: #1c1c1c; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 13.63px; line-height: 17.81px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Many see it as a politically crafted 'get it up themuns'.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px currentColor; color: #1c1c1c; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 13.63px; line-height: 17.81px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px currentColor; color: #1c1c1c; font-family: Gudea, Helvetica, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Verdana, Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63px; line-height: 17.81px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
</div>
<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px currentColor; color: #1c1c1c; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 13.63px; line-height: 17.81px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Every time republicans use Irish in their literature, marches and interviews the same view is pinned on the Irish language.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px currentColor; color: #1c1c1c; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 13.63px; line-height: 17.81px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br />I think this is unfair but it is also how things are.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px currentColor; color: #1c1c1c; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 13.63px; line-height: 17.81px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br />If we want Irish to belong to all Irish people then there is definitely room for a very frank discussion and examination of Irish as it is handled now."</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
So, I think it's safe to say that a language and even the script of a language can be politicised.<br />
<br />
<b><i>9/ NOT EVERYONE APPROVES OF REPUBLICANS USING THE LANGUAGE IN THIS FASHION.</i></b><br />
<br />
I would hope not.<br />
<br />
If you are an Irish language enthusiast and concerned for the well being of the language and its development and are perhaps embarassed or angry or frustrated by the language's use by political figures then you're going to have to make your voice heard.<br />
<br />
Email figures, tweet them or even write them a letter, there's nowt to be gained by holding your tongue.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJ7tP3iqVmzBw3aL1GMEPXJrqf_NiZIvGy80FVeYsb-tIw4hi9DLKByW9uMRJ6RiB0PNy5wdIGNt397KEeGoLpLXS0e87ZTQxwcG3RG0uMMLVkn5L_3_bBg7ntMAvytZqgnXOW8iEDkI/s1600/gagged.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJ7tP3iqVmzBw3aL1GMEPXJrqf_NiZIvGy80FVeYsb-tIw4hi9DLKByW9uMRJ6RiB0PNy5wdIGNt397KEeGoLpLXS0e87ZTQxwcG3RG0uMMLVkn5L_3_bBg7ntMAvytZqgnXOW8iEDkI/s1600/gagged.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gagged: Don't be.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Knowing what we know about people up north, the way things are perceived and the ambitions of many people who would like to see some sort of progress regarding the Irish language is it not safe to say that republicans should (publicly) leave the language alone and give it some breathing space?<br />
<br />
The survival stage is over, the expansion stage comes next.<br />
<br />
That requires co-operation, sacrifice and accepting hard truths.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUr7moePaoAncGbLYvK6r7Ry175fEpetWZabpzPxvEtyuqCSm6Y9OG_zCk8injiQwOAomIkTH8x_Jyq8wyAW-WbHuUtuNZbTnY4bYdyiwNCzsK14Ho3iK5eDi9hzcd6qzlVYJvJIiRvIk/s1600/papai_noel_nao_existe_cartao_postal-rcbcbf0b3eaa549d9b427da7f0eb47727_vgbaq_8byvr_512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUr7moePaoAncGbLYvK6r7Ry175fEpetWZabpzPxvEtyuqCSm6Y9OG_zCk8injiQwOAomIkTH8x_Jyq8wyAW-WbHuUtuNZbTnY4bYdyiwNCzsK14Ho3iK5eDi9hzcd6qzlVYJvJIiRvIk/s1600/papai_noel_nao_existe_cartao_postal-rcbcbf0b3eaa549d9b427da7f0eb47727_vgbaq_8byvr_512.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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PS I'm not saying that they should refrain from defending the language altogether:<br />
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http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/elections/latest-news/sinn-fein-pledge-to-support-the-irish-language-26705149.html<br />
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<br />Am Ghobsmachthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15333693607785579136noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4200060786761508433.post-13986935402650766132014-09-07T00:45:00.000-07:002014-09-07T00:45:47.755-07:00Better Together - Homer Simpson StyleI just recoiled in horror at this: <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/scotland-independence-vote/orange-march-boost-for-scotland-independence-yes-vote-prounion-campaigners-fear-parade-will-only-alienate-catholic-support-30557200.html">http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/scotland-independence-vote/orange-march-boost-for-scotland-independence-yes-vote-prounion-campaigners-fear-parade-will-only-alienate-catholic-support-30557200.html</a><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLY27BrE8P9HK36tkrgYfT-K4FFYl6iQTV4mESnEr9YWf9RUzl3fkvVJEUZRuESERWy5rb5O7OSEB6z9w1SEtLG5-2rsWoLDIpjMb0eD2Kj4AaMq0tE4WPNLZiDo3lHHiSK3MEfjWFAZ0/s1600/woman_screaming1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLY27BrE8P9HK36tkrgYfT-K4FFYl6iQTV4mESnEr9YWf9RUzl3fkvVJEUZRuESERWy5rb5O7OSEB6z9w1SEtLG5-2rsWoLDIpjMb0eD2Kj4AaMq0tE4WPNLZiDo3lHHiSK3MEfjWFAZ0/s1600/woman_screaming1.gif" height="200" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horrified: Me</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Yes. <br />
<br />
That's right.<br />
<br />
A pro-union organisation that has an obvious polarising effect and is clearly not welcome in this particular arena is barging in anyway, even though it's been clearly told to stay away.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjspTHHqFWHUBv3gB0cDta9FnfcbYfHIawpKwTngjGbMnR42cBBDv6dEs3EIlPVSu1M2bSse8vuFz4ycB3u9K9f6aBX3tl9FXVxj1kyKN-yV2QkMhfy_BGUcxyIgW3zDOi-yMi-P4AerLA/s1600/dave-eck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjspTHHqFWHUBv3gB0cDta9FnfcbYfHIawpKwTngjGbMnR42cBBDv6dEs3EIlPVSu1M2bSse8vuFz4ycB3u9K9f6aBX3tl9FXVxj1kyKN-yV2QkMhfy_BGUcxyIgW3zDOi-yMi-P4AerLA/s1600/dave-eck.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salmond to Cameron: "Yep, they're coming to 'help' ye Davey boy. Nae luck son....pppfffffff......."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Is the OO actually controlled by anti-union plants? <br />
<br />
It's the only logical conclusion I can think of, for given their impressive capacity to put one foot in front of the other in an orderly fashion it's obvious that they aren't SO stupid as to think that they're lending a hand to the cause (seriously to be THAT thick marching would be out of the question...)?<br />
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"But surely the have the right to support their brethren in Scotland"<br />
<br />
Yes.<br />
<br />
100%. I'm not claiming otherwise, I'm simply highlighting 'objective vs methodology' wrt 'getting the job done'.<br />
<br />
Let us take some comparisons:<br />
<br />
<b>OBJECTIVE: LOSE FAT, PUT ON MUSCLE AND OBTAIN A MORE ATHLETIC PHYSIQUE</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>METHOD #1 (absolutely entitled to do so):</b> Sensible diet plan, a regular exercise regime and training with a friend/rival<br />
<br />
<b>METHOD #2 (absolutely entitled to do so):</b> No exercise, watching all HBO series back-to-back living only on nachos, fries and beer/soda<br />
<br />
If your eyes are on the prize you'll aim for method #1 (with the occasional binge on method #2). Why? Because that's what you have to do to get what you want.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMcvkwAUft3CkFX35FPaA0xlRtgAlnXaXkE8KwsphdUPKr0Z23goHEVzcCqqQVfsu3Ju6hNb5rgBMWyklc4gF3i24mY-KsH7JbAekUDhtAB1sDLX42emtls2rz-1Z6gPG03PIyfQBmkPI/s1600/ripped.jpg" height="320" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="212" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common sense & discipline</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEholkVO_SySKMAOQVecehDbpwpj1Sr4Zlb7NbcSSeX_2KoILfbv9n9YtrRZUBIFAbbwMcSSSH4nkQ7IS6cK013BbHMYRLQEr1GSK0YsqysnS1M8lGjsdMe0_XRGKgaNjydiDumXyg6sh1Q/s1600/obese+men+have+curves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEholkVO_SySKMAOQVecehDbpwpj1Sr4Zlb7NbcSSeX_2KoILfbv9n9YtrRZUBIFAbbwMcSSSH4nkQ7IS6cK013BbHMYRLQEr1GSK0YsqysnS1M8lGjsdMe0_XRGKgaNjydiDumXyg6sh1Q/s1600/obese+men+have+curves.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orange Order's approach?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>OBJECTIVE: TO SUCCESSFULLY PASS UNIVERSITY EXAMS</b><br />
<br />
<b>METHOD #1: </b>Complete all assignments on time. Keep ordered, concise notes. Recap constantly through the year. Work on weak points. During exam time employ a sensible timetable with enough time for work, eating and exercise<br />
<br />
<b>METHOD #2:</b> (Most common approach): Wing most assignments, keep making plans about 'tightening up' only to head straight to the pub now (mid-week) that you're full of resolve for one last unsanctioned bender.<br />
Blindly panic when exam time comes and live solely on coffee.<br />
<br />
<b>METHOD #3:</b> It'll be fine, do nothing and go out on the tear the night before every exam<br />
<br />
Again, you're entitled to do whatever you want, the question is though WHY would you sabotage your own objectives?<br />
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<br />
Now, arch-republican-secret-agent (he must be surely? This is clearly detrimental to the Union!) Rev Mervyn Gibson has answered (fobbed off) such logical criticisms:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDdtdISnUJAEH7692wPcQ3TiB8KBxe3lcsetIbLBEr_A5z-KaZ9Rn1WzuksRwJqyhLWyek75xgLndYdQ-S0ekSZx2V6CR5kUC5t93slCK695skFA9fn0vu6-VxyB-Sk4Kmq6oz8yxMgLE/s1600/_69645266_mervyngibson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDdtdISnUJAEH7692wPcQ3TiB8KBxe3lcsetIbLBEr_A5z-KaZ9Rn1WzuksRwJqyhLWyek75xgLndYdQ-S0ekSZx2V6CR5kUC5t93slCK695skFA9fn0vu6-VxyB-Sk4Kmq6oz8yxMgLE/s1600/_69645266_mervyngibson.jpg" height="112" width="200" /></a></div>
or? <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8H2RWjhROps9sYFG1Jqg02w5n1z3kEAVH2Ne6amjD_zA4M2t9vbmxEnF0r2YaCz-87Lc8or4OSzwLsQnD9Zg6rut9AGZrnRHbSc0gfLeXWxwsdPYaNk2Dl0S02jXjGXDx_3MBfnSbuPI/s1600/Gerry+gibson+Adams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8H2RWjhROps9sYFG1Jqg02w5n1z3kEAVH2Ne6amjD_zA4M2t9vbmxEnF0r2YaCz-87Lc8or4OSzwLsQnD9Zg6rut9AGZrnRHbSc0gfLeXWxwsdPYaNk2Dl0S02jXjGXDx_3MBfnSbuPI/s1600/Gerry+gibson+Adams.jpg" height="106" width="200" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8H2RWjhROps9sYFG1Jqg02w5n1z3kEAVH2Ne6amjD_zA4M2t9vbmxEnF0r2YaCz-87Lc8or4OSzwLsQnD9Zg6rut9AGZrnRHbSc0gfLeXWxwsdPYaNk2Dl0S02jXjGXDx_3MBfnSbuPI/s1600/Gerry+gibson+Adams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8H2RWjhROps9sYFG1Jqg02w5n1z3kEAVH2Ne6amjD_zA4M2t9vbmxEnF0r2YaCz-87Lc8or4OSzwLsQnD9Zg6rut9AGZrnRHbSc0gfLeXWxwsdPYaNk2Dl0S02jXjGXDx_3MBfnSbuPI/s1600/Gerry+gibson+Adams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8H2RWjhROps9sYFG1Jqg02w5n1z3kEAVH2Ne6amjD_zA4M2t9vbmxEnF0r2YaCz-87Lc8or4OSzwLsQnD9Zg6rut9AGZrnRHbSc0gfLeXWxwsdPYaNk2Dl0S02jXjGXDx_3MBfnSbuPI/s1600/Gerry+gibson+Adams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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"I have heard that argument," he said. "The Orange Order is a major part of Scottish life and is entitled to demonstrate its view. I hope that it galvanises people to vote No."<br />
<br />
I shall address this part by part:<br />
<br />
"I have heard that argument," - Good, why then do you not have a decent argument to show that the criticism is incorrect?<br />
If you can't argue that it is incorrect then it MIGHT just be correct, in which case you're surely obliged to have a wee rethink?<br />
<br />
""The Orange Order is a major part of Scottish life and is entitled to demonstrate its view." - It may well be, but it is also a controversial part of Scottish life.<br />
It IS entitled to demonstrate its view, that doesn't mean that it HAS to<br />
<br />
<i>NOTE: Irish nationalist quarters are very quiet on the matter though they obviously have feelings on the topic. This could be because it's not their fight OR (AND?) it could be they're smart enough to know that their involvement could push some swing voters into the No camp, remember that a lot of Scottish sons went home from NI in body bags, having Gerry Kelly and the like endorsing the Yes campaign could reopen some old wounds.</i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVG_d0v1us-CDB4FojY2iOCEYUzdttgHIxlvmGr37GYJkASvuXmvii15uXsSD7cJEbj7ySe-oRbqBGIyaubk6-RjoFugksZcLXXABzPhYWpbCPRv6VhuWneVWxKCPvaqohNabMZBOkRxg/s1600/gagged.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVG_d0v1us-CDB4FojY2iOCEYUzdttgHIxlvmGr37GYJkASvuXmvii15uXsSD7cJEbj7ySe-oRbqBGIyaubk6-RjoFugksZcLXXABzPhYWpbCPRv6VhuWneVWxKCPvaqohNabMZBOkRxg/s1600/gagged.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nationalism: Schtum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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"I hope that it galvanises people to vote No." - <b>How?!</b><br />
How does marching impress anyone who doesn't march?<br />
If it did then Northern Irish Catholics would be all unionists courtesy of our thousands of annual band parades.<br />
<br />
Basing a movement on 'hope' is not very inspiring....<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg81DiljeiZULLCJV4XYGoP_-S3hVRUmOKjNtA9mxXUAU3rCo1UG52T8zvHGHy4dP_R_6ovK7BEHR1b72Fvwry7egLvDJuW6ST9zKZ_zaRiEUHsNT7glx-WhBDe2Axgz3WFPFeVaM02YwI/s1600/Alex+unhappy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg81DiljeiZULLCJV4XYGoP_-S3hVRUmOKjNtA9mxXUAU3rCo1UG52T8zvHGHy4dP_R_6ovK7BEHR1b72Fvwry7egLvDJuW6ST9zKZ_zaRiEUHsNT7glx-WhBDe2Axgz3WFPFeVaM02YwI/s1600/Alex+unhappy.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alex: Before the OO announcement</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPIPxkJyH81y5jOMFWD9pDLcuZpHLCTQa-KORYYolUIMMARM7vHdkDIRYf0cEVh64oO_GrHGFbfpE2qIczED_1FNb_If-3sankbm2q-1zFEkjWYfGuVlf3f3tBa7etA8PsGf8IMpUUfkg/s1600/alex-salmond-victory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPIPxkJyH81y5jOMFWD9pDLcuZpHLCTQa-KORYYolUIMMARM7vHdkDIRYf0cEVh64oO_GrHGFbfpE2qIczED_1FNb_If-3sankbm2q-1zFEkjWYfGuVlf3f3tBa7etA8PsGf8IMpUUfkg/s1600/alex-salmond-victory.jpg" height="132" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alex: After the OO anouncement</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This is what other people think of the matter:<br />
<br />
"... the Order isn't part of our campaign and never will be". - Senior figure in the 'Better Together' campaign - TRANSLATED AS "PLEASE GOD NO!"<br />
<br />
"The Orange Order have nothing to do with us," - Better Together spokesman - TRANSLATED AS - "THESE F*CKTARDS WILL RUIN EVERYTHING"<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu6xBXHGoq3h2WgQeS3klHHk840faOdENbbybAxANy5pRhJM1wz_X68ebnQKXSQAHBpkr93ErS0oNjlguTkQuIb4bMBEE42_LT3KEEDpPTtDcYtdyPu8fUqPlxHKYBKdsr9Ak3yfOx9zo/s1600/keep-calm-and-stay-the-fuck-away-5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu6xBXHGoq3h2WgQeS3klHHk840faOdENbbybAxANy5pRhJM1wz_X68ebnQKXSQAHBpkr93ErS0oNjlguTkQuIb4bMBEE42_LT3KEEDpPTtDcYtdyPu8fUqPlxHKYBKdsr9Ak3yfOx9zo/s1600/keep-calm-and-stay-the-fuck-away-5.png" height="200" width="171" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hint</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
And this nugget regarding a former UDA commander:<br />
<br />
"Sam "Skelly" McCrory, commander of the Ulster Defence Association's prisoners in the Maze prison during the last years of the Troubles, said Northern Irish loyalists would alienate Catholic voters and other centre-left Scots who plan to vote against independence if they showed up in Scotland."<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/may/11/scottish-independence-uda-ulster-loyalists-campaign">http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/may/11/scottish-independence-uda-ulster-loyalists-campaign</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
What does it take to get hard-line unionists to listen to their fellow British citizens?<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSNKuHnPJDVX8Y5tVmpSgz0O1EsPIGG5eehdt_1UCo-CGZWhQKkZ9LKI560lXQPfXaF5to7j8gvn4LVNsGV61BmrRPI6d4c861-PIiMBtjvjRvqZwIh9VuuqPD53t9c3f5KxMsh1AvqTo/s1600/not-listening.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSNKuHnPJDVX8Y5tVmpSgz0O1EsPIGG5eehdt_1UCo-CGZWhQKkZ9LKI560lXQPfXaF5to7j8gvn4LVNsGV61BmrRPI6d4c861-PIiMBtjvjRvqZwIh9VuuqPD53t9c3f5KxMsh1AvqTo/s1600/not-listening.jpg" height="222" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Willy Wonka: Not surrendering...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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*NOTE: Though I'd be a little bit sad to see Scotland go, I wish her and all those who sail in her the very best should she decide to go the way of independence.<br />
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<br />Am Ghobsmachthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15333693607785579136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4200060786761508433.post-65933976944336689852014-08-05T00:54:00.000-07:002014-08-05T00:54:49.358-07:00The Riddle<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As expected, the annual big day of marching secured its fair
share of newspaper space, blogging time and news coverage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Every year it’s the same arguments and positions though
sometimes the buzzwords are replaced e.g. in the 90’s it was ‘civil and religious
liberty’ and ‘unionist intransigence’ and now it’s ‘shared space’, ‘equality’
and ‘tolerance’.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">One thing that doesn’t change is the predictable nature of
pan-unionist response whenever Sinn Fein is believed to be behind something.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I understand the antipathy many unionists have to the
Shinners, I’m no fan of them myself (ask any nationalist blogger on Slugger
O’Toole).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What I don’t get is why unionism nearly always feeds SF PR
& political points.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I mean really, if I had a nemesis I’d do my best to make
sure that he/she does not benefit from my actions. Surely that’s the point of
having a nemesis??<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">With that in mind, let us assume for argument’s sake that
all of unionism hates SF as much as Willie Frazer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Let us now apply this scenario to some of the more
questionable positions of unionism and see if it is GOOD or BAD for SF. (Sorry,
it might seem like SF overkill but this is angled at the SF paranoia that is
prevalent throughout unionism)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">UNIONIST COUNCILS AND
FLYING THE FLAG 365<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In some, not all unionist controlled councils, they go
against the UK norm and fly the Union flag all year round.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This could be because of immense pride or defiance or habit
or simply to get it up themuns.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">BAD FOR SF:</b>
Unless there are some SF councillors having their noses put out of joint by
this flying then this is of no apparent detriment to that party<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">GOOD FOR SF:</b>
Well, as has been articulated repeatedly during City Hall’s Fleggergeddon the
obsessive flying of the Union Flag is seen by some people as a 2 fingered salute.
A constant reminder of who’s in charge of the turf.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">With this is mind, if you were to place a 50 quid bet on the
following horsies, which would be your favourite to win:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Horsie 1:</b> Middle
of the road types from a nationalist background who may not bear any particular
ill-will to the Union Flag are nonetheless pushed away from the unionist family
on account of the ‘in your face’ nature of flying the flag unceasingly<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Horsie 2</b>: Middle
of the road types from a nationalist background would feel an INCREASED sense
of ‘loyalty’ to the UK on account of seeing the British tri-cross flying every day,
in addition to the hundreds of other flags flapping from lamp posts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you think it is horsie No.1, then you believe that this
overtly pro-union stance is ironically damaging to the union in that it drives
away potential pro-union voters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you vote for horsie No.2 then might I recommend that you
never set foot in a casino or race track in your life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So in my humble opinion, I would label the insistence of
flying the flag 365 as free points to SF. From their point of view, the less
people who see the Union in a favourable light the better.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAED4-RIf9rg_gBbKgLhW4fBfGmC1F-8HFLT2esmsSf5fmHGWXfD-IFy3TI8mxogqmlK-pw0H5qrTnjHDyPBJD3K1Ewjej7tKw7krn37avhoBscpAFUXh8nID-IL3MVfjmaRU_ur4sAto/s1600/a-fast-horse-bethtrissel-wordpress-com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAED4-RIf9rg_gBbKgLhW4fBfGmC1F-8HFLT2esmsSf5fmHGWXfD-IFy3TI8mxogqmlK-pw0H5qrTnjHDyPBJD3K1Ewjej7tKw7krn37avhoBscpAFUXh8nID-IL3MVfjmaRU_ur4sAto/s1600/a-fast-horse-bethtrissel-wordpress-com.jpg" height="132" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horsie No.1</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH3tYB8-uoInsKHtqHZAGJX5zVABbQuKpikc83Xp5ebfsNQDVM3uXkrWrBbkHK7qxHMQF11FRdvWbD1SuXEPAoovx7wk-HNUk_1ApnM2scKwMp7bEo_JjLF-maw5ovV81qVFctZfvvJpQ/s1600/Old+nag.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH3tYB8-uoInsKHtqHZAGJX5zVABbQuKpikc83Xp5ebfsNQDVM3uXkrWrBbkHK7qxHMQF11FRdvWbD1SuXEPAoovx7wk-HNUk_1ApnM2scKwMp7bEo_JjLF-maw5ovV81qVFctZfvvJpQ/s1600/Old+nag.png" height="147" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horsie No.2</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">UNIONIST COUNCILS AND
FLYING THE FLAG ON DESIGNATED DAYS<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">At least one unionist controlled council flies the Union
Flag on designated days.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">GOOD FOR SF:</b> They
can still press the ‘equality’ button with regards to arguing that the
tricolour should fly alongside it (FYI, this matter is soon forgotten about if
one counter-proposes the 3 flag compromise </span><a href="http://amgobsmacked.blogspot.com.au/2013/11/three-flags-real-compromise.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://amgobsmacked.blogspot.com.au/2013/11/three-flags-real-compromise.html</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">BAD FOR SF:</b> If
all unionist councils fly the flag on designated days they would then have some
moral ground to demand similarly of nationalist controlled councils. SF does
not like that idea. Not a jot.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">UNIONIST OPPOSITION
TO MAKING CHANGES THAT WOULD MAKE SUPPORTING THE NI FOOTBALL TEAM EASIER<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Not so long ago a DUP task force was sent to the IFA bunker
to make sure that they didn’t have any daft notions about bringing in changes
that would make supporting NI a more attractive option for many people<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">*SLOW. CLAP*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A few measures could make a big difference to fence sitters
who would be tempted to go to a game or wish NI all the best:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1/</b> Drop GSTQ.
It’s the NATIONAL anthem, not the regional anthem. End of.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2/</b> A flag. The
Ulster flag is not the official flag of NI, it is the favoured flag of loyalist
bands and is burned into the minds of many Catholics and nationalists in the
same way the tricolour is burned into the mind of Protestants and unionists<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">3/</b> A new stadium.
Windsor is hardly the most welcoming area for people who aren’t of the unionist
persuasion, is it?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If these logical and reasonable changes were enacted then we
could see an increase in NI supporters from people of a Catholic background<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">GOOD FOR SF:</b>
Making Northern Ireland in any shape of form appealing to people of a
nationalist background is the stuff of SF nightmares. It has to be presented as
an illegitimate statelet born of oppression at all costs. Keeping the Ulster
flag, GSTQ and Windsor Park makes this task much easier as they hold no appeal
for many people of a Catholic background<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">BAD FOR SF:</b> It’s
not. Making it difficult to support NI is a gift to SF. (Hint: hence their
opposition to a new flag for NI during the Haass talks)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3gI-itL5bQhj4JZtOVopNgSgDFGePXETJnxAWSwEuXUPntWPAoa-LaHCLwmuKTv3Mdb88GYfK41uzTedVT7Yv-7ZuOJfOxJJZzOmDj7ITJA3eAINs074eRqlu4BPKtXUH_k1UczDwCWw/s1600/DUP+IFA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3gI-itL5bQhj4JZtOVopNgSgDFGePXETJnxAWSwEuXUPntWPAoa-LaHCLwmuKTv3Mdb88GYfK41uzTedVT7Yv-7ZuOJfOxJJZzOmDj7ITJA3eAINs074eRqlu4BPKtXUH_k1UczDwCWw/s1600/DUP+IFA.jpg" height="226" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">UNIONIST OPPOSITION
TO A NORTHERN IRELAND FLAG<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">See above. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1lUp8cNhwXt_DbWkmpxAGRUJsv9eH2GcMri9sNYTXTDuc50ZnnM8QZsGDTJt5q483i1fl6yMR4vCA7c-iQXgUCuE05u7oiAuVNqfGOI-VwE2gAQebXqSj8It9EVugKUYyccgQJGIohqw/s1600/2150752473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1lUp8cNhwXt_DbWkmpxAGRUJsv9eH2GcMri9sNYTXTDuc50ZnnM8QZsGDTJt5q483i1fl6yMR4vCA7c-iQXgUCuE05u7oiAuVNqfGOI-VwE2gAQebXqSj8It9EVugKUYyccgQJGIohqw/s1600/2150752473.jpg" height="226" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: medium; text-align: start;">Appeal: </b><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small; text-align: start;">Really, why would anyone from a nationalist background wish to support this?</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">UNIONIST POLITICIANS
TOLERATING LOYALIST SECTARIAN SONGS, TERRORIST BANNERS & PARAPHERNALIA <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">GOOD FOR SF: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1/</b>As long as
unionist politicians tolerate aspects of terrorism then the easier it is for
people overlook SF’s terror connections and history, if there is no one on the
moral high ground then there’s no one to look up to.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2/</b> Such tolerance
to said list can be exposed on camera for all the world to see e.g. terrorist
banners at band parades or paramilitary murals. A great help in the PR war.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">3/</b> All condemnations
of IRA violence and connections fall on deaf ears<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">4/</b> It makes
unionism even more of a cold house for Catholics orpeople who dislike terrorism
and sectarianism. The less unionist converts the better as far as a united
Ireland is concerned.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">BAD FOR SF:</b> It’s
not. As long as unionists tolerate this sort of thing it’s money for jam as far
as SF and PR are concerned (though obviously not for people who are subjected
to such intimidation).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<br />
<o:p></o:p><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">UNEQUIVOCALLY
SUPPORTING ORANGE MARCHES, FLAG CULTURE AND BAND PARADES<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">BAD FOR SF:</b> It’s
not. If unionists didn’t blindly support all controversial marches then SF
would have to work hard to make something else controversial (NOTE: I’m just
for sake of argument taking it as a given that this is the case, otherwise someone
will pull out the old Athboy conspiracy card and derail the whole thing).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">GOOD FOR SF:</b> Does
anyone remember the amount of PR and votes SF gained in the mid late 90’s from
Drumcree? What does that tell you? Controversial parades and mayhem are manna
from above as far as SF are concerned.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Do you remember the red face SF received from the SpAd Bill
controversy? Neither do I as shortly after marching season appeared on the
scene and all was forgotten.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And on the topic of flags, SF have played a blinder on this
front: </span><a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-28479010"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-28479010</span></a> (Hat's off, credit where credit is due).<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghgBNQFWQEPh2v5FJxEq2GtDybhrW6wMWt-CvpY6QfUnNdKsRZzFnDBV_5uePc_rdwXgwgWy0vrtyuV7Rerc643FBwDmEBIrv6RTLwq7K-YJVEbXB-qP3yMDYIiIUChTFtV5-5E_vJJKE/s1600/dodds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghgBNQFWQEPh2v5FJxEq2GtDybhrW6wMWt-CvpY6QfUnNdKsRZzFnDBV_5uePc_rdwXgwgWy0vrtyuV7Rerc643FBwDmEBIrv6RTLwq7K-YJVEbXB-qP3yMDYIiIUChTFtV5-5E_vJJKE/s1600/dodds.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Choice: What's good for the union may not be good for the Orange Order</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></o:p></b></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">REINFORCING THE
CONNECTION BETWEEN ‘PROTESTANT’ AND UNIONIST<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_6" o:spid="_x0000_i1026" style="height: 252pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 300pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="PC Fail" src="file:///C:\Users\Owner\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image008.jpg">
</v:imagedata></v:shape></span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">BAD FOR SF</b>: It
‘may’ cause them to lose a few potential Protestant voters, but…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">GOOD FOR SF:</b> The
Catholic population is on the increase and the Protestant population on the
decrease. Do the math people<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7nlSQ45QyZouIlvehd2zm-3CawE1KKaWBsm8Hw-0oVJQen5bv9eUC8IJqa0L9MNyg54Io1vh4ieI9fbkt7NkvJAiiSasnmcxMVJukjD0qh8jsDP6y85k6vg6THdjZgu7RVuT_PA8qXnM/s1600/PC+Fail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7nlSQ45QyZouIlvehd2zm-3CawE1KKaWBsm8Hw-0oVJQen5bv9eUC8IJqa0L9MNyg54Io1vh4ieI9fbkt7NkvJAiiSasnmcxMVJukjD0qh8jsDP6y85k6vg6THdjZgu7RVuT_PA8qXnM/s1600/PC+Fail.jpg" height="268" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">FLAT EARTH UNIONISM<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now, if one’s raison d’etre or main priority is to ‘smash
SF’ then it’s harder to imagine a more flawed strategy short of Willie Frazer
or Mike Nesbitt actively canvasing for SF door-to-door.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-AU; mso-no-proof: yes;"><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_10" o:spid="_x0000_i1025" style="height: 150pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 178.5pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="williecap" src="file:///C:\Users\Owner\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image009.jpg">
</v:imagedata></v:shape></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFBJw-BhFyuQHt72a9erwDZresiwChAucdaOrCBCvgtHvRkWL79sC4OUeUSH80dYwR4ssDG4s8z1-t1QGDk4daraGb_Oh75o7YxbZNish97d2-LeSwiLb_WNSnpWeVoAH8uwKhY6K_V_c/s1600/williecap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFBJw-BhFyuQHt72a9erwDZresiwChAucdaOrCBCvgtHvRkWL79sC4OUeUSH80dYwR4ssDG4s8z1-t1QGDk4daraGb_Oh75o7YxbZNish97d2-LeSwiLb_WNSnpWeVoAH8uwKhY6K_V_c/s1600/williecap.jpg" height="168" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Votail Sinn Fein?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The short comings of all of the above stances are evident to
all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But remember, if you point this out to any one from the tribe
then you’re a Lundy, a pseudo-liberal (whatever that is) or a communist.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well maybe not a communist, but you might as well be, pinko.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m well aware of the myriad of responses and rebuttals that
fly from some unionist quarters when these points are highlighted. But many of
these rebuttals revolve around feelings and the heart as opposed to pragmatism
and the head.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yes, I understand the unwillingness to change as it might be
perceived as a ‘surrender’.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But by not changing they’re losing. But they use this sense
of losing as a reason not to change, which compounds the feeling of loss, which
in turn causes them to oppose change, which in turn…. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I understand why some people feel it is better to be defiant
than be pragmatic, but I also understand why some people think the Earth is
flat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Worse still, if the memory of the IRA’s campaign is
sufficient to make unionism hand points and votes to SF, well, surely that
would be an argument for the justification for the IRA’s campaign? That they
are rewarded by their actions of decades ago because unionism is so scarred
from the campaign that it constantly makes all the wrong moves?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Not a nice thought.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span>
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Parades commission treatment of Protestants in Downpatrick is akin to how Hitler treated the Jews.</div>
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</ul>
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<div class="client-and-actions" style="clear: both; color: #292f33; margin-top: 10px;">
<span class="metadata" style="color: #8899a6; font-size: 13px; line-height: 24px; overflow: hidden;">11:47 AM - 4 Aug 2014</span></div>
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<span class="metadata" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 24px; overflow: hidden;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span class="metadata" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 24px; overflow: hidden;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span class="metadata" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 24px; overflow: hidden;"><b>Jamie B: If this is the future of unionism then cash in your Euros now...</b></span></div>
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<span class="metadata" style="color: #8899a6; font-size: 13px; line-height: 24px; overflow: hidden;"><br /></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">James Molyneaux once said “a prolonged IRA ceasefire could
be the most destabilising thing to happen to unionism since partition” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Is it possible that a streamlined unionism that tackles the
shambolic loyalist underbelly and which is free from Orange intervention could
be equally destabilising for nationalism?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">To be honest, there’s only one way to find out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And if it doesn't work, well, we can always go back to the current way of doings things.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Am Ghobsmachthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15333693607785579136noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4200060786761508433.post-91408887278540667072014-04-23T02:07:00.001-07:002014-06-16T16:55:28.535-07:00Ulster Scots and Irish 'Nots'<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmxi-dp1d7cYYT-VxlDOWc6XUgPlonOu4aZ7yAUR5UieUCsrgT9539Zv_ZRTy6tICWYwZCF7ZAaEP0YoyLzf6njEmpCeA8mmUSIK0ZK1-_Cx9YhgddH-bwAtM5YuS8GFLv6pX9ymVi5hk/s1600/Ulster_Provincial_lion_frills.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmxi-dp1d7cYYT-VxlDOWc6XUgPlonOu4aZ7yAUR5UieUCsrgT9539Zv_ZRTy6tICWYwZCF7ZAaEP0YoyLzf6njEmpCeA8mmUSIK0ZK1-_Cx9YhgddH-bwAtM5YuS8GFLv6pX9ymVi5hk/s1600/Ulster_Provincial_lion_frills.jpg" height="197" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'ULSTER' SCOT: NOT 'Prod' Scot or 'Unionist' Scot or 'Bits of Northern Ireland' Scot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This is a pruned version of an earlier gargantuan rant: http://amgobsmacked.blogspot.com.au/2013/07/ulster-scot-or-simply-ulster-protestant.html<br />
<br />
It did go on a bit (sorry).<br />
<br />
So, without further ado<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Cultural Hijacking</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4TXFiqKDpjFboOgnFlFVKSa48mk5TLrOQ8C7Xfpq2LGcsv8pwaVsoABQlxwf3cDjo33J_BYfj75c89rcLSV4eR8U-eiHp6T4eIeLYtJqBe8wsTRNQyCFxIxGhTm5akdX609fk9IwuQME/s1600/terminator2_03_vetements_bottes_moto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4TXFiqKDpjFboOgnFlFVKSa48mk5TLrOQ8C7Xfpq2LGcsv8pwaVsoABQlxwf3cDjo33J_BYfj75c89rcLSV4eR8U-eiHp6T4eIeLYtJqBe8wsTRNQyCFxIxGhTm5akdX609fk9IwuQME/s1600/terminator2_03_vetements_bottes_moto.jpg" height="131" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Give me your songs, your instruments, your language and your fleg"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<br />
Recently I've been a tad foamy-mouthed with regards to the politicisation of the Irish language in Northern Ireland.<br />
<br />
I've been huffing and puffing about it on LAD, Slugger O'Toole and Dr Jude Collins' website:<br />
<br />
http://loyalistsagainstdemocracy.blogspot.com.au/2014/04/what-nationalism-doesnt-get-or-maybe.html<br />
<br />
http://sluggerotoole.com/2014/04/18/an-la-dearg-was-an-expression-of-both-a-growing-sense-of-anger/<br />
<br />
http://www.judecollins.com/2014/04/dearg-le-fearg-cliste-whale/<br />
<br />
(Respectively)<br />
<br />
Then NI21 came in with their Irish language election billboard posters.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB9Ol339I7WdBtStpJtthxAS5HZVHqVc24Uz6HIZpzwdsyskmnQ6ljqf19iLqsIwF_HarUArFQksoQq_Qo7TpqgW0GZoIwUcVMHmy9ldubHks4UAystFuK_EZ2h5ZyJTo0QHyQuH407Vk/s1600/tina.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB9Ol339I7WdBtStpJtthxAS5HZVHqVc24Uz6HIZpzwdsyskmnQ6ljqf19iLqsIwF_HarUArFQksoQq_Qo7TpqgW0GZoIwUcVMHmy9ldubHks4UAystFuK_EZ2h5ZyJTo0QHyQuH407Vk/s1600/tina.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A welcome move</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Great.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then someone mentioned "what about Ulster Scots?!"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What about it indeed?</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Ulster Scots; only for Ulster Prods?</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiibWyOfOKepB3FShPzK6Mu58iR0LNvT1KadB2dUVBRMWK8iyduL4T-KN06FL0EN31-mFFHCeNUATXbnVZE_G2TrYf4dSq6sVcYXx5f-aDIP6TlI7wvbivhLQu-q55r_8aJ3otc7WlZO1s/s1600/wpid-nelson-mccausland-assures-ireland-of-complete-support-against-the-icc-63935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiibWyOfOKepB3FShPzK6Mu58iR0LNvT1KadB2dUVBRMWK8iyduL4T-KN06FL0EN31-mFFHCeNUATXbnVZE_G2TrYf4dSq6sVcYXx5f-aDIP6TlI7wvbivhLQu-q55r_8aJ3otc7WlZO1s/s1600/wpid-nelson-mccausland-assures-ireland-of-complete-support-against-the-icc-63935.jpg" height="200" width="140" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ulster Scot?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<br />
With regards to Ulster-Scots, I consider it equally (if not more so) politicised.<br />
<br />
Indeed, some politicans give the impression that it's a unionist only club.<br />
<br />
This may be unfair perhaps, but perceptions matter in Northern Ireland.<br />
<br />
And the Ulster Scots agency don't seem to care much for the Gaelic aspect of Scottish culture (language or games; too similar to 'themuns' perhaps?)<br />
<br />
(I have emailed them to ask them. Still waiting for a reply....)<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSrkGPrhDnY61Ll5JIfaC68_zYHzWLbq_yXYPzOeZZwzDZfdrAmRXXe_Y_lPvA_0K6F84IUeUzQhs_R6hIH4UubuCsvu_cLM4CazrxUpOkM_FoDCs94UimWCBBFu3Eakfksh5ZqehXo8k/s1600/Nelson+McCausland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSrkGPrhDnY61Ll5JIfaC68_zYHzWLbq_yXYPzOeZZwzDZfdrAmRXXe_Y_lPvA_0K6F84IUeUzQhs_R6hIH4UubuCsvu_cLM4CazrxUpOkM_FoDCs94UimWCBBFu3Eakfksh5ZqehXo8k/s1600/Nelson+McCausland.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ulster Prod.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Removing the undesirable elements of Gaelic culture from a cultural preservation movement must take an impressive amount of effort?<br />
<br />
The word 'Scot' actually means 'Gael' (it comes from the Latin term for Gaelic raiders).<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Yet Gaelic elements of Scottish culture are surgically removed from the potential range of delights that could be offered (apart from Highland dancing, though presumably it's sufficiently removed from the modern forms of Irish dancing, itself given a nationalistic makeover a century ago by a group similarly given to cultural control, the Gaelic League).<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Not only that, but the Ulster Scots Agency is not above working with groups with a less than squeaky clean image in the furtherance of such an engineered culture. Observe:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
http://www.ulsterscotsagency.com/</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82ueXQfcPHCRbPRLZwFfmEr59J3Zes7VGFiX0qN3E8H8hxl1ArQBFE5fjY7M4gRi-_r0wO6AFOjPvWbp56jiNhUp3hHOY3UPEaxC0xDdMmEkJ19qdJk7lIo3OTA9bQEcsj1TyXro5fkY/s1600/Ulster+Scots+Dunaghy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82ueXQfcPHCRbPRLZwFfmEr59J3Zes7VGFiX0qN3E8H8hxl1ArQBFE5fjY7M4gRi-_r0wO6AFOjPvWbp56jiNhUp3hHOY3UPEaxC0xDdMmEkJ19qdJk7lIo3OTA9bQEcsj1TyXro5fkY/s1600/Ulster+Scots+Dunaghy.png" height="339" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Piping & Fiddling (23/07/14, 7pm, High Street, Ballymoney if you're interested)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
From the outset, not so bad.<br />
<br />
A flute band hosting a fiddler and a piper (albiet a band that seemingly wants independence for Northern Ireland?)<br />
<br />
In fact, I think it's pretty cool actually.<br />
<br />
Flute bands are quite important to many young Protestants in NI.<br />
<br />
If they give something the 'thumbs up' then it can have a sycophantic ripple effect, a validation that something is 'cool'.<br />
<br />
So good, piping and fiddling may have just got the thumbs up.<br />
<br />
However:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVN_7k-Dmn5okOwWa_IezUxcb3uk5NcroD4XH7ZwBhfDbukaPc04_AglkY7Xsj4GN8kn1BEH5DGiSNi04Uet7xda8-YxQfuSmHTN5MjYdVRu-d1TQYUtqJqzdFFGJjSIfNeUSkUySNqow/s1600/Dunaghy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVN_7k-Dmn5okOwWa_IezUxcb3uk5NcroD4XH7ZwBhfDbukaPc04_AglkY7Xsj4GN8kn1BEH5DGiSNi04Uet7xda8-YxQfuSmHTN5MjYdVRu-d1TQYUtqJqzdFFGJjSIfNeUSkUySNqow/s1600/Dunaghy.png" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dunaghy FB fb</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
William Campbell, the focal point of their fb page was a member of the UDA.<br />
<br />
Now, as much as Dunaghy might be helping out on the cool factor of fiddles and pipes it is nonetheless difficult to see why they should escape criticism for their hero worship of a paramilitary member.<br />
<br />
The Dungiven GAA club named after INLA man Kevin Lynch comes in for (deservedly so, in my opinion) criticism for their use of his name.<br />
<br />
The same logic applies to Dunaghy FB.<br />
<br />
By extension this reflects badly on the Ulster Scots Agency and by further extension damages the image of the Ulster Scots culture.<br />
<br />
Is it really that 'inclusive'?<br />
<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Hamely Tongue</span></b></div>
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The nationalist areas of rural Antrim would have a mighty claim to the use of Ulster Scots as a language.<br />
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Many would also have a strong claim to Scottish ancestry, for example, the following Scottish derived names are common throughout the nationalist communities of rural Antrim:<br />
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McDonnell, McCabe, McCauley, McSheely, McSween, McClain, McCrory and McDowell to name a few.<br />
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Yet ('official') Ulster Scots culture has little influence in these areas.<br />
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True, I'm sure they're happy enough concentrating solely on Irish culture.<br />
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Fair enough.<br />
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That's no reason to make the idea unpalatable to people of a nationalist background though, is it?<br />
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I personally think a culture that could claim the aspects of Ulster Scots, Irish Gaelic AND Scottish Gaelic cultures would be a mighty culture indeed.<br />
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Why have just either Irish or Scottish dancing when you could have both (and a hybrid to boot?).<br />
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Why stick to just Scots, Sligo or Slieve Luchra versions of fiddling when we could blend them? (Though I'm sure many do).<br />
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Surely GAA clubs could benefit from the addition of Camanachd/Shinty?<br />
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Is there not room for Scottish Gaelic and Antrim Gaelic?<br />
They overlap quite a bit (identically in some cases e.g. Arran Gaelic) and it could help to take the political sting out of Gaelic.<br />
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But like most things in NI, it's a case of 'this is for themuns and this is for oursuns...'<br />
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At the moment it appears to be like some sort of cultural carve up, with cultural aspects swapped like Trump cards.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>THE 'WHA'S LIKE US?!' TABLE OF CULTURAL COMPARISON </b></div>
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<b> Themuns Ulster Scots Proper Scots</b><br />
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<ul>
<li><b>Gaelic Languages Yes Nae* Yes</b></li>
<li><br /></li>
<li><b>Bodhrans Yes Rarely* Yes</b></li>
<li><b><br /></b></li>
<li><b>Fiddles Yes Yes** Yes</b></li>
<li><b><br /></b></li>
<li><b>Gaelic Sports Yes Nae* Yes (Shinty)</b></li>
<li><b><br /></b></li>
<li><b>Bagpipes No (Only in America) Yes Yes</b></li>
<li><b><br /></b></li>
<li><b>Uilleann Pipes Yes Nae* Yes</b></li>
<li><b><br /></b></li>
<li><b>Lambeg Drums No* Yes No</b></li>
<li><b><br /></b></li>
<li><b>Gaelic Legends Yes *No *** Yes</b></li>
<li><b><br /></b></li>
<li><b>Scots language No**** Yes Yes</b></li>
</ul>
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<b><br /></b>
<b>* They did, once upon a time</b><br />
<b>** They do, but only if it's deemed different enough from themuns (or maybe vice versa?)</b><br />
<b>*** Apart from the Red Hand of Ulster and Cuchulainn</b><br />
<b>**** They do in rural Antrim, they just don't bang on about it</b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wha's Like Us: Well, according to the table, 'themuns' are....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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So, on one hand, we have the Scots who are a mix of Picts, Britons, Gaels, Angles, Norse, and Anglo-Normans.<br />
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On the above table, they match up seven times out of a possible nine with Irish culture (eight if you include reluctant Hamely Tongue speakers).<br />
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Modern Irish society (ignoring the recent immigration for the sake of argument) owes its history to Gaels, Norse, Scots and Anglo Normans.<br />
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Then we compare them to the the 'hybrid' group who are logically descended from ALL of the above groups and have shared the cultural wealth of both groups.<br />
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Out of a possible nine they overlap with 'themuns' ONCE. (Again, nationalist Hamely Tongue speakers notwithstanding)<br />
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That number would increase to EIGHT times had this (hastily improvised and possibly biased) table been about a century ago.<br />
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That is to say, before the cultural carve-up<br />
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It compares to the Scottish column a little bit more favourably, a whopping three out of nine but again, wind back the clocks a century and it would be nine out of nine.<br />
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So it seems that Ulster-Scots culture serves as a curious wall between two very similar cultures.<br />
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How very Northern Irish.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Guiding a Culture</span></b></div>
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Before anyone thinks I'm on some sort of social engineering rampage, let us just remember that Irish, Ulster-Scots and Scottish cultures have went through various face lifts before:<br />
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Irish - After partition folk music and dancing both received a good lesson on how to be 'more Irish' thanks to the Gaelic League and the nationalism of the Free State<br />
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Scottish - The modern kilt owes its current look to a number of people, including Sir Walter Scott, an English sawmill owner and two Polish lads who wanted to cash in on a Royal visit to Edinburgh.<br />
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Ulster Scots - Once upon a time it was just a dialect that people in north east Ireland spoke. Now it appears to be a tribe of its own that is quite particular about membership.<br />
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Don't get me wrong, some aspects of this Ulster Scots revival are fantastic.<br />
It's brought folk music back to some Protestant communities and helped to redress the post-partition imbalance regarding the perception of folk music as something for 'themuns'.<br />
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My fear is though that it will galvanise itself as a Gaelic-free tribe.<br />
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Shinty, Scottish & Antrim Gaelic, dancing, Gallowglass heritage and much more besides, they're all up for grabs and 'Ulster's' culture could stand to benefit greatly.<br />
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And I do mean ULSTER; Donegal, Cavan and Monaghan should be invited to join the party too.<br />
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Why not just have it all?<br />
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(Joking about Jedward, just wanted to see if you were still paying attention)<br />
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<br />Am Ghobsmachthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15333693607785579136noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4200060786761508433.post-14011426024900042972014-03-27T07:02:00.001-07:002014-03-27T07:02:03.903-07:00Ireland, the land of contrasts....<br />
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A lot of my mouthin' sessions are based on perception as in why something, regardless of how trivial or seemingly inoffensive it may appear can actually carry great weight in the currency of 'getting it up themuns'.<br />
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What happens if you remove the 'know' from this perception and stumble across some of Ireland's historical 'tiffs' with sheer naked ignorance?<br />
Well, to the blissfully happy tourist Ireland appears as crazy as they have been led to believe.<br />
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A few examples spring to mind:<br />
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<strong>The (Anglo & Cambro & Hiberno) Normans</strong><br />
A bunch of Scandinavian derived chaps with the goal of carving out estates, wealth and power with the aid of their fighting skills. Known to have 'went native' very quickly and soon became troublesome to their own political masters.<br />
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<strong>Verdict in the eyes of the Irish:</strong><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-GpxkIDWM_T8xEZZZmfJJq-cKspf3ECI8HFvYf4-S-Q6rJRjJ9qOgyyBQ8CGXRy9as06DEcJOU9S8pJjjvRYUDTJPKRsmXlSBZKvQWgEtjitkraADavsx-HpXh-XIvC8kJVLdO0vVnjE/s1600/Bastard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-GpxkIDWM_T8xEZZZmfJJq-cKspf3ECI8HFvYf4-S-Q6rJRjJ9qOgyyBQ8CGXRy9as06DEcJOU9S8pJjjvRYUDTJPKRsmXlSBZKvQWgEtjitkraADavsx-HpXh-XIvC8kJVLdO0vVnjE/s1600/Bastard.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Normans: Bastards</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Foreign invaders responsible for centuries of woe and oppression (even though the were only in Ireland for 40 years before they rebelled against 'Britain'. The Anglo/Hiberno-Norman habit of rebelling popped up time and time again; they were instrumental in the wars against Henry VIII and his heiress Elizabeth I)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
VS<br />
<br />
<strong>The Vikings</strong><br />
<br />
A bunch of Scandinavian chaps with a goal of carving out estates, wealth and power (not to mention a fair whack of rape, pillage and slave-taking) with the aid of their fighting skills.<br />
Known to have went native very quickly.<br />
Established slave ports in Ireland that were some of Europe's largest.<br />
Their power was crushed by the aforementioned Normans.<br />
Or if you believe the common version they were defeated by Brian Boru.<br />
Incidentally, half of the 'Viking' army that he fought against were Irishmen...<br />
<br />
<strong>Verdict in the eyes of the Irish?</strong><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyu7Z0_ghLfM4K2fAEmjCKvdshDiIE2XhkaIFDxKpjfKEL6PQb1TTB1eqqCorgADSFK8tIDP2c0QKHHrXv1oiLSNX4zINsIxcTbbyrdEg9ROUcKovxhyphenhyphenGbhDckZDyDRnJcZbCc3FKALj0/s1600/viking-fun-facts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyu7Z0_ghLfM4K2fAEmjCKvdshDiIE2XhkaIFDxKpjfKEL6PQb1TTB1eqqCorgADSFK8tIDP2c0QKHHrXv1oiLSNX4zINsIxcTbbyrdEg9ROUcKovxhyphenhyphenGbhDckZDyDRnJcZbCc3FKALj0/s1600/viking-fun-facts.jpg" height="260" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Vikings: A great bunch of lads</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Celebrated every year in Dublin by dressing up in helmets with horns on them as well as building a big Viking longship<br />
<br />
To the outsider both influenced Ireland greatly, sometimes for the worse (war, rape and pillage for the vikings and war with the Normans) and sometimes for the better: Art, overseas trade and in the case of the Normans, well, if you're a devout Catholic you can't deny they 'Romanised' Ireland a bit.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
To make the whole Norman/Gael thing all the more confusing check this out (it confuses the Dickens out of me so if you've noticed any mistakes please let me know):<br />
<br />
<b>The Battle of Connor, Co Antrim</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
On one side we have the Bruces (or De Brus), the Scottish Royal family at the time.<br />
French speaking nobles with Gaelic heritage who ruled over Gaels and Anglos alike.<br />
They were teamed up with their Irish allies (also French speaking nobles and Gaels).<br />
<br />
<b>vs</b><br />
<br />
'The English', lead by Richard Og De Burgh, an Irish-Norman noble who ruled over north coast Gaels and Anglos.<br />
He was also the father in law of Robert the Bruce.<br />
Because he was a Norman.<br />
They were all part of the same big league.<br />
Being a French speaking noble mattered more than being a Scot, an Irishman or an Englishman.<br />
There were greater forces at play back then.<br />
<br />
So one group of Gaelic-Normans leads a group of Gaels to do battle with another group of Gaelic-Normans and their Gaels and what is our summary of said battle?<br />
<br />
That the 'Scottish' beat the 'English' in a battle in Ireland.<br />
<br />
Fast forward a few months and 'the English' defeat 'the Scottish' near Newry.<br />
<br />
Perfect summary if you're Mel Gibson, not if you're committed to destroying corruptible mythology<br />
<br />
Nothing is ever that simple.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieNOj0VUw5nIGK_ARHxZ3sGta___qXw0N9rLsPZyiS87oBTF_yII_dN7bWA1JSY-VrlQ8GfgC02mTmiDkDJV7bhQm8Tvk8C3NB_z3TczeF_eLe9Ua7Tk3KmP_vvl__5T7ApjzycUu9cFI/s1600/death+match.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieNOj0VUw5nIGK_ARHxZ3sGta___qXw0N9rLsPZyiS87oBTF_yII_dN7bWA1JSY-VrlQ8GfgC02mTmiDkDJV7bhQm8Tvk8C3NB_z3TczeF_eLe9Ua7Tk3KmP_vvl__5T7ApjzycUu9cFI/s1600/death+match.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Scottish on the left, English on the right, no, hang on, I mean...."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<strong>Flegs:</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Ulster Flag/Banner</strong><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_iNE-vpxoknM_DxhQft1yqvY7flvLRSP8S2dCksoOZz_kA2wgLD9gUI4Gq5chsWQoTVrdeTjPRkh8kR665OvFVCvofomQuSU9Ln238LZHtjxHByUp3XfU49M-oSf0hkNfbmJTObN-1M8/s1600/600px-Ulster_banner.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_iNE-vpxoknM_DxhQft1yqvY7flvLRSP8S2dCksoOZz_kA2wgLD9gUI4Gq5chsWQoTVrdeTjPRkh8kR665OvFVCvofomQuSU9Ln238LZHtjxHByUp3XfU49M-oSf0hkNfbmJTObN-1M8/s1600/600px-Ulster_banner.svg.png" height="160" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A fleg</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
A mixture of Irish and Norman influences (bar the star and the crown).<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The St George's Cross is said to be of Norman-Crusader origin, one version has it that a Crusader found a white shield with a bloody cross upon it and adopted it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Ulster Provincial Flag:</strong><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUnJrmPrQey6Zg-U2AFBoGGiscM3Csu4DakoJ8OF9sUeWHVBL37IKpSrkSCexka9RQIJbcScud2GeHCp-DgOvSFIGVjZoPEjfYfmRU7mQswDxNY2GB6vA6O5ToyDElS_WGjuEXJcFNs1w/s1600/Ulster+Provincial+Shield.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUnJrmPrQey6Zg-U2AFBoGGiscM3Csu4DakoJ8OF9sUeWHVBL37IKpSrkSCexka9RQIJbcScud2GeHCp-DgOvSFIGVjZoPEjfYfmRU7mQswDxNY2GB6vA6O5ToyDElS_WGjuEXJcFNs1w/s1600/Ulster+Provincial+Shield.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Themuns' fleg</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
A mixture of Irish and Norman influences (it comes from the De Burgh family crest, they settled in the north and bequeathed Ireland with the surname Burke)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The De Burgh Cross is said to be of Norman-Crusader origin, one version has it that a crusader found a golden shield with a bloody cross upon it and adopted it...<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Irish reaction to either flag:</strong><br />
<br />
Both sides resent the other flag on account of it being used by 'themuns'. Ho hum...<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Gaelic culture</strong><br />
<br />
A bizarre state of affairs:<br />
The extreme end of one side over-eggs the pudding in its pursuit of de-anglicisation refuting all 'British' influences (in an era of Anglo-American cultural dominance).<br />
Gaelic culture is seen as the year zero before foreign invaders arrived and eradicated it (despite the enthusiasm that many invaders showed with regards to 'going Gaelic' e.g. the Vikings and the Normans. Even many Ascendancy types got involved).<br />
<br />
The extreme of the other side deniy their Gaelic heritage despite sharing a common (or similar) ancestry with 'themuns'.<br />
<br />
For a quick example, let's play a game called <strong>'unionist or IRA man':</strong><br />
<strong><br /></strong>
Donaldson vs Donaldson, McGuinness vs Magennis, Adams vs Adams, Kelly vs Kelly, McIntyre vs McIntyre.... You get the picture...<br />
<br />
<br />
The unionist side goes to extreme lengths to smother all Gaelic symptoms.<br />
Despite the enthusiasm for some of their number to embrace their Ulster-Scots heritage (more Scots than Ulster it would appear) one can't help but chortle at the notion of the word 'Scot' being a Latin word for Gael e.g. Brian Boru was proclaimed 'Emperor of the Irish' or in Latin 'Imperator SCOTtorum'.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFBtYpDPpSAawlTbLd8qPgj16iVzAKpowPKRkkKqt-MNJ-n6BgxqmihlaeQXnQCZ3ZIkrNRflxfCu2Tz3BtFRFEDYLdQpJmZmxW70_9i3bXe2Vvy8-LmbVI7vnx8nUvCzgQp798Q1Nxg4/s1600/boru.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFBtYpDPpSAawlTbLd8qPgj16iVzAKpowPKRkkKqt-MNJ-n6BgxqmihlaeQXnQCZ3ZIkrNRflxfCu2Tz3BtFRFEDYLdQpJmZmxW70_9i3bXe2Vvy8-LmbVI7vnx8nUvCzgQp798Q1Nxg4/s1600/boru.jpg" height="320" width="227" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brian Boru:<br />
King of the Scots. I mean Irish.<br />
I mean Scots. Hang on....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
But of course, the northern Protestants can't be Gaels, not even our confused Frenchman could deny this with the evidence at hand...<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Some Ulster-Scots herald back to an age when parts of Scotland and Ulster were united as one in the Kingdom of Dalriada.<br />
The horrible inconvenience of this being Gaelic was the language of both parts.<br />
Something that the over zealous Ulster-Scots glaze over.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKTD0RGE1Ii_ZI6MaK-I3-7JxNyFxFI1GYCr2WzWHy4EImeGaj9jP1-qWQViGxnKUAOHjU1f9q9kHf-SntOsZrqu4cH1bfe2FLUyi2TAovczOdTB1W5r073nozC3WIT4wxT2NgaqyAgl8/s1600/horrified.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKTD0RGE1Ii_ZI6MaK-I3-7JxNyFxFI1GYCr2WzWHy4EImeGaj9jP1-qWQViGxnKUAOHjU1f9q9kHf-SntOsZrqu4cH1bfe2FLUyi2TAovczOdTB1W5r073nozC3WIT4wxT2NgaqyAgl8/s1600/horrified.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WHAT?!!!<br />
Ulster-Scots are Gaelic too?!!!!<br />
NOOOOOO!!!!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Likewise, the eradication of the native language (a form of high Welsh or 'British' if you will) of northern Alba (Britain) at the hands of the Dalriadan Scots/Irish is never mentioned by Irish nationalists, apparently invading and eradicating native culture is a one way street with the Irish always on the receiving end.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizWFCM-zFmfuFdDK5FIEEiuuDb_Hx_b8SOesoG4PlER68WZfh06lXK5yqv9fRdsXcDr_QbxNyGva8bAlUOEskDkVW7g2pXbAOjGyM7gRcFtFdIOKqIJ9qYUaHgtfmR-myt7f4pIRBJXAo/s1600/pictish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizWFCM-zFmfuFdDK5FIEEiuuDb_Hx_b8SOesoG4PlER68WZfh06lXK5yqv9fRdsXcDr_QbxNyGva8bAlUOEskDkVW7g2pXbAOjGyM7gRcFtFdIOKqIJ9qYUaHgtfmR-myt7f4pIRBJXAo/s1600/pictish.jpg" height="320" width="232" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picts/Northern British Celts:<br />
Invaded, language wiped out but NOT oppressed?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
But of course, unlike our unsuspecting Frenchman, we do have perspective in that we know why we hate the things that in reality are part of us.<br />
<br />
Some dickhead from 'the other side' has ruined it for us.<br />
<br />
From flags, to language, to songs, to symbols, all have been misappropriated to the point that there is seemingly little middle-ground between people who are standing cheek-by-jowl.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately not 'shoulder-to-shoulder', what a day that would be.Am Ghobsmachthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15333693607785579136noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4200060786761508433.post-13184959770023233102013-12-26T04:03:00.000-08:002013-12-27T02:59:31.931-08:00Foreigners, Lundys and the Irish Language<br />
<br />
<div class="stream-item-header" style="background-color: #f6f6f6; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">
<a class="account-group js-account-group js-action-profile js-user-profile-link js-nav" data-user-id="240214426" href="https://twitter.com/JamieBrysonCPNI" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;"><strong class="fullname js-action-profile-name show-popup-with-id" style="color: #333333;">Jamie Bryson</strong><span style="color: #999999;"> </span><span class="username js-action-profile-name" style="direction: ltr; font-size: 12px; unicode-bidi: embed;"><span style="color: #bbbbbb;">@</span>JamieBrysonCPNI</span></a><br />
<small class="time" style="color: #bbbbbb; float: right; font-size: 12px; margin-top: 1px; position: relative;"><a class="tweet-timestamp js-permalink js-nav js-tooltip" href="https://twitter.com/JamieBrysonCPNI/status/415215552094011394" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;" title="12:21 PM - 23 Dec 13">23 Dec</a></small></div>
<div class="js-tweet-text tweet-text" style="-ms-word-wrap: break-word; background-color: #f6f6f6; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
Now we hear that draft 4 includes promotion of Irish (foreign language) Will it also promote polish, Chinese etc?</div>
<br />
<br />
Once again Jamie Bryson has single-handedly made me reach for my wee laptop and vent my digital spleen.<br />
<br />
Although, it won't be a lecture, rather I'm just going to present a few nuggets of history that highlight the Protestant history with Gaelic (I say Gaelic over Irish as the topic leaps from Ireland to Scotland so Gaelic is an umbrella term in this instance).<br />
<br />
NOTE: A lot of the leg work here is borrowed from a few friends of mine who are putting together a book that will have them all hung from Samson and Goliath for their defiance of 'the norm';<br />
Their book will highlight the lesser-popular facts of Northern Irish history at the expense of unionists, republicans, nationalists, Royalists, the army, the Catholic church, the Orange Order, the Vatican, the Apprentice Boys and everyone else.<br />
Watch this space folks...<br />
<br />
Anybody who wants the full monty of the Irish-Protestant Gaelic relationship could do worse than to read these two eye-opening gems:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ultach.dsl.pipex.com/ForLearners/A%20history%20of%20Protestant%20Irish%20speakers.pdf">http://www.ultach.dsl.pipex.com/ForLearners/A%20history%20of%20Protestant%20Irish%20speakers.pdf</a><br />
<br />
Or this:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Towards-Inclusion-Protestants-Irish-Language/dp/0856408441">http://www.amazon.co.uk/Towards-Inclusion-Protestants-Irish-Language/dp/0856408441</a><br />
<br />
(though, help a local business out and order it from No Alibis in Belfast, <a href="http://www.noalibis.com/">http://www.noalibis.com/</a> )<br />
<br />
<br />
Anyway, it's not a lecture, just a presentation of historical snippets. Make up your own mind.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
First of all though, why would Jamie regard it as a 'foreign language'?<br />
<br />
Well it's not the first time I've heard this dismissal from unionists; local purveyor of fire & brimstone and gospel music star, Rev William McCrea fobbed the language off in similar terms in a Magherafelt council meeting.<br />
<br />
(NOTE: McCrea - <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><span style="color: red;">derives from an ancient Gaelic male given name "MacRaith", son of grace, prosperity, or favour, from the Celtic "rat", luck, fortune. This name, inscribed as "Maqi Rati" on an ogham stone found at Keenrath, in the Irish county of Cork, may have been introduced into Scotland as early as the 5th Century A.D., when the Gaelic language was brought from Ireland</span>.</span>)<br />
<br />
Also, his DUP colleague Edwin Poots told Sluggerotoole's David McCann that his greatest achievement was 'burying the Irish language act' as he believes that there is precious little need for it outside of republican circles.<br />
<br />
So, how do men, some of Gaelic descent, come to regard an ancient language of this land as 'foreign'?<br />
<br />
Well, invariably it comes from hostility to the language.<br />
<br />
A hostility that I used to share.<br />
<br />
And many others I might add.<br />
<br />
This might sound strange coming from someone who would dearly love to see a Gaelic revival across Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man, but, it's true.<br />
<br />
I only saw Gaelic in a different light when I lived amongst Gaels in Scotland (most Gaels in Scotland are Free Presbyterian. Go figure).<br />
<br />
Before that, the only time I ever saw anything in Irish/Gaelic was if I came across a Sinn Fein leaflet, IRA propaganda or something republican.<br />
<br />
In short, SF & the IRA's use of Irish made it repellent to me.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhARKAj7Rwi_vy87I_jvI0Ijbr4xtHQgXXijUpfByyjqrK0R5Y97nCBbKG5a32s8YdMT8g-JSYdtPRwDVmvohzh57q-x8Z6ebSXXF-6Bgp0RoDSuf6HtoomjtfAIaucrPw_i4Vbg6ReSbk/s1600/lg_bairbre_acht_march_medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhARKAj7Rwi_vy87I_jvI0Ijbr4xtHQgXXijUpfByyjqrK0R5Y97nCBbKG5a32s8YdMT8g-JSYdtPRwDVmvohzh57q-x8Z6ebSXXF-6Bgp0RoDSuf6HtoomjtfAIaucrPw_i4Vbg6ReSbk/s400/lg_bairbre_acht_march_medium.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Politicising the Irish language? Not us..."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
I'd never heard of Protestant Irish speakers.<br />
<br />
I assumed that they'd never existed.<br />
<br />
In that respect, I suppose it was kind of 'foreign' as in it had NOTHING to do with me and my 'folk'.<br />
<br />
Scotland changed all that.<br />
<br />
And before you reach for the old dead end arguments of "well, republicans use shoes, so are you against them too?" please consider the following before you make an eejit of yourself and voice such an argument;<br />
<br />
Until (relatively) recently, both Rangers and Celtic had the same sponsors.<br />
<br />
For decades before hand they did not.<br />
<br />
Why the change?<br />
<br />
Because those clever mind doctors and marketers realised that negative association was very powerful, more people were put off the services of CR Smith and McEwans lager than were attracted to them.<br />
<br />
In effect, they discovered the part of the brain that brands something as 'themuns'.<br />
<br />
So, now a sponsor must sponsor both teams rather than risk a boycott from the team's rivals. (Though Celtic went solo again, if it was a good move for Magners remains to be seen)<br />
<br />
Anyhoo, it demonstrates the power of negative association and the republican 'hijacking' of Gaelic really should not be discounted.<br />
At all.<br />
In fact a song and dance should be made about it.<br />
<br />
Anyway, since I've managed to remove the republican contamination from my impression of the Gaelic languages and started to (slovenly) study Scottish Gaelic I've stumbled across some eyebrow-raisers.<br />
<br />
Without further ado, some things to ponder:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ7Qn4vS7KhKNdRRG1LyLe6hgXMWpxu25JLf2tOsm4x_tAZGnVddhp_I181nd7XsWb7fCsYYmub4QhRURyxkCz4fwWC0dmTExlmqkV3GXLGNVIy5sI-Fe8yXCeudJ6H5L3FRKzYBx4Oyg/s1600/mySuperLamePic_48a0a39224d3db4ccf2dd112608417a2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ7Qn4vS7KhKNdRRG1LyLe6hgXMWpxu25JLf2tOsm4x_tAZGnVddhp_I181nd7XsWb7fCsYYmub4QhRURyxkCz4fwWC0dmTExlmqkV3GXLGNVIy5sI-Fe8yXCeudJ6H5L3FRKzYBx4Oyg/s320/mySuperLamePic_48a0a39224d3db4ccf2dd112608417a2.jpg" width="217" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Edward Carson: Spoke 'Provo speak'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
* Edward Carson, co-founder of the UVF, father of Northern Ireland and uber-Brit was a speaker of Irish<br />
<br />
* It is said that every outfit in the Ulster 36th had at least one Gaelic speaker<br />
<br />
* There is a tale of soldiers of the Ulster 36th marching past men from a Munster regiment and besting the Munster men in 'slagging session' in Gaelic.<br />
<br />
* The 1911 census showed that nearly a fifth of the Shankill's Protestant population spoke Gaelic (as many as the Falls area)<br />
<a href="http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/northern-ireland/census-1911-belfasts-shankill-had-as-many-irish-speakers-as-falls-28733198.html">http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/northern-ireland/census-1911-belfasts-shankill-had-as-many-irish-speakers-as-falls-28733198.html</a><br />
<br />
* Some academics estimate that at least half of the original planter Presbyterian population were Gaelic speakers<br />
<br />
* In some areas English planters learnt Gaelic to avoid being disadvantaged in markets<br />
<br />
* In the 19th century Belfast was the academic capital of Irish learning<br />
<br />
* In 1828 the Ulster Gaelic Society was established by Lord Downshire (powerful Protestant landlord and member of the ruling class)<br />
<br />
* Contrary to popular belief, the gentry and landlord class were not fervently opposed to the language. On the contrary, when it finally dawned on them that their English counterparts saw them as 'Irish' many of them embraced this heritage and commissioned Irish books, murals and mosaics<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUYqdYZr5sLX_ig0NB7mb8GwfgWaK6MQKQZQIZHhu8XuaUIW5-IKI3_CBKN2eN05_J8Obu8o-8FXVfpB0eDtzhZA3_U5vRr0-T5IdEH2AxfFeJ4VX8n6_5dMGUiTN4794WRQOawTDR7TE/s1600/redHandMosaic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUYqdYZr5sLX_ig0NB7mb8GwfgWaK6MQKQZQIZHhu8XuaUIW5-IKI3_CBKN2eN05_J8Obu8o-8FXVfpB0eDtzhZA3_U5vRr0-T5IdEH2AxfFeJ4VX8n6_5dMGUiTN4794WRQOawTDR7TE/s320/redHandMosaic.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mosaic in a former (Protestant) stately home in Ballymena</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
* An oft understated stance is that of the Catholic church. The contribution of the Catholic church to the decline of Irish is one of the most bafflingly under reported stories of Irish history. Really, go check it out for yourself<br />
<br />
* Fitzroy Presbyterian church in Belfast counts a number of Irish speakers among its congregation and has weekly services in Irish<br />
<a href="http://www.fitzroy.org.uk/Groups/80951/Fitzroy_Presbyterian_Church/Get_Connected/Irish_Speakers/Irish_Speakers.aspx">http://www.fitzroy.org.uk/Groups/80951/Fitzroy_Presbyterian_Church/Get_Connected/Irish_Speakers/Irish_Speakers.aspx</a><br />
<br />
* The motto of the 1892 Unionist Conference was ‘Erin Go Bragh’ – ‘Ireland forever’<br />
<br />
* Irish regiments in the British army have used the motto "Faugh A Ballagh" - Clear the way<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLcdubActEUJEOCawqKOLeydmm9A05c6U6_-vW3vWUgASu9zG8ajDR5xJWaBApyi9MnKBIqt7ckzNKqWdPA3toR0IM4wdvcocDNY4VHOlS40yoMiwEwxBtM1u7LimRtB4Wnm7wU0e0klQ/s1600/faugh+a+ballagh.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLcdubActEUJEOCawqKOLeydmm9A05c6U6_-vW3vWUgASu9zG8ajDR5xJWaBApyi9MnKBIqt7ckzNKqWdPA3toR0IM4wdvcocDNY4VHOlS40yoMiwEwxBtM1u7LimRtB4Wnm7wU0e0klQ/s1600/faugh+a+ballagh.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
* The Irish culture centre in the Falls area is named after a Protestant Gaelic speaker - Robert Shipboy McAdam<br />
<br />
<a href="http://alaninbelfast.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/culturlann-commemorates-history-of-its.html">http://alaninbelfast.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/culturlann-commemorates-history-of-its.html</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.culturlann.ie/culturlann.php?lang=en">http://www.culturlann.ie/culturlann.php?lang=en</a><br />
<br />
* The last Prime Minister of Northern Ireland, Brian Faulkner (he who introduced internment) spoke Irish<br />
<br />
* The almost extinct Antrim Gaelic is (according to Robert Shipboy McAdam) identical to some Scottish Gaelic dialects<br />
<br />
* Former UVF leader, Gusty Spence, studied Gaelic in prison<br />
<br />
* The motto of the terrorist group 'Red Hand Commando' has a Gaelic motto - "<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold; line-height: 16px;">Lámh</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 16px;"> Dhearg Abú" - '</span>Red Hand to Victory'<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdMfxo7-Bx83twswcbcX5J8kneieQZNqAM3IPObHyIC-q1gXdjPzur05QdNE01T1oT4Uul3jHUVDTXKXnhQRFPXlIzubfSgzontPFGxEry9wdxMlEglPwPeMyzh0-F_d7oj_E_OYDUpoc/s1600/cd169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdMfxo7-Bx83twswcbcX5J8kneieQZNqAM3IPObHyIC-q1gXdjPzur05QdNE01T1oT4Uul3jHUVDTXKXnhQRFPXlIzubfSgzontPFGxEry9wdxMlEglPwPeMyzh0-F_d7oj_E_OYDUpoc/s200/cd169.jpg" width="196" /></a></div>
<br />
* A lodge in the Orange Order had an attractive banner written in Gaelic<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEWv6SW7Myk6o3gR2QO9qR2YYMRhu_U5T2SBEfWT55MFqCdJTCljIuhQ2_WEXNd-LnV09wGglcYyPiLm6Iz_3qJ2VwDccu_KLuhchwOqh06ihV76JeWDMe9oUws8bv_5XhSjw6dWlHh3w/s1600/LOL+1303+-+Back.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEWv6SW7Myk6o3gR2QO9qR2YYMRhu_U5T2SBEfWT55MFqCdJTCljIuhQ2_WEXNd-LnV09wGglcYyPiLm6Iz_3qJ2VwDccu_KLuhchwOqh06ihV76JeWDMe9oUws8bv_5XhSjw6dWlHh3w/s320/LOL+1303+-+Back.JPG" width="291" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWiHVwjSKfAj1XXb9FrvUTEc9RPL8Ljyxl1JycfITq6vKlvnQVLjrX9uRe3a5DnRGxWCkXVBfA934bgnKvkHHoMqzzUQbV9ii22bxeJEMCSQuY81Fo3endIJ0oz-EUELn9xRxvWt3Ju6k/s1600/LOL+1303+-+Front.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWiHVwjSKfAj1XXb9FrvUTEc9RPL8Ljyxl1JycfITq6vKlvnQVLjrX9uRe3a5DnRGxWCkXVBfA934bgnKvkHHoMqzzUQbV9ii22bxeJEMCSQuY81Fo3endIJ0oz-EUELn9xRxvWt3Ju6k/s320/LOL+1303+-+Front.JPG" width="290" /></a></div>
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<br />
* It is thought that some (if not ALL) of the original 13 Apprentice Boys of Derry's famous siege spoke Gaelic. (Given the make up of the population back then it is highly unlikely that none of them had any understanding of Gaelic)<br />
<br />
<br />
* The Gaelic League (ironically partly responsible for severing the Protestant involvement in Gaelic) in its early days attracted the head of the Independent Orange Order and a grand master of a Belfast Orange lodge.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMZG__bQFQ3PUytNwAPeLBPbbJ31Q1eHSOfvzQ0zM5tZxzvN9tCEvSY-Mb3W3pOjgSQZhznjU6FtvWlNwGR5eXwMNgQBcYmdm6BOsaz-C7l95Kpci_4j2JgU39NXJqzG-s_-cTQxok6OY/s1600/Gaelic+Orangemen.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="451" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMZG__bQFQ3PUytNwAPeLBPbbJ31Q1eHSOfvzQ0zM5tZxzvN9tCEvSY-Mb3W3pOjgSQZhznjU6FtvWlNwGR5eXwMNgQBcYmdm6BOsaz-C7l95Kpci_4j2JgU39NXJqzG-s_-cTQxok6OY/s640/Gaelic+Orangemen.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So there you have it, a mere drop in the ocean of the Irish Protestant relationship with Gaelic.<br />
<br />
It is unfortunate that it is now a political football and that unionists are so terrified of the language eating them up.<br />
<br />
I would argue that they would have some control of it's direction and growth (e.g. increase the Scottish element of the Northern dialects?) if they got involved rather than backing off into the corner trying to hide from its inevitable growth.<br />
<br />
I don't see how NOT getting involved achieves anything:<br />
<br />
"We don't like the actions of the GAA!"<br />
<br />
"Cool, so you're going to join and have a say in its affairs then?"<br />
<br />
"No. We'll stand outside with a sign saying 'down with this sort of thing'...."<br />
<br />
"How's that working for you so far?<br />
<br />
Hardly the stuff of dynamic thinking. As usual.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrnxJoomXd1b8gsHZ-Bszgf0l6J9RyFu06PKGUW6t73gpbXV_EgCMLJT8IidRStuHZ6HbWhoLTH4u_RBN9uYTVsUQSeFIqzPBP7RGM9wb6FZ9Y8R7WA-fHHm3VEh4hsi_gBd0fbL-bqoE/s1600/careful+now.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrnxJoomXd1b8gsHZ-Bszgf0l6J9RyFu06PKGUW6t73gpbXV_EgCMLJT8IidRStuHZ6HbWhoLTH4u_RBN9uYTVsUQSeFIqzPBP7RGM9wb6FZ9Y8R7WA-fHHm3VEh4hsi_gBd0fbL-bqoE/s400/careful+now.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flegger Ted: Will bring the GAA to its knees...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Could some one, anyone please explain to me how Gaelic is a foreign language to Northern Ireland?<br />
<br />
Especially when we take into consideration the Gaelic names of some of the unionist representatives:<br />
<br />
McCrea, Allister, Cameron, Buchannan, Campbell, Craig, Dunlop, Dunne, Donnelly, Donaldson, Finlay, Givan, McCoubrey, McCartney, McCausland, McClure, McClurg, McCoy, McCrum, McCullough, McKeen, McCorkell, McIlroy, McIlveen, McKee, McKnight, McQuillan, McWilliams, Douglas, Herron, Kinahan, McGimpsey, Patterson (?) etc etc.<br />
<br />
I just went through a list of unionist councilors and MLA's and found so many that I got bored, I'd be here all night writing them down...<br />
<br />
Last and by no means least, there is another unionist voice potentially of Gaelic origin:<br />
<br />
<h1 style="font-family: Georgia, Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 2.2em; margin: 0px; padding: 0.6em 0px;">
Bryson</h1>
<div id="retweet" style="float: left; font-family: Georgia, Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12px; height: 60px; line-height: 16px; margin: 5px 10px 10px 0px; width: 62px;">
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><span style="color: red;">This interesting surname has two possible origins. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><span style="color: red;">The first is a patronymic from the male given name "Brice", i.e. "son of Brice".</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><span style="color: red;"> Brice is a pet form of the Welsh name "Rhys", meaning rashness; an ancient namebearer being King Rhyence of North Wales, whose hobby of collecting the beards of his rivals to trim his cloak proved his undoing when he attempted to complete his collection with King Arthur's.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><span style="color: red;"> The name may also be an Anglicized form of the Gaelic "O Briosain", an altered version of "O'Muirgheasain" (Morrissey), meaning "son of Muirgheasain".</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><span style="color: red;"> In Ireland it originated in Ulster, particularly in Counties Donegal and Derry. The 17th Century Hearth Money Rolls for the Northern counties list many people with the name Mrieson and similar variants, later these became known as Morrison, Bryson is the modern form, and is commonly found recorded in the counties mentioned above.</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;"><br /><br />Read more: <a href="http://www.surnamedb.com/Surname/Bryson#ixzz2oTjKFjBk" style="color: #003399;">http://www.surnamedb.com/Surname/Bryson#ixzz2oTjKFjBk</a></span><br />
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<br />Am Ghobsmachthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15333693607785579136noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4200060786761508433.post-48037760413727055602013-11-29T16:51:00.001-08:002013-12-14T07:18:23.744-08:00Three Flags; a Real Compromise?<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div class="vk_ans" style="margin-bottom: 0px;">
compromise</div>
<div>
<div class="lr_dct_ent_ph">
<span class="lr_dct_ph">ˈkɒmprəmʌɪz/</span><span class="lr_dct_spkr lr_dct_spkr_off" data-log-string="pronunciation-icon-click" jsaction="dob.p" style="display: inline-block;" title="Listen"><input height="16" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABAAAAAQCAYAAAAf8/9hAAAAcUlEQVQ4y2P4//8/AyUYQhAH3gNxA7IAIQPmo/H3g/QA8XkgFiBkwHyoYnRQABVfj88AmGZcTuuHyjlgMwBZM7IE3NlQGhQe65EN+I8Dw8MLGgYoFpFqADK/YUAMwOsFigORatFIlYRElaRMWmaiBAMAp0n+3U0kqkAAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" style="height: 16px; width: 16px;" type="image" width="16" /><audio preload="auto" src="https://ssl.gstatic.com/dictionary/static/sounds/de/0/compromise.mp3"></audio></span></div>
<div>
<div class="lr_dct_sf_h">
<i>noun</i></div>
<div class="xpdxpnd vk_gy" data-mh="-1">
noun: <b>compromise</b>; plural noun: <b>compromises</b></div>
<ol class="lr_dct_sf_sens">
<li><div>
<div class="lr_dct_sf_sen vk_txt">
<div style="float: left;">
<strong>1</strong>. </div>
<div style="margin-left: 20px;">
<div style="font-size: small;">
<div style="display: inline;">
an agreement or settlement of a dispute that is reached by each side making concessions.</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</li>
</ol>
</div>
</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is pretty much a rehash of an earlier
blog, only without the ‘frilly bits’.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Those who have stumbled across my rants
over on Sluggerotoole.com may well think me obsessed on the topic of flegs.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Though, to be fair, many people from NI are
guilty of this too methinks.</span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRI5PL8soaw6BAPKghrDD3R6Q8FRr9OHl8eP8vF-2o7RBYg184BLpu4jFM_9lcWaM6YX-BJnj2qX-cCWgFIb8jK1YHT0nAacpsp-yi4dBpehW25wZKey1-6BflwpwQP2GyBmlVh0i6mcA/s1600/frazerBryson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRI5PL8soaw6BAPKghrDD3R6Q8FRr9OHl8eP8vF-2o7RBYg184BLpu4jFM_9lcWaM6YX-BJnj2qX-cCWgFIb8jK1YHT0nAacpsp-yi4dBpehW25wZKey1-6BflwpwQP2GyBmlVh0i6mcA/s320/frazerBryson.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jamie and Willie: Like flegs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The hot potato of the year is of course the
Union Flag flying (or not flying) from Belfast city hall.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After a year of reading the contributions,
points and feelings of nationalist and republican commentators on
Sluggerotoole, I have to say that I’ve come to see things differently than
before.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I now (belatedly) accept their grievances
about not feeling represented in their own city or land given that they have
little or no affection for the Union Flag.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, in the interests of keeping the peace,
live & let live, equality and even letsgetalongerism I admit that this imbalance
needs to be addressed.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Equality, equality, equality “are the
buzzwords of choice to galvanise arguments for addressing the matter.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I heartily agree.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As long as ‘equality’ isn’t something that
can be surgically altered to fit a particular agenda.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I think everyone should be represented.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I also agree that we want the communities
to have more respect for each other.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Which is why I can’t agree to the idea of
flying the Tricolour and the Union Flag side by side.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is too divisive.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Optimists may view it as progress, as a
sign of two communities finally coming to terms with each other.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I view it as potentially toxic.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It says to me (and I’m a wishy washy middle
of the road liberal) “CHOOSE!”.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimP5YZWft0nsyfd2QkgUr56K-viRmU9gU1Fi6S0tyEn56y4rhgSCm9FMomlXpFfvm2b_5Tv9wUHypZ0I_7c2bZsyYOe2KxJxrHNKJ-Y9qXY4AGC_CCN2BviLPrJ7z6Vv908YEuS3WGJhI/s1600/gunpoint.png" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"></span> </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There are those with the strength of
character and integrity to see the very best aspects of this solution but there
are many more who don’t.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And I’m not even talking about the likes of
Willie Frazer or Jamie Bryson.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For decades we’ve seen these flags used as
territorial markers.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For decades we’ve come to see the flags in
terms of ‘themuns and oursuns’.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The hullaballoo surrounding last year’s
flegger-geddon only compounded this.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Simply put, having the two flags flying
alongside each other will simply be viewed as a constant declaration of “this
one is for us lot and that one is for themuns”.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hardly the stuff to heal wounds or allay
suspicions and paranoia.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Also, it goes without saying that many
unionists will view it as another ‘victory’ for Republicanism.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Which is why (predictably) I still stand by
my proposal for flying three flags instead of one or two;<span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1/ The Tricolour (for nationalists and republicans)</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2/ The Union Flag (for 'bothered' unionists and 'British nationalists')</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3/ A new Northern Ireland flag (for everyone who falls somewhere in between the two aforementioned poles)</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’ve aired this on Slugger a few times to
test the water and whilst it hasn’t been taken into the bosom of many it has
(more importantly) been neither convincingly mauled nor shot down, which, in slugger terms, I
consider to be a victory.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There are many articulate people on there
and I have been influenced by their arguments and points.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So for the notion to survive (or in one
case actually be endorsed by a republican) is for me very encouraging.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The only attack on the proposal was an
articulately dressed-up version of the ‘themuns have two flegs’ argument.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I acknowledged this potential argument when
I proposed the scheme.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I also acknowledged that an equal amount of
indignation would surface in the other camp at the very notion of a ‘foreign’
flag flying from city hall.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sorry ladies and gents, but that’s
compromise.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You might not particularly like the final
result but you’re better off than before, in this particular case: <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>1/ Republicans and nationalists will have
their flag flying and will thus be represented <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>2/
Unionists & British nationalists will have their flag flying (which is currently
not the case in many nationalist council areas).</span></span></div>
3/ Northern Irelanders, middle-of-the-roaders and such like will now have a flag to call their own and will be relieved at not being pigeonholed into either of the other two camps.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">All sides advance.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">All sides gain.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you perceive your objective to be soured
because ‘themuns’ have also got something out of the compromise then perhaps
you should take stock of yourself and decide whether you really do want to live
in proper peace or do you actually want peace only at the expense of others? </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Having a third flag, a Northern Ireland
flag, will potentially fill the void for those who aren’t particularly
enthralled at the idea of either the Tricolour or Union Flag.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Growing apathy is an oft mentioned state of
affairs in NI.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPD0b0b3UjiEOidBgoU0ORDckuCxcUwSv4apYTbE1Ae7alSi6TaBpvgrcmGK8i5RnboyBFrYjZv7ecs1TxwJ2Raz4QPmvFD7LUJwuYJ1eWFLchCgWw7lq0x8kc3ZRg8UImfnOC_MavgDI/s1600/apathy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPD0b0b3UjiEOidBgoU0ORDckuCxcUwSv4apYTbE1Ae7alSi6TaBpvgrcmGK8i5RnboyBFrYjZv7ecs1TxwJ2Raz4QPmvFD7LUJwuYJ1eWFLchCgWw7lq0x8kc3ZRg8UImfnOC_MavgDI/s1600/apathy.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"></span> </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Many people just don’t have strong feelings
of affection for the two main flags given how much they’ve been debased over
the decades by hardliners on either side.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So to have such a binary choice available
is rather a rather galling prospect for many people.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A new Northern Ireland flag will give them
something to opt for (if they want to, keeping in mind the apathetic aspect
mentioned before…)</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Going back to the equality argument, it’s
fair that the ‘British’ are represented, it’s fair that the ‘Irish’ are
represented so surely it’s fair that the Northern Irish are represented too?</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To use the argument of equality is to
advocate this position by default.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">They go hand in hand.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It cannot be simply used for the Tricolour
and then immediately dumped because other people want to be represented too.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If one wishes to further the cause of
equality then that opens the door to a Northern Ireland flag for those who find
themselves somewhere in the middle of the opposing (?) Irish & British stances.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">No ifs, no buts, if it’s in the name of
equality then others have the right to be represented too, not just the two
‘main’ groups.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrDrD8PZ3yLM7I7sTnfZjAKyF-zZrTZocUmz3zvQBrfOu24zuIVWKH-c4sikBoiBIB9PMtZ8-lMrGb2wOoxKqYjfwxPQre0YCKYZDNwoCJnw38pK_3pTtrfSZPIZupMXu5OKMYxrONELY/s1600/some-people-are-more-equal-than-others.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRSagMjFnXt_7IreOcgNgfhZHX8INelGutguGRfBWBolrMHrmoiHHoQDkQzeuaITjEdnEBlIvxg8P4YIO64I8NvFj2XTA_-6gTAaEwC7sWFkNfOI6hNuvyk5JjU8KK9ZvOiUcel1h6HUM/s320/some-people-are-more-equal-than-others.jpg" width="247" /> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Equality: Has it's uses sometimes...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A new Northern Ireland flag may be
unpalatable to some nationalists (and many unionists!) but ditto the Tricolour with unionists. <span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 10;"> </span>Also,
this distaste for a NI flag is of secondary consideration to the primary
objectives of equality and flying the tricolour.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRSagMjFnXt_7IreOcgNgfhZHX8INelGutguGRfBWBolrMHrmoiHHoQDkQzeuaITjEdnEBlIvxg8P4YIO64I8NvFj2XTA_-6gTAaEwC7sWFkNfOI6hNuvyk5JjU8KK9ZvOiUcel1h6HUM/s1600/some-people-are-more-equal-than-others.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">These objectives have been stated too many
times for any fickle back-peddling:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em>“Sinn Féin wants to see a City Hall that is inclusive and welcoming to every citizen and every tradition"</em></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If we want equality then it must be real
equality, not another demarcation point to further divide people.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Three groups, three flags.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Not a great deal to ask.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">AFTERTHOUGHT:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The thought occurs that in order to get
around this pesky inconvenience there will undoubtedly be an attempt to move the goalposts
.<span style="mso-tab-count: 11;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 11;"> </span>
I’d be curious to see which tactic will be employed, will it be redefine
‘equality’ or deny the existence of the ‘Northern Irish’ or even playing with
statistics. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"></span> </div>
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbeOKx70317RLaskHxnWUlMy5DBBhMYC3G9BGPIMMa7a5vfwjMbRShrC03gGO92tXyQ6umBDkx6R68BKMZsv40b-wPsfRhyphenhyphen_jpIZrwR4dtiZsFl4JDdbiDfqQOotWlyf6KFr4D2n7b2o/s1600/ignore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbeOKx70317RLaskHxnWUlMy5DBBhMYC3G9BGPIMMa7a5vfwjMbRShrC03gGO92tXyQ6umBDkx6R68BKMZsv40b-wPsfRhyphenhyphen_jpIZrwR4dtiZsFl4JDdbiDfqQOotWlyf6KFr4D2n7b2o/s1600/ignore.jpg" /></a></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If the idea ever gains traction it’ll be interesting to see what
angle the naysayers will take. Watch this space folks.</span></span></div>
</div>
Am Ghobsmachthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15333693607785579136noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4200060786761508433.post-65029754326129408242013-10-25T00:50:00.000-07:002013-10-25T00:50:30.013-07:00Have We Forgotten How to Remember?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There's an awful lot of remembering going on at the moment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">More than I can remember there being for this time of year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And there's more to come in early November and, baby, this is just
the warm up, 2016 is approaching fast..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So far, this spring, summer and autumn we've remembered dead
terrorists (or volunteers or soldiers or murderers or whatever title you
prefer); we've remembered (as usual) bygone battles but forgotten who was
playing; who was on who's side and why the battles were even fought in the
first place (because of banks or because of themuns?).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We've remembered massacres and we've remembered those who
committed the massacres.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We've forgotten about the economy and sometimes who's in charge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We've remembered dead rebels and butchered battalions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But we've forgotten the true principles of what they all died for
(throwing stuff at police it ain't).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the hell of it I've decided to see what I could commemorate
today, October the 25th.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So far, I could salute the following fallen:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Battle of Agincourt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The charge of the light brigade during the Battle of Balaklava in
the Crimean War.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The 'liberation' (annexation/daylight robbery) of the Transvaal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Bolshevik Revolution (depending on which calender you use)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nelson Mandela's prison sentence<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Out of the above list, I'm sure I could find some some reason for
solemn contemplation and reflection or just drunken revelry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Everything is catered for: British Imperialist 'Glory'; the fightback
of the working classes; the galvanising of a world leader or even just a spot
of 'giving the froggies ten of the best'.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But I won't.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I do have an annoying French neighbour, and the temptation to
drunkenly recite "we band of brothers" prior to unleashing to a
volley from English longbows is great indeed.<span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp1sfxlD-8oEACUyPZXH_HzerVl24Bta3SF_CVBNHmfty2bYIcLKQhBIYAbe4XtV-bCCivGAGRj8K2U0e8KMSTaprTjaUzXPhl2DlV5LJHVGtfTBsSWuugZZYRFoHaK-WNEhdXS425DFQ/s1600/My+neighbour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp1sfxlD-8oEACUyPZXH_HzerVl24Bta3SF_CVBNHmfty2bYIcLKQhBIYAbe4XtV-bCCivGAGRj8K2U0e8KMSTaprTjaUzXPhl2DlV5LJHVGtfTBsSWuugZZYRFoHaK-WNEhdXS425DFQ/s320/My+neighbour.jpg" width="237" /></span></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My French neighbour<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But live and let live and all that jazz.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now - garden-fence obsessed, irritating Frenchmen notwithstanding
- were I to use any of the aforementioned events as a reason for exhibiting
some sort celebration/commemoration, I would nonetheless take into
consideration the feelings and reactions of those around me before I started
toasting to the memory of Cecil Rhodes or the death of the oppressive yoke of
bourgeois (sic) imperialist tyranny.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If I had Afrikaner/Boer neighbours, I'd reconsider the flying of
Union flags and blasting out 'Land of Hope and Glory' to celebrate my country's
stealing of their (also stolen?) land, or if I were commemorating Mandela,
well, I'd be as sensitive as possible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If my neighbours were from the former USSR, well, I'd dip my toe
in the proverbial vodka to see how such proceedings may go down.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(You'd be surprised; I have been bombarded with drunken fact-attack
as to why 'Uncle Joe' was a great and strong man courtesy of a Georgian family
that I lived with)<span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6FAGhSkZbjCosk9N3BwoPuGIl9TqMQetFf9JLNzq6VtOOIdrGZWaRuIXMiL7ZxW6x2N1t9NF2hBKJ1TTi-Td50BfsysBxm7QZN8DEcDJauK6lRu1_vEVeTig9l-FZPCEVF5OcME1tO70/s1600/Stalin_1902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6FAGhSkZbjCosk9N3BwoPuGIl9TqMQetFf9JLNzq6VtOOIdrGZWaRuIXMiL7ZxW6x2N1t9NF2hBKJ1TTi-Td50BfsysBxm7QZN8DEcDJauK6lRu1_vEVeTig9l-FZPCEVF5OcME1tO70/s320/Stalin_1902.jpg" width="238" /></span></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Joseph Stalin: Not as unpopular as you
might think<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, were I living next door to a veterans' retirement home,
namely one belonging to the 11th Hussars (Prince Albert's Own) I'd be straight
over there with a bottle of gin and a few Union Flags.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As with many things, commemoration is a right, but not necessarily
always 'right'.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is (literally) a time and a place.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(<i>A fitting place is the copied collection of 'The Books of the
Dead' in St Anne's Cathedral, Belfast. A small statue of a soldier standing
over a cabinet. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>The cabinet contains books which record the names of every Irish
man killed in WWI. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>On the panels there is an engraving "As gold in a furnace he
tried them"</i>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe97wl0Xeb-OW-fAyrW0lULHJiy6QG9U549io990EO2mf8eQ0DO2VIhSAUmhztil-8DISBlVkwztgZTpzjZO_hBlpZi0yTu2xWITiuRGrA4LHHLRtUJTRLQOHDbaRwmm981kdf8aD5Mhk/s1600/The+Books+of+the+Dead.jpg"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDm7By5Hw_OHq0GXeq2E6-XSOvccMXfeCisT5f9k2rnelIH2zVjNFpQE60UUerN97_ShigUrHgowdOpQR5LnM00JhZyjK7kcoH48GLLqt5FoZq115LDZxAI5kuQt7fbyRp4Yu9WODa-bM/s1600/The+Books+of+the+Dead.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Books of the Dead</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span>But
is there always a need?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Remembrance and commemoration in Northern Ireland has also been
sat upon the great see-saw of themuns and our-uns; if the see-saw goes up and
themuns are on it, well, it is probably offensive to our-uns.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Let's not investigate the matter but go with the flow!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the many casualties of the sectarian see-saw is the poppy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the record, I wear one when I can.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I do anxiously feel like I'm a coward as I don't like to wear it
in nationalist areas but the truth is I'd happily take a beating for the poppy
(I'm not much to look at anyway, so it's not like it'll do my looks any harm)
but I don't like the idea of needlessly winding people up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The great Northern Irish Matrix that we're born into won't permit
us to see the other side's point of view, so a proud bearer of a poppy can't
think why themuns would have any logical objection to commemorating young men
who were sacrificed to the great meat-grinder when the time came.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Likewise, some of themuns can't see beyond the blood-red of the
poppy itself and the sanguine attachment of memories and departed loved ones.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As usual neither side can (or rather 'will') see the view point of
the other.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For those of us who have chosen 'the red pill' and escaped the
Ulster Matrix (what a movie that would be!) this is yet another frustrating example of
the defiance of logic in our land.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Are you offending someone? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, then you don't HAVE to do it? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Or perhaps be a bit more discreet/sensitive?<span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0SrdDifQ4a9-qMUFJf8TA7uEmlg6HN54Rp43FDtZDHCEPfEDqQ-WPSFJMZ9qohsLLpWOL9AYGCmF9MfiyuPMFPLj3NczOQ0il3dMLeDcf3VKQ0Wx_W2826QZDGe9s698AWEC1W7PE4II/s1600/Bruce+willis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0SrdDifQ4a9-qMUFJf8TA7uEmlg6HN54Rp43FDtZDHCEPfEDqQ-WPSFJMZ9qohsLLpWOL9AYGCmF9MfiyuPMFPLj3NczOQ0il3dMLeDcf3VKQ0Wx_W2826QZDGe9s698AWEC1W7PE4II/s320/Bruce+willis.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not sure what Bruce Willis is
commemorating...<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Are you being an over sensitive and easily offended d*ck? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then
perhaps back off and let the citizen remember, is it really going to ruin your
day if he/she wants to remember the dear departed?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I do wear a poppy with pride.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I do think of the hell that all those young men and women went
through, as needless as a lot of it was.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But I am in Australia for the time being.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The nearest victims of Bomber Command are quite some distance
away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In Belfast, the victims of the British Army, the IRA and the
Loyalists are in the city centre every minute of every day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wear your poppy with pride by all means, but spare a thought for
those who see it as a gloat as opposed to a token of respect.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's supposed to be a respectful symbol but people such as the
Protestant Coalition are helping to ensure that it can't be seen in this way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This hijacking of the poppy has effectively shut many people of a
Catholic background out of the remembrance house.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many Catholic men from Ireland took up arms for the Imperial Army
and were slaughtered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But the way in which we handle the matter of remembrance in
Northern Ireland has relegated their memory to mere ghosts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And Unionists are doing little to bring them back in from limbo.<span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Remembering them...<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfzXWylw0sKSqcOQ71RwH3AjlS0wHmfvSkwq43tsYEEAw3TfEdN01tAT3rT6M6a_12d0eyLd-n2_z7DlguU76PS0RcEhFWi8_eVEOgk4tP3BLmQmJP-hjyIXo4AjMjN09YrXQ4UZE-99M/s1600/Roden_Street_South_Belfast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfzXWylw0sKSqcOQ71RwH3AjlS0wHmfvSkwq43tsYEEAw3TfEdN01tAT3rT6M6a_12d0eyLd-n2_z7DlguU76PS0RcEhFWi8_eVEOgk4tP3BLmQmJP-hjyIXo4AjMjN09YrXQ4UZE-99M/s320/Roden_Street_South_Belfast.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">...NOT them!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As for the Shankill Bomber Begley's plaque and the public
commemoration?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I struggle with that one.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whilst some people may see him as a soldier, at the time of his
butchery (or collateral damage as dead Protestants were known back then) Sinn
Fein had a very modest fan base so only a minority saw him as such.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Seeing corpses on the news with one's breakfast every other day
left a very sour aftertaste for most of us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But, that being said, a soldier is how some in Ardoyne and indeed
throughout Ireland may see him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, unlike Bomber Command and their monument in London (the
popular choice of comparison) Begley's victims are within walking distance of
his memorial.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That commemoration alone may have extended the life span of those
nearby peace-walls by a generation, as did his actions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even longer if a tradition has become of it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Is the commemoration really worth such a price?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We talk about the future yet focus on the past with great
intensity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If these actions are defensible then why even speak of a future for
there quite clearly is none?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is secondary to the past.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A past that none of us want to revisit and a past that has left
many of us angry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Very f*****g angry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You don't have to be a world-class shrink to know that bottling up
anger is bad but it is all we can do till 'carnival' season arrives and people
let off steam by throwing heavy things at the police.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's time for society (not our politicians - hell no, they've been
found wanting bar a praiseworthy few) to think about the damage our defiant
pride and hunger for remembrance does to each other.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The see-saw goes up and down and every one of us feels that heavy
crashing judder when it's our turn to clumsily land.<span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTUekDTgZFTq4EFjTRaOVRsZSDwhjlf3gy5Q7-5fxcg6l1m__N_hZtR1vRYoHJ2lR4KfKzOR5GyS_jtt45hOEXJtjlYKMAUwblTrBJJ4WLLST2knvXf19b0-noh6Z4SPjPRQb7L-qPyi8/s1600/see-saw.jpg"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2sbWlppf79k_T3OwgYZhNllG1LxY-Lw5pMMDyTsDm8WzL2mNCO6H5EkhSDgYD8Dy9Lxj83suEv8vHT7qIlgXjOD8q5WeED4QFTBEfHecbgFCBzQffXjzydFQYQnbhyb6I4Y3T5I_u8Ps/s1600/see-saw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2sbWlppf79k_T3OwgYZhNllG1LxY-Lw5pMMDyTsDm8WzL2mNCO6H5EkhSDgYD8Dy9Lxj83suEv8vHT7qIlgXjOD8q5WeED4QFTBEfHecbgFCBzQffXjzydFQYQnbhyb6I4Y3T5I_u8Ps/s1600/see-saw.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">WARNING: SECTARIAN SEE-SAW AHEAD<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">BTW: Part way through this rant I came across this rant of a
similar theme: <a href="http://themeenisterspen.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/when-poppies-go-bad.html"><span style="color: blue;">http://themeenisterspen.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/when-poppies-go-bad.html</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Never before have I been so glad to see my work bested so
convincingly by another (it happens a lot, I'm just seldom okay with it).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />Am Ghobsmachthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15333693607785579136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4200060786761508433.post-68230054677143675852013-10-20T00:37:00.000-07:002013-11-06T14:56:24.265-08:00"A shared future. As long as WE get the bigger share..."<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There's been a spot of hullaballoo as of late:<br />
<br />
Jamie Bryson arguing against any changes in Loyalism lest it become more 'cuddly'<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpayiF4VdqsIJB3AmEfSXMddMDS94dDk-WcipsAhYc002RCCkY_jdVZO_JCiKGMk2Nt3CPdDAX-n-zhX8wBtp9CDGeVbRilCl_B87dxVpRC3Hu0Pg384bTarHPC-Bus2F_SaogvTYSik8/s1600/bungle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpayiF4VdqsIJB3AmEfSXMddMDS94dDk-WcipsAhYc002RCCkY_jdVZO_JCiKGMk2Nt3CPdDAX-n-zhX8wBtp9CDGeVbRilCl_B87dxVpRC3Hu0Pg384bTarHPC-Bus2F_SaogvTYSik8/s200/bungle.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How Jamie sees 'New Loyalism'...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Various politicians digging their heels in against any changes to grammar schools or the segregated school system.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSreuzuuiptTiyHzgPiuo-TAriUvy8DATxGHQ7GiAcR9n-1YxzS3tPyXIUrWXw2y5bDQqaSadVkCA9n_oiWnTth6gJu-XnUzSnkkWMxqyPd4V-m6iKboVa3xp_mp1Kzny8jyQ4zAIoOZ8/s1600/blankes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSreuzuuiptTiyHzgPiuo-TAriUvy8DATxGHQ7GiAcR9n-1YxzS3tPyXIUrWXw2y5bDQqaSadVkCA9n_oiWnTth6gJu-XnUzSnkkWMxqyPd4V-m6iKboVa3xp_mp1Kzny8jyQ4zAIoOZ8/s1600/blankes.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apartheid: Generally thought of as a bad idea.<br />
Except in Northern Ireland.</td></tr>
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<br />
<br />
And now former Derry GAA player Joe Brolly defending the right of GAA clubs to name themselves after whomever they please.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrViY8ejdT1I52xs0JE4D9K26fC_-l8rIZKCh4Mgb-SqQwtkBuz_lz6L-3jEmO3noOSG9SDJlsG7D4bRHI7VWmPQIAezszIx21CX358eXqiV1hFKKp_L5zYv4Ul0kAUKP3oLntRnJMaxI/s1600/Lynch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrViY8ejdT1I52xs0JE4D9K26fC_-l8rIZKCh4Mgb-SqQwtkBuz_lz6L-3jEmO3noOSG9SDJlsG7D4bRHI7VWmPQIAezszIx21CX358eXqiV1hFKKp_L5zYv4Ul0kAUKP3oLntRnJMaxI/s200/Lynch.jpg" width="197" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kevin Lynch: Stuff happened him<br />
Then he happened other people<br />
'Good bloke' or 'terrorist', he's still a sensitive topic.<br />
Why not handle it sensitively?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It makes me wonder, who exactly are we supposed to be sharing the 'future' with?<br />
Are we just to be part of the Leonard Cohen song?<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnaxvBsyigM">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnaxvBsyigM</a><br />
<br />
As long as the Loyalist band scene clings to its darker drunken side then it'll be sharing with no one apart from like minded folks in Scotland and Liverpool.<br />
<br />
The apartheid that we have in Northern Ireland's education system does a good job of making sure that we don't share a lot of space, sports or culture during our most formative years.<br />
<br />
And now a sportsman/sports commentator, though speaking of his own accord and NOT for the GAA comes out with this little bombshell:<br />
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<span style="color: red;">"It's nobody else's business - it's as simple as that," </span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">"People can either like it or lump it."</span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"> "That's the way societies and communities work. Kevin played hurling for Dungiven and for Derry, and the hurling club was named for that reason. We're very proud of him.</span></div>
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And that, ladies and gentlemen, is jolly well that. Seemingly.<br />
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It is yet another example of people not willing to put their money where their mouth is with regards to making Northern Ireland an easier or better place to live.<br />
<br />
As we are all boringly aware, nearly everything can be a bone of contention; what church you go to, how you say the letter 'h', what football team you support.<br />
A big deal or cause for suspicion can be plucked from the most minute detail.<br />
<br />
We all know this.<br />
<br />
Yet when our backs are up and we're on the defensive about something then we adopt a more cold black & white tone:<br />
<br />
An Orange march through an area where it's not wanted becomes "men walking the Queen's highway to their place of worship"<br />
<br />
Flying all manner of flags to mark out the tribal territory becomes "an expression of culture"<br />
<br />
Naming clubs after men who did some pretty awful things becomes " nobody else's business".<br />
<br />
With all three examples it is a case of being simultaneously 'true' and 'utter bollocks'.<br />
<br />
It's a common tactic in the grim North to be all reasonable, emotional and plea for empathy when one is asking for something.<br />
The normal response to this is a cold logical rebuttal that removes emotion from the scenario.<br />
<br />
I wish that both sides would stick with their principled empathy based arguments and stop changing their faces depending on whether they are doing the pleading or the refusing as is the case currently.<br />
<br />
The GAA has put a lot of emphasis on its cross community work:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/northern-ireland/schoolchildren-play-hurling-game-in-loyalist-heartland-28628903.html">http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/northern-ireland/schoolchildren-play-hurling-game-in-loyalist-heartland-28628903.html</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://ulster.gaa.ie/community/community-outreach/">http://ulster.gaa.ie/community/community-outreach/</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/northern-ireland/gaelic-games-protestant-support-for-gaa-in-schools-grows-28759982.html">http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/northern-ireland/gaelic-games-protestant-support-for-gaa-in-schools-grows-28759982.html</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://ireland.anglican.org/archive/hardgospel/index.php?do=articles&sid=2&rid=25">http://ireland.anglican.org/archive/hardgospel/index.php?do=articles&sid=2&rid=25</a><br />
<br />
So, on one hand 'good'. Well done. Hat's off. Nice one Cyril.<br />
<br />
On the other hand, the aforementioned 'bollocks'.<br />
<br />
We all know what the main obstacles for Protestants are:<br />
<br />
* The perception of Nationalist and Republican imagery, reverence and symbols.<br />
<br />
* The sometimes too-close-for-comfort association with Republicanism and Republicans. Or, as many Protestants prefer to label some hallowed dead Republicans - "murderers"<br />
<br />
* Rule 1.8, the flying of the 'National Flag'. The national flag to Unionists in the UK is the Union Flag.<br />
End of.<br />
Not up for discussion.<br />
You know this. I know this.<br />
The wee Roma gypsy fella who used to play the violin with funny gramophone horn in Belfast city centre knows this.<br />
<br />
You cannot extend your hand in friendship to the Unionist community with this arm-lock to follow immediately after.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGuzLlCBkWFPttbQsaRhoIZchs2uXMnfoeSxj3KUTLyEAEIJUcT8I1Jvcbs84YEszHfeWPnj7fJ6gFmacGCIWE2pdIAU9OrWrRw7k6dWQcPuRwSdzpBIECsSa9ExadAn-FFcvLfWFN0Lo/s1600/roma+belfast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGuzLlCBkWFPttbQsaRhoIZchs2uXMnfoeSxj3KUTLyEAEIJUcT8I1Jvcbs84YEszHfeWPnj7fJ6gFmacGCIWE2pdIAU9OrWrRw7k6dWQcPuRwSdzpBIECsSa9ExadAn-FFcvLfWFN0Lo/s1600/roma+belfast.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wee Roma Busker: Knows his flegs</td></tr>
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<br />
I lambaste, plead, cajole, beg, whinge, grip, argue, bore Unionists and Loyalists to wise the bap when it comes to the offensive and unnecessary imagery and pageantry that some of their number endorse and fly with aggressive pride at some of their parades.<br />
<br />
I ask again and again how would it be the detriment of Loyalist culture if paramilitary trappings were removed, if songs about killing Catholics were taboo and if Chapels were treated with respect.<br />
<br />
Naturally, I am met with silence.<br />
<br />
By a similar, but not so aggressive token I would ask the same of the GAA:<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-WvJbo7mnL2T8rfhk7k4kOdDFEbG-kb8S40l98MLzl1OvN28frwFXXHTWZ6W8Nt4ZBC7vCdhLgPSjx-manPs2Wam2EexLXAO7tpbofPQpYQFu-dKxtfqv6Zdrf2Pub9JRptfVWd9HpZU/s1600/flag15n-1-web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-WvJbo7mnL2T8rfhk7k4kOdDFEbG-kb8S40l98MLzl1OvN28frwFXXHTWZ6W8Nt4ZBC7vCdhLgPSjx-manPs2Wam2EexLXAO7tpbofPQpYQFu-dKxtfqv6Zdrf2Pub9JRptfVWd9HpZU/s320/flag15n-1-web.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nationalist Perception</td></tr>
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<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Qyy2WSlaFOfw_6M1Jva1c6U-GhVvMlZkVdqSEK9WlfpDCNvexR6Lh_VytoDceA3h8KVIakVng_J50B4PWsuKngJKPXRGl_zMWn8o66pX4BAwmGiVI91wiBr9E5ZwPrJ1-VRiuC4iYoQ/s1600/celtic-ira.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Qyy2WSlaFOfw_6M1Jva1c6U-GhVvMlZkVdqSEK9WlfpDCNvexR6Lh_VytoDceA3h8KVIakVng_J50B4PWsuKngJKPXRGl_zMWn8o66pX4BAwmGiVI91wiBr9E5ZwPrJ1-VRiuC4iYoQ/s320/celtic-ira.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unionist Perception</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Their main priority is sport and the community.<br />
<br />
How would it be detrimental to the sport and any community in Northern Ireland (as saying there are only TWO communities grows ever more false with each passing day) if they could maybe keep the Tricolour in the broom cupboard in the event of a few non-nationalists joining a club or even coming to watch a game?<br />
<br />
What harm would there be to community relations if Unionists weren't under the impression that they'd be forced to stand for/sing the Soldier's Song?<br />
<br />
Sharing a space means exactly that, sharing. Not dominating.<br />
The worst flat-mates are those who impose their way on others.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNGQKVHcT6cYTvMZrSH-BfFxdRsuy4PhxIcJwVR-YlfqixtbrftjbL5xHXKLcMVRQ-UEmiLj4eKxi3XYRGFeeekxHNof0b-G6EPmD1nkfPUr76GH5hhYD0ORsHmdS0zhNqPQVg9oHFaQc/s1600/messy-apartment-living-hellogiggles-350x262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNGQKVHcT6cYTvMZrSH-BfFxdRsuy4PhxIcJwVR-YlfqixtbrftjbL5xHXKLcMVRQ-UEmiLj4eKxi3XYRGFeeekxHNof0b-G6EPmD1nkfPUr76GH5hhYD0ORsHmdS0zhNqPQVg9oHFaQc/s320/messy-apartment-living-hellogiggles-350x262.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The GAA: Awful flat-mate?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
50 years of a Unionist 'way' was too much for a lot of people and it all erupted in the late 60's.<br />
<br />
Surely there must be people within the GAA who remember what it was like not to be treated as an equal?<br />
<br />
Yet, here we find that there is not much support within the GAA ranks for treating others as equals.<br />
<br />
For there is no other way to interpret it, clinging to the Tricolour and Soldier's Song in an environment as sensitive/paranoid/bitter/mental as Northern Ireland or 'the North' if you so desire (yes Chris and John, I said it) is about domination.<br />
<br />
Perhaps not so much when there's no Protestants in your village to dominate but for those Protestants who would perhaps give it a go, well, this makes it almost an impossibility.<br />
<br />
From my own point of view it's why I took up Shinty when I moved to Scotland, it was the closest thing to hurling that I 'could' participate in.<br />
I even tried to join the University's GFC some years later but the club fell foul of University requirements.<br />
<br />
<br />
There's a lot of head in the sand and defensiveness in the GAA regarding their way of doing things.<br />
<br />
I for one thank Joe Brolly for at least speaking as if he were a defiant Orangeman speaking 'logically' about men walking the Queen's highway to their place of worship.<br />
<br />
It shows that not all GAA follower's are so concerned about the shared future, well, at least about sharing it properly.<br />
I can't write Mr Brolly off completely:<br />
<a href="http://www.derryjournal.com/news/columnists/brolly-s-bites-protestant-gaa-would-sort-out-sectarianism-1-3847015">http://www.derryjournal.com/news/columnists/brolly-s-bites-protestant-gaa-would-sort-out-sectarianism-1-3847015</a><br />
<br />
His final paragraph sticks out:<br />
"<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">The reality is that the two cultures remain firmly segregated and sectarianism is rife. An invisible wall separates the two communities’ schools, sports, religions and social lives. The sooner the GAA spreads into the Shankill, Tigers Bay and Lurgan, the sooner we’ll have a civilised society.</span> "<br />
<br />
Great sentiment, now explain where the Tricolour has a place in such a plan/outreach?<br />
Indeed, where do religiously separated schools come into in such a civilised society when one 1/2 of the education system has hegemony over the sport in question?<br />
<br />
But, the apartheid of our schools is a different topic.<br />
<br />
If people want the nonsense to stop then they have to be willing to go the whole nine yards, not just cherry pick.<br />
<br />
The GAA has to accept that its Nationalist ethos is incompatible with many Northerners.<br />
It's fine to think of Ireland as one nation when you're dealing with Northerners from South Armagh, West Belfast, West Derry or whatever.<br />
<br />
Things are a bit more complicated once you spread outwith these zones.<br />
<br />
What's good for Kerry is not necessarily good for South East Antrim.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6DyXcMw2-oGowbAXEVv2ICqA9C8nMk7FwmHUlirEpRRUQpXIHvCUIlyxbcPUhtrYTgdZ-xAdtm7m57D7BUaBN3ye7sswkpnFPAs0gJtwTdKwzWx-_UOGO57LAW-QEtz6Fv3FfcRu5xk0/s1600/Killarney_Town.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6DyXcMw2-oGowbAXEVv2ICqA9C8nMk7FwmHUlirEpRRUQpXIHvCUIlyxbcPUhtrYTgdZ-xAdtm7m57D7BUaBN3ye7sswkpnFPAs0gJtwTdKwzWx-_UOGO57LAW-QEtz6Fv3FfcRu5xk0/s320/Killarney_Town.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kerry</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG-eIpLlN3gEBtbo8hBjQryfob3jPtLGLGCvJ84kHp1ctXBvH8DTJLcNLfEyCqjHGcX9JyNYU_PgejeO3vjcdweKo9J-s79pUZBGPI5jqtje3KxcSp2ZjPzPQpRy79Y8fY6uv0n2tX-0A/s1600/se+Antrim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG-eIpLlN3gEBtbo8hBjQryfob3jPtLGLGCvJ84kHp1ctXBvH8DTJLcNLfEyCqjHGcX9JyNYU_PgejeO3vjcdweKo9J-s79pUZBGPI5jqtje3KxcSp2ZjPzPQpRy79Y8fY6uv0n2tX-0A/s320/se+Antrim.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">South East Antrim: Not the same as Kerry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
The one size fits all approach failed in Northern Ireland Mk I.<br />
It'll fail equally (or rather has failed equally) in a pan-Irish GAA approach.<br />
<br />
The Unionists did nothing to make the Union appealing to the Catholic community.<br />
Now they are paying the price.<br />
Whist nationalism may not pay the overall price for the GAA's failures that's not to say that peaceful society won't pick up the tab.<br />
<br />
Many Nationalists and Republicans will argue that in the name of equality that Belfast City hall should fly the Tri-colour alongside the Union Flag.<br />
I accept this argument though with a slight amendment (on the principle of equality) in that a 3rd flag to represent the 'Northern Irish' Nationalists should be flown too.<br />
Everyone has a bite of the sour cherry then.<br />
By the same token though, I would ask should the GAA, in the name of equality, acknowledge Sinn Fein's valid argument and reciprocate accordingly by flying the Union Flag at clubs? (or a similar gesture?)<br />
<br />
"No!" you say?<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv0UFuSoZpBt6pgUs4ud4zmyVqlkMI_Meh-D3Uhyphenhypheny6rxQPSkFUyYTppcpq0TxyVvedMlzPxnzfoKiKgKeA2L45jjJYL5HhGH2VjJl-PL2yf1XQv5pYZ9P6Iz7x9EgRCvcpM19LAyLk6T8/s1600/NO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv0UFuSoZpBt6pgUs4ud4zmyVqlkMI_Meh-D3Uhyphenhypheny6rxQPSkFUyYTppcpq0TxyVvedMlzPxnzfoKiKgKeA2L45jjJYL5HhGH2VjJl-PL2yf1XQv5pYZ9P6Iz7x9EgRCvcpM19LAyLk6T8/s1600/NO.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NO!: Some people just don't like mixing...</td></tr>
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Fine.<br />
<br />
In that case refer to the earlier conclusion of "utter bollocks" and speak no more of trying to improve the situation of Northern Ireland for you don't mean it.<br />
<br />
Making sacrifices for peace doesn't mean that only Unionists have to wise up their act or that no longer blowing people up is enough of a 'sacrifice'.<br />
<br />
Sacrifices have to be made by all.<br />
<br />
That includes the GAA, Nationalists and the wee Roma gypsy with the funny violin thing.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcjtA9tK02D-UDYRkzh0DQXeJ76a4I92YCOwVoAmQyCGNXyshrd-HM70rVsbhmRp1YtRdFBJo1gI1ohTchnccAIsSiki1O3aZVbZ6EsY_x-rM3PE2iaytc__SKp7WwHxMy7W5Q5zoIdCg/s1600/WTF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcjtA9tK02D-UDYRkzh0DQXeJ76a4I92YCOwVoAmQyCGNXyshrd-HM70rVsbhmRp1YtRdFBJo1gI1ohTchnccAIsSiki1O3aZVbZ6EsY_x-rM3PE2iaytc__SKp7WwHxMy7W5Q5zoIdCg/s320/WTF.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">British AND Irish: WTF?!!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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ADDITIONAL: I forgot to mention, it's not necessarily 'their' money that they would be putting where their proverbial mouth is, the GAA receive millions of tax pounds.<br />
Surely that makes it everyone's business?<br />
<br />
<br />
ADDITIONAL: Some input from Twitter: "<span style="background-color: #f6f6f6; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">how about no flags at GAA games except of course the counties flags that r playing. That would make most sense to me" - Cheers GOH!</span><br />
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Am Ghobsmachthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15333693607785579136noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4200060786761508433.post-44587452243389707142013-10-12T06:48:00.000-07:002013-11-02T03:19:30.738-07:00Jamie Bryson and the Northern Irish 'Serbs'.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
"I hold fast to the motto of our forefathers - For God and Ulster" - Jamie Bryson</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBEgCakL21iTvXAsDqsyi7uHDUhmIjAC0WzLNHGTZ8oWx3nGWhkpZ25yan2F3uJXF_QAKmn9eQnmkzeKmC5wjCiGWIay5ih6izpVybsm5PxvGhr9QVFA-L0wdaTnsy2lwNFm5n9Z573-Q/s1600/sigil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBEgCakL21iTvXAsDqsyi7uHDUhmIjAC0WzLNHGTZ8oWx3nGWhkpZ25yan2F3uJXF_QAKmn9eQnmkzeKmC5wjCiGWIay5ih6izpVybsm5PxvGhr9QVFA-L0wdaTnsy2lwNFm5n9Z573-Q/s320/sigil.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"С ВЕРОМ У БОГА ЗА КРАЉА И ОТАЏБИНУ"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
"With Faith in God for King and Fatherland" - Serbian Chetnik Motto</div>
<br />
<br />
Look.<br />
<br />
I don't have a vendetta against Jamie Bryson or anything like that, but his bull-headed insistence on destroying Unionism by taking it through the Carsonian graveyard and digging up the bones of old dead Unionism to assemble a Unionist Frankenstein is quite frankly alarming me.<br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: start;">
And he's done it again.</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
Well, rather I did first.</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
I added his blog to my list and now the temptation to read it is just too much.</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
His most recent contribution is by and large 'fine'.</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<a href="http://jamiebryson.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/elections-2014-right-of-independent.html">http://jamiebryson.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/elections-2014-right-of-independent.html</a><br />
<br /></div>
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He's talking about the rights of independent Loyalists to put themselves forward to represent people.</div>
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Fine.</div>
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Nothing wrong with that.</div>
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I do fear that it'll force the DUP further to the right, but, that remains to be seen so knock yourselves out.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
The bit that did stick with me is this:</div>
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<br /></div>
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"The political views carried by those such as myself have recently been described as 'extreme' by those that wish to mould loyalism into a cuddly, re packaged brand that is more friendly and welcoming to those that are offended by every aspect of our cultural and religious identity..."</div>
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What fresh hell is this?</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
All the criticism leveled at Jamie might have been too in depth for him to absorb and I'm sure he's a busy chap, so, I'll keep this brief.</div>
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First of all, 'cuddly'.</div>
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I detect the Loyalist filter again.</div>
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We say "less offensive" or "less songs/banners about killing people" and he hears "Berlin Love parade"</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggEOJCbCSVoPYmy91reGmpxWCzl5xONsSKb5XErwFO7LsJvjc5VCzbT_Rb3EblOsHC21YTU0Dt_Cg9wLbukhUwRYZqdadjCLHKp6ZAobFJHig7pjYbo8VRtblnaW8k4Rw886aX4mVBXYk/s1600/love-parade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggEOJCbCSVoPYmy91reGmpxWCzl5xONsSKb5XErwFO7LsJvjc5VCzbT_Rb3EblOsHC21YTU0Dt_Cg9wLbukhUwRYZqdadjCLHKp6ZAobFJHig7pjYbo8VRtblnaW8k4Rw886aX4mVBXYk/s320/love-parade.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is this the 12th with the drinking removed? Not likely.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
I highlighted before that (in theory) a Protestant can be a Republican. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Though once common enough it is now very rare but still, it is possible.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
This is in stark contrast to Jamie's Loyalism which would not do anything to remove Loyalism's obstacles to Catholics: The Lanark Way bonfire, bands with paramilitary regalia, songs about killing Catholics etc.</div>
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Even if they did remove them it's highly unlikely legions of Catholics would come knocking at the doors of Orange Halls to join bands.</div>
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BUT, what harm would it do to level the playing field a bit?</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
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<div style="text-align: start;">
How can removing these elements result in a 'cuddly' creature that would destroy Unionism?</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
Also, who are these people who are offended by EVERY aspect of Loyalist (or Unionist or Protestant culture)?</div>
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<br />
From what I see most of the direct calls come from moderate Unionists NOT seasoned Republicans, they seemingly only stick their oar in whenever there is potential political capital.<br />
Indeed, why kill the goose that lays the golden eggs?<br />
If Loyalism's underbelly and sometimes vulgar displays make Unionism a cold house for Catholics then that makes life easier for those who would see Northern Ireland cease to exist.<br />
<br /></div>
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But what of the majority who just have SOME irks with Loyalism that could easily be addressed?</div>
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Or does binary Loyalism not allow for the recognition of such middle ground?</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOZi8_O5DPOHocRmnaiUFHW64JuQvaI8xz5Az7-MhPG5MpHAks-9Jsenco5jOL9PrVurwDLu7SPdeB8R4Wb4jzxzZjBX6kooWtXRF_cuflaHWNgoQZ1KNJ6Gi_RVwvEo7ig_RCjhRL_qQ/s1600/st+pats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOZi8_O5DPOHocRmnaiUFHW64JuQvaI8xz5Az7-MhPG5MpHAks-9Jsenco5jOL9PrVurwDLu7SPdeB8R4Wb4jzxzZjBX6kooWtXRF_cuflaHWNgoQZ1KNJ6Gi_RVwvEo7ig_RCjhRL_qQ/s1600/st+pats.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poor Show</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<br />
Methinks he's just hearing what he wants to hear.</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjeGCPSLmCkEcFV_XMPWORhpkC1zYsOgbq1vaeoryrZx7suVOZebFqtF_XNS74EFbSNC6RX2YVDdvg5XvcMQwN4vIqaCOm_tf3S4UqkIFkJeQ5q6-h3-dWNvcHkxKMbkFShVzvxKtfN0Y/s1600/spiffing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjeGCPSLmCkEcFV_XMPWORhpkC1zYsOgbq1vaeoryrZx7suVOZebFqtF_XNS74EFbSNC6RX2YVDdvg5XvcMQwN4vIqaCOm_tf3S4UqkIFkJeQ5q6-h3-dWNvcHkxKMbkFShVzvxKtfN0Y/s320/spiffing.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spiffing!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
The complaints are clear, they allude to a small part of Loyalist culture, not its keystone:</div>
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a/ Excessive drinking at some parades</div>
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b/ Songs about the murders or deaths of Catholics</div>
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c/ Inability to respect places of worship</div>
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d/ Paramilitary trappings<br />
(Of course there are more such as attacking police with masonry and swords, but baby steps as they say...)</div>
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All could be clamped down upon with a bit of effort. </div>
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The Loyalist band scene is more disciplined than what people give it credit for.</div>
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But There is a lack of will.</div>
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'Leaders' like Jamie are loath to encourage such will as they either see nothing wrong with this behaviour (which would beg the question how much of the Holy Bible has he actually read?) or they're digging their heels in as they resent being told what to do.</div>
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If that's the case then allow me to be the first to apologise.</div>
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<div style="text-align: start;">
Jamie. </div>
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<div style="text-align: start;">
Mate.</div>
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I'm sorry you think that you have no option but to dig your heels in under the pressure.<br />
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I'm sorry if you think I'm talking down my nose at you from some aloof position that exists only in my arrogant mind.<br />
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I'm sorry if I/we give the impression that we don't care for working class Loyalists.<br />
<br />
That's simply not true, but it's very hard to convince them of that.<br />
<br />
Some of us see things differently and are denounced as Lundies for our different views (you'd think a Martin Luther inspired religion could appreciate speaking out against drunkenness and ungodly behaviour?) so we have to apply pressure in order to be heard.<br />
<br />
The pressure isn't there to see the end of band culture.<br />
On the contrary, if any one is presenting the case for banning parades altogether it is the Orange Order and your mates like Wille Frazer and the camp at Twaddell.<br />
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<div style="text-align: start;">
I'm/we're not asking you to change these things out of spite or for the sake of Getalongerism.</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
I'm/We're asking you to help change these things because they are, when judged on their own, fundamentally wrong. </div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
Comparing them to the Provo's murder campaign might make them seem 'good' but that's a pretty low bar to compare one's behaviour to.</div>
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<div style="text-align: start;">
I'm also asking you to do it because it's killing Unionism.</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTtSva8jfv0dLOT6nbOpc2mpI-84jsb5xU6Ao1qRYYUYZOmvxEm81eTxIEjfxCD7YKaB_CNz97gKHE16kodXxeNNEsdmPgO3fA6Xo294Lae293VLEWUYPQ-yTGNHTkIb2vZDgkt6F6EPI/s1600/unimpresesd+queen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTtSva8jfv0dLOT6nbOpc2mpI-84jsb5xU6Ao1qRYYUYZOmvxEm81eTxIEjfxCD7YKaB_CNz97gKHE16kodXxeNNEsdmPgO3fA6Xo294Lae293VLEWUYPQ-yTGNHTkIb2vZDgkt6F6EPI/s1600/unimpresesd+queen.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Queen: Not amused by Loyalism</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our support in Britain shrinks evermore.</div>
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People are embarrassed by 'our' actions.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
You aren't a fan of Sinn Fein.</div>
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<div style="text-align: start;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
Yet you seem oblivious to the fact that every time Loyalists kick off it detracts from whatever 'Republicans' might be up to.</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
The SpAd Bill was a red face for Sinn Fein and it happened only a few months ago, but since marching season kicked off it's now ancient history and SF have recovered from it.</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
Loyalism, in theory, should be the bulwark against Republicanism.</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
But the way you and other Loyalists are so predictably reactive and easy to manipulate means that time and time again Republican blunders are forgotten about and that Loyalists can be counted on to flair up when desired e.g. Richard Haass is on his way to town so Republicans organise a few parades and people like yourself go ape and then Mr Haass gets to see who the 'bad guys' are.</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUmZ9zgMpSW5O_Qz6sEHqLvJk5JYa9VqtJOvd50OLiGwEP3YEzGYq8CNsTwQ5zAzMqjdhTcNdAAJ0U42P5Y-xDAgQBjeUFRsPiMKADCu1Az9QwwPwTp6PMWO856quK1_zFqlNPILmGYyo/s1600/organgrinder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUmZ9zgMpSW5O_Qz6sEHqLvJk5JYa9VqtJOvd50OLiGwEP3YEzGYq8CNsTwQ5zAzMqjdhTcNdAAJ0U42P5Y-xDAgQBjeUFRsPiMKADCu1Az9QwwPwTp6PMWO856quK1_zFqlNPILmGYyo/s200/organgrinder.jpg" width="172" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alban Maginness is the one who makes<br />
Loyalist Monkey dance?! Who'd have thought?!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<br />
<br />
DANCE. MONKEY. DANCE.</div>
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<div style="text-align: start;">
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<br />
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<br />
If you despise the 'cuddly' idea of Loyalism, then do the Orangemen at Rossnowlagh disgust you?<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV-X-_mPLB9nCvaiVfQy1py2VbEt2YGjblfuquHdnLHUrNo2_-soxYoTygysjFqXdwv6XdqEHdbA4NttFjeNAb6OJ_hZZUSqOMlDX_3n6mKSB6cq9xbkdQtVl7VpzXW78swYrbm4RwRMo/s1600/460_0___30_0_0_0_0_0_surfing_orangemen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV-X-_mPLB9nCvaiVfQy1py2VbEt2YGjblfuquHdnLHUrNo2_-soxYoTygysjFqXdwv6XdqEHdbA4NttFjeNAb6OJ_hZZUSqOMlDX_3n6mKSB6cq9xbkdQtVl7VpzXW78swYrbm4RwRMo/s320/460_0___30_0_0_0_0_0_surfing_orangemen.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rossnowlagh 12th: Nightmare?!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: start;">
Do peaceful parades with no paramilitary trappings offend you?</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
Does the idea of a Catholic voting for the Union and going to a Northern Ireland football game make you shiver in dread?</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
If not, then what's your reason for not supporting some changes and a giving Loyalism a new lease of life?</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
What of this Bible based morality that you wish to entwine with Loyalism? Surely drunken behaviour, murderous songs and disrespecting the law are incompatible with Christian teachings?</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
Or do you intend to overlook those aspects?</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
Times have changed and it's now no longer just Nationalists who are against Loyalism, people like you are turning Protestants and Unionists against Loyalism too.</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
You're drawing a line in the sand that many can't cross and before you defiantly beat your chest and say that you don't need them, that a smaller group of determined people is better without dead-weight then please click on these links below:<br />
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You'll see what happened to a group of red, white and blue fleg loving non (anti?)-Catholics when they went against the wishes of their 'mainland' and what happened them at the hands of their numerically stronger Catholic neighbours (whom they pissed off at every opportunity despite pleads for co-operation) and how they preferred to stay within their 'Union' (Yugoslavia) even though the Union was clearly disintegrating:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF4ewOMN4xECDM_btnBZVdMbUly-JP2D5yhysMJwozaByzGb4oBJxHucbakrI2jdF3GlOVmdUyBvMG-7BdyDSMowRmphesZ4ub8iQ2QE_SWTEmtc09SeW76IVC16Xra863ExiztTzzSyQ/s1600/zastava_vezena.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF4ewOMN4xECDM_btnBZVdMbUly-JP2D5yhysMJwozaByzGb4oBJxHucbakrI2jdF3GlOVmdUyBvMG-7BdyDSMowRmphesZ4ub8iQ2QE_SWTEmtc09SeW76IVC16Xra863ExiztTzzSyQ/s320/zastava_vezena.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Storm<br />
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or indeed</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5KiiIT75mumU3NS6D_kB03O8CnMIHwpOMnx7mT1YqhUxgVv2E0jPOOWit94EwR6XEPF7zqYOMBMHI_CXDV7w55LVnBJQQdmpQFJFbTqv_lRBViihkzUR1lDS7Q-iLCPRa9dPcyT40quI/s1600/Krajina+exodus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5KiiIT75mumU3NS6D_kB03O8CnMIHwpOMnx7mT1YqhUxgVv2E0jPOOWit94EwR6XEPF7zqYOMBMHI_CXDV7w55LVnBJQQdmpQFJFbTqv_lRBViihkzUR1lDS7Q-iLCPRa9dPcyT40quI/s320/Krajina+exodus.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3-400 000 people fled to the 'mainland' in<br />
a single WEEK thanks to the narrow<br />
minded nationalism of their politicians</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
http://emperors-clothes.com/articles/elich/krajina.html</div>
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or</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-cnoVta7ju7ApU3E0iYmORKLq3kPRxDdllw_FPlbQ2hivXheQHmLaHl7biYAnfF8QmYp44snATr35Vlk97J9pTcyLgkjdU2tmuQpt9s7-UMHD3V-Q7DCnpre9IiR7zET-X3bZbdKCHwg/s1600/250px-Map_of_Republika_Srpska_Krajina.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-cnoVta7ju7ApU3E0iYmORKLq3kPRxDdllw_FPlbQ2hivXheQHmLaHl7biYAnfF8QmYp44snATr35Vlk97J9pTcyLgkjdU2tmuQpt9s7-UMHD3V-Q7DCnpre9IiR7zET-X3bZbdKCHwg/s1600/250px-Map_of_Republika_Srpska_Krajina.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Republic of the Serbian Krajina<br />
The area in red.<br />
Bigger than Northern Ireland.<br />
A self-declared partitionist state<br />
Many of their ancestors were 'planted' here to act as a military buffer<br />
Paranoid of Catholic majority due to bloody history & political fear mongering<br />
Defiant of international opinion and latterly their 'mainland' capital.<br />
Became an economic burden to its mainland state<br />
Wiped out in less than a week...<br />
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</tbody></table>
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
http://english.pravda.ru/world/europe/09-08-2010/114541-serbian_krajina-0/</div>
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<br />
Could lessons be learned?</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtBrLFwfFiDq-JQiaXh8tzChJu-a3bummeBptd7Un7EC-K9BTfjxghUoBnKfdTtBdVlwBDIwV3llOpmDX-hVoYfg2lVAoitZOxG_y0Zb-sLMgXqOxZmINKlBGjKLoZhPH3NDJcyV_DxRk/s1600/1389.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtBrLFwfFiDq-JQiaXh8tzChJu-a3bummeBptd7Un7EC-K9BTfjxghUoBnKfdTtBdVlwBDIwV3llOpmDX-hVoYfg2lVAoitZOxG_y0Zb-sLMgXqOxZmINKlBGjKLoZhPH3NDJcyV_DxRk/s320/1389.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1389: Battle of Kosovo, Serbia against the Ottomans</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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These guys love to celebrate battles from hundreds of years ago too...<br />
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Sound familiar?<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv6eYemKwoGma4DdUXVBaJY0lSE8S2xWrIhPjm82UF2lujTs6q6QnvGeuhymQZEBMfhoEO7D3kiXevYYS9y5R8rwzf8SAGaBBZB3UDsXYp_Mq0LFJy5BUsLTq-J__VnJ4eb5of77qIzEE/s1600/kosmain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv6eYemKwoGma4DdUXVBaJY0lSE8S2xWrIhPjm82UF2lujTs6q6QnvGeuhymQZEBMfhoEO7D3kiXevYYS9y5R8rwzf8SAGaBBZB3UDsXYp_Mq0LFJy5BUsLTq-J__VnJ4eb5of77qIzEE/s320/kosmain.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KOSOVO: Is to Serbs what the Siege of Derry is to Loyalists</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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They also have difficulty admitting that they don't control 'hallowed ground' anymore...<br />
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Sound familiar?<br />
<br />
It should be, for Jamie's rhetoric and visions are frighteningly similar to those of the Republic of the Serbian Krajina ("Krai-eena").<br />
<br />
And like the Republic of the Serbian Krajina he's on the overtly nationalistic, flag-covered, defiant, truth-denying, partisan road to destruction. And he (with others) will potentially take Northern Ireland with him.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI_e851VxvRL0VDc6UhCeD2PZSidylRFRjNuKG3N5lKJ_yghUwA6058Qy86JZCBBoWYJZdyITDljVtu0e0rFwxRn44LC3m3w5p8hmf6zTjGXx7A96qkgbM9uOc_gWDX-YDjiQ3_jgiCG0/s1600/11.-serbian-marching-band-1024x691.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI_e851VxvRL0VDc6UhCeD2PZSidylRFRjNuKG3N5lKJ_yghUwA6058Qy86JZCBBoWYJZdyITDljVtu0e0rFwxRn44LC3m3w5p8hmf6zTjGXx7A96qkgbM9uOc_gWDX-YDjiQ3_jgiCG0/s640/11.-serbian-marching-band-1024x691.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; text-align: start;">Belgrade Sons of William?</span></td></tr>
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Am Ghobsmachthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15333693607785579136noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4200060786761508433.post-74599907514238760862013-10-08T01:03:00.000-07:002013-10-09T20:11:48.377-07:00Jamie Bryson's Blueprint to Destroy Northern Ireland?<br />
I stumbled across Jamie Bryson's blog the other day.<br />
<br />
Methinks that I have deliberately given his blog and twitter account a wide berth as I (believe it or not) have things to do and don't need any more distractions to take me from my other thangs.<br />
<br />
However, this eye opener can't be left alone:<br />
<a href="http://jamiebryson.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/for-god-and-ulster-traditional-loyalism.html">http://jamiebryson.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/for-god-and-ulster-traditional-loyalism.html</a><br />
<br />
There's two ways of interpreting what he means:<br />
<br />
<b>a</b>/ The first option is that Loyalism needs to be further entwined with Protestantism.<br />
<br />
If this is what he means then it is a blueprint for the end of Northern Ireland.<br />
<br />
Simple.<br />
<br />
It rules out the theoretical possibility of 'Catholic Loyalists'.<br />
Contrast this to Republicanism which at least is 'theoretically' still open to Protestants (although bar the very odd exception it is pretty much a Protestant-free zone thanks to the IRA) and further reduces the chances of Catholic Unionists.<br />
<br />
Without Catholics voting for the Union then NI is toast.<br />
<br />
In theory some one who cherishes NI's place within the Union would do whatever it takes to preserve this position.<br />
<br />
'War', murder and mayhem get palmed off as necessary 'defence' for Northern Ireland.<br />
<br />
But making NI presentable to the taigs is a bridge too far; 'no' to admitting that the Ulster flag is unpalatable (and redundant as of the early '70's), 'no' to having an NI anthem at football games (it's deemed as 'de-Brit-ising' NI, but it's OK for the Commonwealth team to have an NI anthem, somehow), 'no' to having a flag-flying policy in line with most of the rest of the UK, 'no' to having a common sense approach to parades, 'no' to reducing drunkenness at parades...<br />
<br />
These are apparently unacceptable. Particularly because 'themuns' don't change anything.<br />
'Themuns' aren't in danger of losing their country thanks to shifting demographics...<br />
<br />
<br />
OR<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>b</b>/ Perhaps he means that Loyalism should adopt some old school Protestant principles.<br />
<br />
As much as I'm not religious I have to say that I can't disagree with this one.<br />
<br />
Let's explore some old school Protestant practices and their potential.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL-7kkjLzd7Vkgt1tYsZ5rPgg4tsbYzJCwNK9CFeyJp-ZklxIDU-F2OHC9fbdLmZTWWRFFJGqV9Sru_Q4qRpx4cgaBWNO2YQAvS1dzsaD3nmNgX69-0OPrwswzZJQGKb6Xl-ZeDKJJlqg/s1600/454px-Francis_Hutcheson_b1694.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL-7kkjLzd7Vkgt1tYsZ5rPgg4tsbYzJCwNK9CFeyJp-ZklxIDU-F2OHC9fbdLmZTWWRFFJGqV9Sru_Q4qRpx4cgaBWNO2YQAvS1dzsaD3nmNgX69-0OPrwswzZJQGKb6Xl-ZeDKJJlqg/s320/454px-Francis_Hutcheson_b1694.jpg" width="242" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old School Protestant: Francis Hutcheson. <br />
Ulster-Scot.<br />
Presbyterian. Philosopher. <br />
Father of Scottish Enlightenment.<br />
Icon of Liberals worldwide - LUNDY!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Respect for the House of God</b> - Now, I'm sure that in the eyes of many Loyalists Catholic chapels are not considered true houses of God.<br />
However, it's never been fully explained to me how playing extra-loudly when marching past them, urinating on them or even just stopping and playing outside them at all is necessary to the survival of Loyalism.<br />
<br />
All Loyalist bands take rests on parades.<br />
How much of a loss would it be to make chapels the designated rest points for bands?<br />
The flutists can catch their breath back for a wee minute.<br />
No one loses.<br />
<br />
How many Catholics have been converted to Protestantism by hearing bands march past their church while worshipers on the inside can't hear any part of the christening or confirmation?<br />
<br />
Are they likely to think "Man, can they not just back off for a few minutes" or are they likely to think "I have seen the light!"?<br />
<br />
The Protestant appetite for proselytising has waned somewhat, they seemingly want Catholics to convert neither to Protestantism nor Unionism.<br />
<br />
Or at least that is the impression one would get from the Belfast OO and various Loyalist groups.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSOB8wfkz427lrDLrAFhEPb2GEtPjP3tGA9IIAHrv8TO2wEtPMsyQLVu_usmMcOhBenkj6XmmzBF9BSY_OlJsqrIb0TJETGZVo3yUtE7RxbrFbp3byFB-LVYVRs-WM3gGt2KGerZPoP2w/s1600/5069_Carson-Edward-Henry-Baron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSOB8wfkz427lrDLrAFhEPb2GEtPjP3tGA9IIAHrv8TO2wEtPMsyQLVu_usmMcOhBenkj6XmmzBF9BSY_OlJsqrIb0TJETGZVo3yUtE7RxbrFbp3byFB-LVYVRs-WM3gGt2KGerZPoP2w/s1600/5069_Carson-Edward-Henry-Baron.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old School Protestant: Edward Carson.<br />
Father of Northern Ireland.<br />
Leader of Anti-Home Rule movement<br />
A co-founder of the UVF<br />
Spoke Irish - LUNDY!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<b>Sobriety</b> - If the OO, bandsmen and various Loyalists were to insist upon sobriety at parades, festivities and protests then life in NI would be different.<br />
<br />
11th night bonfires would be less intimidating.<br />
Same for many of the marches.<br />
It would give the OO's stance that it is a religious organisation some credibility.<br />
Families at 'the field' would be less intimidated by louts and a better day out could be had by them (families, not the louts, they'd be rather miffed I imagine).<br />
The potential for violence would be much reduced.<br />
As would the credibility for anti-OO protests. To reduce drunkenness, violence and intimidating behaviour would be to rob 'residents groups' of their chief arguments.<br />
<br />
As a consequence there would be less images of 'Loyalist bad guys' beamed around the world.<br />
<br />
Not to mention less ammunition for satirical publications and web pages.<br />
<br />
Why give them so much ammunition so freely?<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN9ke_rWb9Mp3dXL0DQrKw9_1Pezukwwlw5ErHHOu3B5wotByzaQv4-UY8B4k5NlqjlLbaSBLDC8WxQBsLFT_thgfur4H3I5_wJezCuxkUPjL9Dn5wkkvDQIDMs-1eqa-RBz6AjARoIeQ/s1600/Blair+Mayne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN9ke_rWb9Mp3dXL0DQrKw9_1Pezukwwlw5ErHHOu3B5wotByzaQv4-UY8B4k5NlqjlLbaSBLDC8WxQBsLFT_thgfur4H3I5_wJezCuxkUPjL9Dn5wkkvDQIDMs-1eqa-RBz6AjARoIeQ/s1600/Blair+Mayne.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old School Protestant: Lt Col Blair Mayne<br />
SAS hero in WWII<br />
Irish rugby player<br />
Legend<br />
Loved Irish culture - LUNDY!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
If Jamie is indeed calling for a more 'Protestant' attitude to Loyalism by taking in the above points then I for one would welcome it.<br />
<br />
As would liberals, Catholics, the Police, the Media, the British Government and indeed most people in Northern Ireland.<br />
<br />
He may not be calling for sobriety and civilised behaviour in which case I would ask him to expand on his points.<br />
But, if this is what he is suggesting and calling for then it begs a question.<br />
<br />
IF THAT IS WHAT YOU ARE CALLING FOR THEN WHY DO YOU AND OTHERS HAVE A HISSY FIT EVERY TIME PEOPLE ATTACK LOYALISM FOR THESE VERY UNDESIRABLE TRAITS?<br />
<br />
My own suspicion for such a contradictory standpoint is the old 'Loyalist filter'.<br />
<br />
I used to have one too.<br />
<br />
It's a mechanism in the brain that ignores everything some one says if they are deemed to be critical of any aspect of Loyalism, Unionism or Protestantism.<br />
<br />
It has no sense of perspective and will not take into consideration the background, standing, intelligence, loyalty or CV of the accuser; once they have spoken their Lundy-like words will be re-arranged into a format that is easier to digest and throw back.<br />
<br />
<b>For example:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Catholic resident on marching route:</b> "Lads, I have no problem with ye's having yer big day and all that, but do you have to play the Billy Boys, piss up against my wall and take pleasure in letting on-lookers call my weans fenian bastards as they're playing in the garden? Plus I don't much appreciate that UVF fleg on the lamp-post, they killed my cousin..."<br />
<br />
*PUT THROUGH LOYALIST FILTER*<br />
<br />
Interpreted as: "I hate you Proddy bastards and want to see you driven into the sea. You have no right to be in this land and we'll be waiting to strike in the night like it's 1641..."<br />
<br />
HENCE TYPICAL RESPONSE:<br />
<br />
"You were able to tolerate 30 years of IRA murder and ethnic cleansing of my people and now you want to strip us of what we have left!? Why can't you just respect our culture and right to march??!!"<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDgULQAnqAqnVdi0wy4fsNOAQZgqtYeUblU0qfa6yXZDBdbmptjP_DHxEik2QtD-IhGxC1UBWpL34pwLWER3HeSjrtsNID6YHLu0oiIJTG8HYXrjLUeLjJpa5X_li7TlqX4SRTxr4APDU/s1600/HJmcCrac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDgULQAnqAqnVdi0wy4fsNOAQZgqtYeUblU0qfa6yXZDBdbmptjP_DHxEik2QtD-IhGxC1UBWpL34pwLWER3HeSjrtsNID6YHLu0oiIJTG8HYXrjLUeLjJpa5X_li7TlqX4SRTxr4APDU/s1600/HJmcCrac.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old School Protestant: Henry Joy-McCracken<br />
Presbyterian<br />
Libertarian<br />
Rebel leader - LUNDY!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Ordinary NI citizen with non-partisan points of view: </b>"Chaps, do ye's have to put up so many flags? Come winter time they look like crap and they don't make any sense. Why's there an independence flag beside a Union flag? That's a contradiction. And WTF the Israel flag? Did they not used to send British soldiers home in body bags?"<br />
<br />
*PUT THROUGH LOYALIST FILTER*<br />
<br />
Interpreted as: "Being as some one who does not participate in marching (anymore) I have done the only plausible thing for anyone to do which is to inexplicably turn into a lundy and pursue a vindictive campaign against loyalist culture as I'm sensitive as to how the fenians feel.<br />
It is the only path to take because as far as loyalism is concerned 'you are either with us or against us' and as I have voiced an opinion different to yours I must therefore be against you."<br />
<br />
HENCE TYPICAL RESPONSE:<br />
<br />
"You liberal types are the cancer that has created this mess in the first place! By trying to please every one you have robbed loyalism of its pride. Your weakness will spell doom for Ulster! Vile traitor! Lundy!"<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDZy_Pmq6MC6k21KuWXlh1jO43jRpMnhlbrq0NTXYOgdNwcE2tBAEbT4e4N7E9vQmEHOMUAfVBgcRjCCDDYWp5UFYtbqO4EvHsZdVTDLGu9wjNlw8-IYEFfH3jrzarkpynwwDkOkG-B4g/s1600/wellington.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDZy_Pmq6MC6k21KuWXlh1jO43jRpMnhlbrq0NTXYOgdNwcE2tBAEbT4e4N7E9vQmEHOMUAfVBgcRjCCDDYWp5UFYtbqO4EvHsZdVTDLGu9wjNlw8-IYEFfH3jrzarkpynwwDkOkG-B4g/s1600/wellington.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old School Protestant: Arthur Wellesley<br />
1st Duke of Wellington<br />
Leader of Allied armies at Waterloo<br />
Hero of British Empire<br />
Oversaw Catholic emancipation<br />
Valued his Catholic Irish soldiers - LUNDY!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<b>Local business owner whose business is adversely affected by a particular parade: </b>"Is there anyway we could arrange things so that people aren't intimidated and don't head off to Dublin/The Canary islands for a couple of weeks? Or even just have a good vibe for tourists? Things are hard mate, Belfast's rates are ridiculous and the landlord bought this building during the boom and has a big mortgage to pay off so I have to cough up the dough, plus I've protection money on top of that..."<br />
<br />
*PUT THROUGH LOYALIST FILTER*<br />
<br />
Interpreted as: "I don't care how much money your stupid parade brings into the city. According to the Newsletter it is <span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 16px;">£</span>5 000 000 000 billion but I don't care such is my hatred for your culture and religion. Even though I may or may not be a Protestant and/or Unionist. Take your charity parade else where for I shall feed my children on hatred of you alone and shall pay my rent and rates from a special secret trust fund created by the IRA and their American friends"<br />
<br />
HENCE TYPICAL RESPONSE:<br />
<br />
"Months of hard work and discipline go into the creating of this parade and you ingrates are so blinded by hatred and greed that you would see us march in a ghetto just so you can sell coffee and wine to liberals and homosexuals! Just give our culture respect and you will see it is inclusive! Why must you hate so much!"<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3kRO1n5mQTsSDQBE_DgYjE6RSkGQ9460aej7bgCxYyYkvgD6ux51djo-WNhyphenhyphenJuHgb06gFWVuDYbGjBFgVJ_W0yWbzgn7QO10tfoERaTgLtRD6tq_nVDKAoQRbYUM6GPp8JQfJRnsLEs/s1600/lundy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3kRO1n5mQTsSDQBE_DgYjE6RSkGQ9460aej7bgCxYyYkvgD6ux51djo-WNhyphenhyphenJuHgb06gFWVuDYbGjBFgVJ_W0yWbzgn7QO10tfoERaTgLtRD6tq_nVDKAoQRbYUM6GPp8JQfJRnsLEs/s320/lundy.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Robert Lundy<br />
Cleared by Parliament of treachery<br />
Hero of Battle of Almansa, 1707<br />
Thought Derry was indefensible and was suspected of loyalty to his unfairly deposed British king - LUNDY!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<b>Psychologist: </b>"You do understand that if you removed offensive symbols such as UDA flags from parades and stopped playing songs that advocate sectarian murder then it's less likely that people will take offense? While you're at it, the inconsistent messages given by current practices at NI football games make it a cold house for Catholics and give them even less incentive to support NI football team"<br />
<br />
*PUT THROUGH LOYALIST FILTER*<br />
<br />
Interpreted as: "A United Ireland would be much easier for us to achieve if you removed certain symbols. They act as magical talismans against unification and are the only thing holding back the papist plot to over throw Ulster"<br />
<br />
HENCE TYPICAL RESPONSE: "You wish to strip us of our Britishness!"<br />
<br />
<br />
Quite simply, you're either with us or you're a Republican.<br />
<br />
There is seemingly no middle ground.<br />
<br />
Needless to say such a wacky digital view of the world has made us a topic of ridicule, a great example is that of Harry 'The Provo' Enfield with his William Ulsterman sketch:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEsFtiruIok">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEsFtiruIok</a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnbUjcZNDxu2PVJhW4LF8KWOdwWoVFtDbpbVo768pjlLyeEXY3QOIklc6D2ZbkO09yytN36Zsmw4XcjIaYYnf5AAToUPoSLlCUY6oMlr8TlwuV4i3x8leg92-zjQW3iPpHAXnoImqpBuk/s1600/William+Ulsterman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnbUjcZNDxu2PVJhW4LF8KWOdwWoVFtDbpbVo768pjlLyeEXY3QOIklc6D2ZbkO09yytN36Zsmw4XcjIaYYnf5AAToUPoSLlCUY6oMlr8TlwuV4i3x8leg92-zjQW3iPpHAXnoImqpBuk/s320/William+Ulsterman.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">William Ulsterman: More reasonable than a real Ulsterman...<br />
LUNDY!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
If Jamie sincerely wishes to bring a Godly inspired sense of discipline, respect and sobriety to Loyalism like the days of old (such is the perception) then this would be a great thing for all, except for perhaps some Republicans and people who love to take the piss out of Loyalism.<br />
<br />
But then maybe some Republicans will start to react accordingly and satirists will bring their cross-hairs to bear on them to fill the vacuum.<br />
But in the meantime, hard-line Loyalists are hogging the limelight with their contradictory messages, imagery, fleggery and violence and as such are low-hanging fruit that quite frankly deserve ridicule<br />
<br />
First of all, if Jamie can whip everyone in Twaddell into shape, free from loyalist dogma & hypocrisy then he might be destined for the history books as a figure for good as opposed to fodder for comedy material.<br />
<br />
Over to you Jamie<br />
<br />
<br />Am Ghobsmachthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15333693607785579136noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4200060786761508433.post-12435576494352445212013-09-28T00:04:00.000-07:002013-09-29T18:17:40.399-07:00The Truth Please. The Old School Straight Talkin' Protestant Truth<br />
<br />
There is a pastime in Northern Ireland that involves going through the history books and excavating every little bone of evidence that shows how different we Ulstermen are.<br />
<br />
As a rule, people of a Catholic background just cut to the chase and regard themselves as Irish, leaving the Ulster room vacant for others to occupy.<br />
<br />
As such, it is fair to assume that anyone who introduces himself as an Ulsterman is likely to be a Protestant Unionist.<br />
<br />
To be fair, I understand this. I don't necessarily agree with it (in the context of "NO! I'm not Irish! I'm from Ulster!") but I see where it comes from.<br />
<br />
If you've grown up watching people who have killed your friends, family, neighbours (or at least tried to) take pride in their IRISH(!) identity then that which they cherish most could be turned by the machinations of spite into that which you hate the most.<br />
i.e. If it's good enough for Gerry it's certainly worthy of contempt.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-kMMTBYrUHAHQ9dUS9wTNb5KjqQcnwCQPbuxoTXEm47gBepp69TmyYiBxZb1blX-WiAH3hpF2bQU2zM8V4apj3fdsmtjcR-DS_KDxZzCmcSysNYlXwg_m-u1QvyDmPQaWOr7S30g2VE/s1600/carson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-kMMTBYrUHAHQ9dUS9wTNb5KjqQcnwCQPbuxoTXEm47gBepp69TmyYiBxZb1blX-WiAH3hpF2bQU2zM8V4apj3fdsmtjcR-DS_KDxZzCmcSysNYlXwg_m-u1QvyDmPQaWOr7S30g2VE/s1600/carson.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Irishman</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2KwFOhXSBwN9qyId29NO6B0v_lqf4foPMHDs-rW5n7y9gV7p__Vqun4Bv-kPNnsle8EnxsWTq8m5soVAsw3EDer8Tz5bNqMPKx4isEFyFDh8S4_6H6mTTnCc78ExNIkjIB6W38FYRrxg/s1600/gerry+adams+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2KwFOhXSBwN9qyId29NO6B0v_lqf4foPMHDs-rW5n7y9gV7p__Vqun4Bv-kPNnsle8EnxsWTq8m5soVAsw3EDer8Tz5bNqMPKx4isEFyFDh8S4_6H6mTTnCc78ExNIkjIB6W38FYRrxg/s1600/gerry+adams+2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Irish man (Ulsterman)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCDB0055165Ey6MSLIhQxZn77pgJjrw34jUApV9wIMojoInhtj8qq4N-ozHaW78bKr0qAOorP6RYIZKI9wMi2yT1U-0ddA5_E94a6RiA55ZscXzVNsiLbtgIzz6CBUCOXx2SI4sL0wWVo/s1600/gerry+kelly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCDB0055165Ey6MSLIhQxZn77pgJjrw34jUApV9wIMojoInhtj8qq4N-ozHaW78bKr0qAOorP6RYIZKI9wMi2yT1U-0ddA5_E94a6RiA55ZscXzVNsiLbtgIzz6CBUCOXx2SI4sL0wWVo/s1600/gerry+kelly.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Irish man (Ulsterman)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ohLzdbO9L0GjO8AcAH-LrQsd_1GTsWeCFCx9hZ89a054xeS1skSevTpBMuv6qh9F1BcSa1D_ci5ioVDiJZrNXH4-w8aMCHG1GcRBXcJjRbOcnuvZ8uPV5gxcyiOb3_dR3ekGrq-y63s/s1600/paisley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ohLzdbO9L0GjO8AcAH-LrQsd_1GTsWeCFCx9hZ89a054xeS1skSevTpBMuv6qh9F1BcSa1D_ci5ioVDiJZrNXH4-w8aMCHG1GcRBXcJjRbOcnuvZ8uPV5gxcyiOb3_dR3ekGrq-y63s/s320/paisley.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ulsterman (Irish man)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
So from this tragic version of 'Simon Says' we have a cultural demarcation. "If Mr X is Irish then I'm the polar opposite", in the ironic case of Northern Ireland, the perceived idea of the polar opposite is the identity that has been intertwined with Irish identity for centuries, British.<br />
<br />
During the lifetime of the Empire dual nationalities were a common theme if not a necessity. Nearly everyone was British (some more British than others, as is still the case today) so everyone had to have another label, be it Irish, Scottish, Bengali, Australian, Gujarati... (even Ghandi was a proud Brit for a while and James Joyce never ever owned an Irish passport...)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYVlC0w6vg42OgUcHK_nYxqNOs9DLiooWgGHACPPwlxQ9tb6yuY7fdQnifGpUzotTJXxbRuT56C2a68_1hnW2I2Ha1i-QAPJB3-nTNwYoWq0qDbBUQkSOFbu2Z1mgHJRM8SXf50PW31EE/s1600/ghandi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYVlC0w6vg42OgUcHK_nYxqNOs9DLiooWgGHACPPwlxQ9tb6yuY7fdQnifGpUzotTJXxbRuT56C2a68_1hnW2I2Ha1i-QAPJB3-nTNwYoWq0qDbBUQkSOFbu2Z1mgHJRM8SXf50PW31EE/s1600/ghandi.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ghandi: Formerly a proud Brit (not an Ulsterman)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
After the painful severance of Ireland and the UK this dual mask was discarded. Although picked up in the North by some, it rotted and festered with each passing year.<br />
With each political convulsion that passed the mask weakened accordingly. It would seem that the death blow was dealt when the troubles kicked off.<br />
Another great irony of Northern Ireland, that the Provos' campaign to 'free' Ireland from the British resulted in the sudden appearance (conversion?) of hundreds of thousands of Brits where previously there had only been Irishmen.<br />
<br />
Since then we have staggered along tightly embracing our identities, conveniently hacking off the parts that where too similar to the other sort. The taigs get Irish music, the huns get lambegs and decent marching bands. Nationalists get the Gaelic games and the Unionists do as the British do and stick with rugby and football, thank you very much.<br />
The nationalists get the Gaelic languages so any Protestant who understands leprechaun-speak must keep their head down and officially no longer exist. Historical significance be damned. As for you lol. 1303, well, look how you ended up...<br />
<br />
The fact that most of these elements were shared within living memory matters not a jot, it's all about sticking to the ideas of identity that have been salvaged from the rubbish tip of Imperial Ireland.<br />
<br />
What may have facilitated this demarcation was a particularly Northern trait, one inherited from Scottish settlers (or so I imagine), that of straight talking.<br />
I've fallen afoul of it numerous times in my teenage years. Aspirations, dreams and plans have all suffered the inevitable fall to earth after a small word from an elder relative or neighbour.<br />
<br />
At least one knows where one stands with an Ulster Presbyterian.<br />
<br />
Or at least one did.<br />
<br />
Now they're more vague.<br />
<br />
Despite repeated questions about why drunken unchristian behaviour is tolerated so much in SOME OO events (and related events) the straight talking becomes awkward zig-zagging, ducking and back tracking.<br />
<br />
There has been a flurry of internet activity in Northern Irish political circles since the dawn of Willie Frazer and Jamie Bryson.<br />
<br />
Willie, understandably has an axe to grind and all things considered I can't blame him. I haven't suffered a fraction of what he suffered. Indeed, the teenage Willie Frazer is ironically a blue print for an ideal of how Northern Ireland could be; a Northern Irish Protestant with a military family background who plays GAA games with no insecurities about his political or religious allegiance.<br />
<br />
However, the IRA did what they say they needed to do and Willie's life trajectory changed accordingly.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAuDON9qnmRmaGxA-_rwy-sN-WW4Zvhkrkz0Nls-OfclXhJ5OLfu1NlxUKtn7gpRTNlfJRIKATk712ySZF7wcmbu0GiOHCPhlecDLfCMy0l_fqD3TfxQO_Re6Eer7lfeskLUj7rUUn5RU/s1600/_66135929_frazer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAuDON9qnmRmaGxA-_rwy-sN-WW4Zvhkrkz0Nls-OfclXhJ5OLfu1NlxUKtn7gpRTNlfJRIKATk712ySZF7wcmbu0GiOHCPhlecDLfCMy0l_fqD3TfxQO_Re6Eer7lfeskLUj7rUUn5RU/s1600/_66135929_frazer.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Willie Frazer: What could have been...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I myself have a go at Willie now and again as I believe his retro mash-up version of unionism that comprises of imperial era Unionist sloganeering & imagery, fear mongering and fleggery (not to mention a spot of Islamophobia) is doomed to steer mainstream unionism further right when it needs to be not only going left, but doing a U-turn, backing up 100 miles and then just hanging around for a while.<br />
With his way unionism will go the way of Protestant Belfast's most famous export (the Titanic, keep up ffs).<br />
<br />
By far and away the most articulate, creative, funny and indeed inspirational critic of Willie's silliness is Loyalists Against Democracy (if you're reading this then you've definitely heard of them, unless you've made a Google error...).<br />
<br />
Recently they published a piece by Brian John Spencer, a writer, artist, banjo enthusiast, contributor to sluggerotoole.com and God knows what else.<br />
<br />
<br />
It is a fantastic piece that is peppered with frustration at the caricature that Loyalism and indeed Unionism has become.<br />
<br />
As such, I saw a criticism of this piece.<br />
<br />
What struck me was the formulaic fashion of the criticism: "(he is) <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">intolerant to the fact that parades are not all about drunk yobs but they provide a positive role in communities"</span><br />
<br />
Not a mention on the points of the blog. No. What BJS DIDN'T say out weighs his criticism. He has no capital to pay for his argument as he had no disclaimer.<br />
<br />
This is not an isolated example, Northern Irish politics and debates are so infused with deflective arguments and defensiveness that the term 'whataboutery' was coined.<br />
<br />
So, without further ado and whataboutery, I shall offer some criticisms to Unionism and I say this as someone who has grown up in their orange nursery:<br />
As a baby and toddler I was taken to parades, as a teenager I joined a pipe then flute band, walked with the Order in the years outwith that period, painted the Orange hall as a summer job, had a cassette collection of flute band tapes (like many teenagers my first purchase was 'Blood and Thunder'- Pride of the Village, Belfast).<br />
Hardly a CV that will have the powers-that-be in Schomberg House cancel their lunches but certainly one that shows I know how they think. Or at least thought.<br />
<br />
I am forlorn at the death of the straight talkin' Protestant and the subsequent frustration that has been borne from the unanswered questions posed by liberal types, rebels and Lundys alike.<br />
<br />
So, in the fashion hinted at by the critic of BJS, I shall attach an unnecessary disclaimer and acknowledgement to each question/criticism to alleviate myself of any notion of ignorance.<br />
<br />
1/ The 12th.<br />
I know that the 12th is supposed to be a family day out. It is an endearing sight to all those in the community who will see 3/4 generations of the same family walk (or travel by hired cars) in the lodge together. Octogenarians with 5 year olds and all those of the generations in between. It's difficult to see the malice in such a picture.<br />
Add to this the religious aspects of worship at 'the Field', the community efforts involved in keeping the lodges and bands fed and watered and the satisfaction of a job well done (especially as the rural lodges will be sacrificing productive hay baling time), well, it's easy to see why they would take resentment in such criticism of a rural idealistic picture, a picture of family interaction and sobriety.<br />
<br />
I remember it all fondly.<br />
<br />
What I don't fondly cherish is nearly being done in at a Glasgow 12th by a drunkard for 'looking too fenian'. I don't fondly cherish the memory of seeing a shaven headed young man in Belfast drunkenly staggering about with blood spurting from his head.<br />
That's not how it's supposed to be.<br />
I don't fondly like the atmosphere of Belfast city centre on the 12th. It is in stark contrast to that OTHER Orangefest, the jovial Orange day in the Netherlands when they celebrate their monarch's birthday. Properly and without affront<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPdHl7QXPfuV4SF68_B8ZSWDGYUHuzUCwBe-Y9F2TdbEhr1B4LCRldSbzZxFNqFCyOIx1zNUM1I6cgGd3EreK46E4pu0iMqajYqCjGRuZfL5a_LMFDSdisTo8iJK_XwyMIMqgreW3dUdM/s1600/dutch_queens_day_koninginnedag_pinback_button-r585c6e5b43c340238004961f8e9e2f81_x7j3i_8byvr_324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPdHl7QXPfuV4SF68_B8ZSWDGYUHuzUCwBe-Y9F2TdbEhr1B4LCRldSbzZxFNqFCyOIx1zNUM1I6cgGd3EreK46E4pu0iMqajYqCjGRuZfL5a_LMFDSdisTo8iJK_XwyMIMqgreW3dUdM/s200/dutch_queens_day_koninginnedag_pinback_button-r585c6e5b43c340238004961f8e9e2f81_x7j3i_8byvr_324.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red. White. Blue. Crown. Sound familiar?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxedpW0-Kxe0gvHcOxqYZhYwcINiVupLYsd7RmQiSCxBOmwBfSS-_ICznlqKe9wYUjA3thhxtjXjVPbZFwRMLVmwgvnEN-VP0mB5gpmSfBQehOQ0g1K70ACYUEUVv6iOdh31OFB1HoP3s/s1600/KD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxedpW0-Kxe0gvHcOxqYZhYwcINiVupLYsd7RmQiSCxBOmwBfSS-_ICznlqKe9wYUjA3thhxtjXjVPbZFwRMLVmwgvnEN-VP0mB5gpmSfBQehOQ0g1K70ACYUEUVv6iOdh31OFB1HoP3s/s320/KD.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Dutch version of 'the Field'</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj648rnvKbHNqwHvdolRFsEmsHKSZZDP9meTkdEszFRwkYLvQND4yUnNJFwJnGAOoNEU2t7jkIMUeQBFdFa14gasU3sjWk0aI50BiOwLugnwicQFOcL6GMVDVnH28EskmNhsKcZ0bXiUaU/s1600/KDgirls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj648rnvKbHNqwHvdolRFsEmsHKSZZDP9meTkdEszFRwkYLvQND4yUnNJFwJnGAOoNEU2t7jkIMUeQBFdFa14gasU3sjWk0aI50BiOwLugnwicQFOcL6GMVDVnH28EskmNhsKcZ0bXiUaU/s320/KDgirls.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orangefest, Dutch style</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUUbSRPMmmU3a0vKFa0273J_-yzCA5bHGdLsH8JAkGu7-jbpa9jr9YCtCdK9QFAVctyIJWLvRwOqXZYL2d7wJYfP5FZ3VZDiYjEZ9y2f1ovOJ6uoXDSS4aSjjsIY37tFsQFsyFSd0j_Qc/s1600/KDposter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUUbSRPMmmU3a0vKFa0273J_-yzCA5bHGdLsH8JAkGu7-jbpa9jr9YCtCdK9QFAVctyIJWLvRwOqXZYL2d7wJYfP5FZ3VZDiYjEZ9y2f1ovOJ6uoXDSS4aSjjsIY37tFsQFsyFSd0j_Qc/s320/KDposter.jpg" width="219" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqUiP9MiSb9PTZElNgLOuxJQhotrX8yTk7uCarnwbsMH6tquP5VZKk7hnOOhaPtXyCg_KzAV6OTGdzcTVJ5aTgBZt1dj_YADKHOAk2OeVuC-Xc8ONeHynQZzK21kgjDh-nN0BSAmFV3FA/s1600/Koninginnedag2007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqUiP9MiSb9PTZElNgLOuxJQhotrX8yTk7uCarnwbsMH6tquP5VZKk7hnOOhaPtXyCg_KzAV6OTGdzcTVJ5aTgBZt1dj_YADKHOAk2OeVuC-Xc8ONeHynQZzK21kgjDh-nN0BSAmFV3FA/s320/Koninginnedag2007.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NOT the River Lagan</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbiZ9WKIpHW3gspRuOL3iL6QDiU_xGaoAWSPQGCp6eVA1q6d0Vb0FyW9jx1P2naFjqBt2s0MdiysN8fpqiSXZVd4l90FTM0DkhCaAltpbfNEh7-gaTaQk9bafm3XGAwl45E7LrZNGvqQA/s1600/Koninginnedag-Netherlands+boats+and+dye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbiZ9WKIpHW3gspRuOL3iL6QDiU_xGaoAWSPQGCp6eVA1q6d0Vb0FyW9jx1P2naFjqBt2s0MdiysN8fpqiSXZVd4l90FTM0DkhCaAltpbfNEh7-gaTaQk9bafm3XGAwl45E7LrZNGvqQA/s1600/Koninginnedag-Netherlands+boats+and+dye.jpg" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTjBijNWlvn-e1KbA3tzIEMwEEsf8j2Vblk_X_8j9t4JU1xOvFGcFQV2herx2H38szvBHeJ8tGxPHTtJO0wek5zUip-tnpIk8FxsE_lhZAUMmwpvfPuv8dw2lxvgbNNdpJLiyBIpjpacE/s1600/Koninginnedag-Netherlands-420x0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTjBijNWlvn-e1KbA3tzIEMwEEsf8j2Vblk_X_8j9t4JU1xOvFGcFQV2herx2H38szvBHeJ8tGxPHTtJO0wek5zUip-tnpIk8FxsE_lhZAUMmwpvfPuv8dw2lxvgbNNdpJLiyBIpjpacE/s320/Koninginnedag-Netherlands-420x0.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Queen Beatrix. Their Queen participates!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix2rZe1pW11M28hT-U4BcbXrMh-ysd_VEsz3PA_JM2PU2yJgOF3qVHm74UpzTlHbjriXYAu4rDbxBShzOvTCrthyQW-qPRiknAQ79UWmyol8lex7X-4hTfKuB_f2cvqqvf-2IujWualq8/s1600/Koninginnedag-Queen%E2%80%99s-Day-Netherlands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix2rZe1pW11M28hT-U4BcbXrMh-ysd_VEsz3PA_JM2PU2yJgOF3qVHm74UpzTlHbjriXYAu4rDbxBShzOvTCrthyQW-qPRiknAQ79UWmyol8lex7X-4hTfKuB_f2cvqqvf-2IujWualq8/s320/Koninginnedag-Queen%E2%80%99s-Day-Netherlands.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not an inflatable Union Flag hammer in sight...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCuZ0VrPyOD-B13Nxo8gk7YBodtHi_VxDPkm7JZqEDU7ITUGlT80cqCCjYRKkNsSrBQeatxgpps2Qfe2BcW-3eo59zoGAaBCvALMSPtXeNcbSgNArRn3vl4z-kSzrJN1tJjr3_jjb6fUU/s1600/Orangemen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCuZ0VrPyOD-B13Nxo8gk7YBodtHi_VxDPkm7JZqEDU7ITUGlT80cqCCjYRKkNsSrBQeatxgpps2Qfe2BcW-3eo59zoGAaBCvALMSPtXeNcbSgNArRn3vl4z-kSzrJN1tJjr3_jjb6fUU/s1600/Orangemen.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orangemen.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_aBR0A8uoFDGNTZ4s8gNFZpH64o8V2TMtwdcPPxfN21UpEzC_I1f2uFs-gjf0hLfOx2KcWRZFvEUHO64CSzmiB1ZKsd62yMaHpoldaCZ6XAUTlgxBIPX0UnAtDpowcVbPzqDurSWRdVY/s1600/shutterstock_57336529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_aBR0A8uoFDGNTZ4s8gNFZpH64o8V2TMtwdcPPxfN21UpEzC_I1f2uFs-gjf0hLfOx2KcWRZFvEUHO64CSzmiB1ZKsd62yMaHpoldaCZ6XAUTlgxBIPX0UnAtDpowcVbPzqDurSWRdVY/s320/shutterstock_57336529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bunting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And before you blame the disparity on 'themuns' please be<br />
aware that the majority of Christians in the Netherlands are Roman Catholics and not by a small margin either, greater by some two million souls or there abouts.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Given the contempt with which some God fearing Ulster Protestants hold the 'liberal and morally loose' Dutch is it not a delicious irony the differing levels of drunkeness, violence and public disorder between the two Orangefests?<br />
And that the moral looseness of NI's (minority of) drunken followers and hangers on is forgiven if they make their way to support the next place of contentious parading and civil disobedience against the state?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
All that L.A.D, BJS and other 'unprincipled liberals' ask is why then is the drunkeness and bitterness at SOME (not ALL) parades tolerated at all let alone NOT clamped down on?<br />
<br />
"A bit of crack" doesn't sell.<br />
These parades are organised.<br />
The have direction, procedures and people to complain to.<br />
There is a hierarchy.<br />
Yet the drunkenness continues unchallenged.<br />
No one will be reprimanded for singing "what shall we do with the fenian bastard".<br />
<br />
A lodge full of Christians can be seen walking behind a band that flies the name/colours/standard of a group that used to actively hunt and kill people.<br />
Why is this tolerated?<br />
Are Christian principles satisfied?<br />
<br />
Sometimes a defence will start with the enfeebled words of "but themuns do..."<br />
<br />
Since when did independently minded Protestants start acting in accordance with an inferior guide to morality? Is the Bible no longer good enough? Has the word of God been replaced with "well, Paddy did this so we can do that..."?<br />
<br />
Why is there never an official release from the Orange Order or indeed unofficial releases from lodges, Protestant groups and bands explaining exactly why the drunken aspect (that clashes with Christian principles and a family atmosphere) is tolerated?<br />
<br />
Why are there no (or at least very few) directives from above declaring that there will be punishments for any one/band/lodge found guilty of sectarian singing or chanting?<br />
<br />
The great 'get out of jail free card' of what 'themuns' do is always lurking in the background ready to suffocate any chance of a decent debate as demonstrated by OrangeMOPE Jamie Bryson who recently stated that the song 'the Billy Boys' is no more offensive than 'the Fields of Athenry'.<br />
What the inarticulate cretin could have said to give his argument 'some' substance was that when considered from a binary aspect of offensive - non-offensive then both songs are unappealing/offensive to people on the 'other side of the fence'.<br />
<br />
What he ignores is the implication of sectarian murder in the Billy Boys 'hidden' in the lines "we're up to our necks in fenian blood..." (either it implies murder and killing or a ghastly unexplained event that has come to pass in a Catholic blood bank).<br />
The fields of Athenry contain no such inferences.<br />
<br />
However, from Jamie's point of view, an offensive song is an offensive song is an offensive song and that's that.<br />
There are no levels of offensiveness, it is only digital.<br />
How he can be so digital when the song he defends openly celebrates sectarian murder I don't know but I imagine that he is not alone in that regard.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV8ttO8SgP_vErR3zjQoGFm8z4fCDae3MH5zINAj5zC87v2S8fx0L1pho6PpF3W3woaj0jUFEJT-Ef3Y4SlGKotawNVyFe9r2_M2WDVKOjV0dKDYGWxtxZb8ESiL7MWY8C6AOCUvQPeUg/s1600/mascot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV8ttO8SgP_vErR3zjQoGFm8z4fCDae3MH5zINAj5zC87v2S8fx0L1pho6PpF3W3woaj0jUFEJT-Ef3Y4SlGKotawNVyFe9r2_M2WDVKOjV0dKDYGWxtxZb8ESiL7MWY8C6AOCUvQPeUg/s320/mascot.jpg" width="226" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jamie Brysom: Downhill ever since this peak...</td></tr>
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<br />
A great source of deflection for the controversy surrounding OO parades is the GAA. Although never officially admitted would one be unfair by concluding that the OO et al feel they have no case to answer until themuns (the GAA) 'get their house in order' (as in make it more inviting to people of a Protestant and Unionist background)?<br />
<br />
Again, why do Christians have to wait on some one else to act before they set to the task of enforcing their own principles?<br />
<br />
Also, if one looks at the trends over the years it would imply that in 100 years there'll be hardly any Orangemen left and the GAA will be huge. So why do the GAA have to do anything? From their point of view they have time on their side. And IF making changes in the GAA results in a stronger Orange Order then why would they bother changing anything?<br />
Is it in their interest to see a stronger Orange Order?<br />
So, perhaps the OO should use a bit of initiative and NOT wait on themuns to 'do something' first (if that is indeed what they are thinking, mere speculation on my part)<br />
<br />
<b>2/ Flegs (and some more parades...)</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Unionists see the other sort having their flags.<br />
So naturally, Unionism has its own flags.<br />
Loads of them.<br />
<br />
On one solitary lamp post it is not beyond the realms of possibility that one could see a Union flag, an Ulster flag (redundant as of the early 70's), an Independence flag (by definition NON-Unionist) and an Israeli flag (a state that gained independence partly through a murder campaign directed against British soldiers. Irony any one?)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-N4Zl2IU_sqLkN_Ff5fD9X6icBmBIw6-K7kg8p5R1T2cuvpQMDpZSylqlVI3NPjVRJFhGekVQR2Skbf7KiruCRMbv_vBUoXM57IEtHzDOghpqMO67x3zP-I_22ooPzB-l9VQIMB48eLM/s1600/fleegerlout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-N4Zl2IU_sqLkN_Ff5fD9X6icBmBIw6-K7kg8p5R1T2cuvpQMDpZSylqlVI3NPjVRJFhGekVQR2Skbf7KiruCRMbv_vBUoXM57IEtHzDOghpqMO67x3zP-I_22ooPzB-l9VQIMB48eLM/s320/fleegerlout.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NOT the Netherlands...</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKgO7brtFKKcF_xdQPEm-ik75waoJzHLs484t9GBQc3uMiKBQPRct0PYPEaeQrXWzR7xWcJsddKpbfmZeOjMQ17oMQATSSTZO1pGofG1zuTJC_xD6RcVKCE5CeUG4dTO2_h16KvlTxDlQ/s1600/uda-israeli-flag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKgO7brtFKKcF_xdQPEm-ik75waoJzHLs484t9GBQc3uMiKBQPRct0PYPEaeQrXWzR7xWcJsddKpbfmZeOjMQ17oMQATSSTZO1pGofG1zuTJC_xD6RcVKCE5CeUG4dTO2_h16KvlTxDlQ/s200/uda-israeli-flag.jpg" width="197" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Many people outside the harder fringes of the Unionist movement see the plastering of flags all over the place as a turn off.<br />
<br />
Outsiders, as in foreigners/potential tourist pounds agree.<br />
<br />
It is overkill.<br />
<br />
This tourism-pound argument is ignored or palmed off simply as a concern for money rather than 'culture'.<br />
<br />
Again ironic, as one of the key arguments for Northern Ireland's retention within the UK was economic based.<br />
<br />
Indeed, even now it is cited as a key argument against unifying the land with our bankrupt neighbour down south.<br />
<br />
Yet somehow it plays second fiddle to parades and fleggery.<br />
<br />
As some one who used to carry various flags at various parades over the decades I would like some one to explain to me how we've went from cherishing our flags to having them adorn the waists of drunken louts who lob projectiles at the police and why we should allow this to continue?<br />
<br />
Of course most Unionists don't behave in this manner but when some do there is very little in the way of criticism for these idiots who humiliate Unionists in the eyes of their counterparts in the rest of the UK, indeed, just the opposite, there is always some sort of fumbled defence.<br />
<br />
What, pray tell, is the plan for when more and more areas achieve a non-unionist majority?<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLPwCvRaKRbkzZ6oSVLSXVm5IxmIjOORWnj-0qf_o8NYsbaytK8DwRRWN0aknOyavQJ3fC4uqJBpp5-LgyCZRpGsSiSveCeMQ4FAHcxvCn-M9kxQfT0qckmpxvnhv3so9N-k_WHcpx8jo/s1600/Allagh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLPwCvRaKRbkzZ6oSVLSXVm5IxmIjOORWnj-0qf_o8NYsbaytK8DwRRWN0aknOyavQJ3fC4uqJBpp5-LgyCZRpGsSiSveCeMQ4FAHcxvCn-M9kxQfT0qckmpxvnhv3so9N-k_WHcpx8jo/s320/Allagh.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Faugh u Allagh"?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Is the Protestant Coalition's Muslim bashing likely to endear Muslims to the Union flag? Are the Chinese communities in NI going to be sorry to see efforts to curtail such overtly nationalist (as in British nationalist before you say anything) symbols?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The more vocal and active parts of the Unionist community have a choice to make the Union flag a flag for all or just 'are fleg' and risk making it an unofficial flag of the underclass.<br />
<br />
What benefit is there to the maintenance of the Union by forming an association between the Union Flag and hard line Loyalism?<br />
With such a perceived links are Catholics more or less likely to resent the Union flag?<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-4HP4GdBpUo7UY8kB_8BA7b2iGuD8wRS8gP8yc0hstDya-onFTLL1ZVYBcT66kKki4InkXTqHV6uhwu8lqXLicEz0dcd1K9_SBa94_TxBfyitjZ1icxgN9AxGxA4Og9VMG7U5bJMht8/s1600/rossnowlagh3-300x175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-4HP4GdBpUo7UY8kB_8BA7b2iGuD8wRS8gP8yc0hstDya-onFTLL1ZVYBcT66kKki4InkXTqHV6uhwu8lqXLicEz0dcd1K9_SBa94_TxBfyitjZ1icxgN9AxGxA4Og9VMG7U5bJMht8/s1600/rossnowlagh3-300x175.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 12th, Co Donegal</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
How would Unionist culture be harmed if the was some sort of coherent strategy applied to the erection of flags?<br />
Would a town suffer by NOT having shredded, weathered flags flapping around in the winter gales?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio4CEctLaOzQRB6kisqX3RTdhxDlLgWuHBtSzacB-zPRVWfDB50KPUGq5FifN-fq4Keg1TPYOPBz3tJFoj6hKfKjVteNvVQ7lLrYJEJOQy4-7zTN5_uiwv9m8Vw2UsbUwppIhaufr89Wo/s1600/Canada.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio4CEctLaOzQRB6kisqX3RTdhxDlLgWuHBtSzacB-zPRVWfDB50KPUGq5FifN-fq4Keg1TPYOPBz3tJFoj6hKfKjVteNvVQ7lLrYJEJOQy4-7zTN5_uiwv9m8Vw2UsbUwppIhaufr89Wo/s320/Canada.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canada</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
If I'm missing a bigger picture and it is the case where drunken louts, sectarian songs, the disregarding of basic Christian principles, the burning of religious and state emblems ARE actually necessary to the survival of a culture that has spawned liberals, rebels, generals, frontiersmen and presidents then I welcome the opportunity to be enlightened and to have someone explain why exactly we require or at least tolerate this cancerous underbelly.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQzXyZPr24MDmfexxPV9ER7oZkt2SD8_hoWzWlEo8PVwx2paOG9P3i5cWMn_cPp8LcJ1xhJoEqw9ugMBsHtPrAy1KPMqLJXBXUReRsuByFF6RQI3MAg-SCrI0Ai_RtNzcH01EUs9DHESY/s1600/12th-July-02127JC131-1024x512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQzXyZPr24MDmfexxPV9ER7oZkt2SD8_hoWzWlEo8PVwx2paOG9P3i5cWMn_cPp8LcJ1xhJoEqw9ugMBsHtPrAy1KPMqLJXBXUReRsuByFF6RQI3MAg-SCrI0Ai_RtNzcH01EUs9DHESY/s320/12th-July-02127JC131-1024x512.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Belfast...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
If my points can be conceded as having some merit (not necessarily a lot) then please follow in the steps of your ancestors and go against the grain.<br />
Take one on the chin, offend those who need offended by defending the truth and write to the Order, the Apprentice boys, your Unionist representatives and inform them that no longer will you tolerate your culture being trailed down by those who don't respect it.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMZ5IJKOYRoM320EDz7y6ezUHmGfavRWRUuIuUkIU3pBb5o4Ojbs_SifYLOlRGA0v6nOTlq1j10Zpp04JALG94sjRWL2krqveDqCmXFzM3U1XQskhzG1OjgPVsBPKBYGpByUs1EQzcb34/s1600/Orangemen-parade-in-Belfa-010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMZ5IJKOYRoM320EDz7y6ezUHmGfavRWRUuIuUkIU3pBb5o4Ojbs_SifYLOlRGA0v6nOTlq1j10Zpp04JALG94sjRWL2krqveDqCmXFzM3U1XQskhzG1OjgPVsBPKBYGpByUs1EQzcb34/s320/Orangemen-parade-in-Belfa-010.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Also Belfast</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
You can't blame Republicans so much anymore as they don't have to do very much anymore, drunken, hate-filled 'Loyalists' are doing their work for them.<br />
<br />
You'll not be thanked for what you do but then nor should you.<br />
<br />
<br />
After all, rebelling, truth-telling and defiance were once upon a time the most 'Protestant' things that one could do, unlike now.<br />
<br />
The contact address for the Orange Order is<span style="background-color: white; color: #656262; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.59375px;"> </span><a href="mailto:info@grandorangelodge.co.uk" style="background-color: white; color: #656262; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.59375px;">info@grandorangelodge.co.uk</a><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJwhaViEUVKZrFV6UCAA8udDTCwoc34lMPOYC0OjPwD0Cr7q9RmA1kqEWpFkmUSWA3JRFQVpNmOEt7zsKWDdrePk82FFAmENnuvS-9UgpG1ArJvkksM1EhlOb8Ofo8CCHDdxwYTzOd8hc/s1600/Marquis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJwhaViEUVKZrFV6UCAA8udDTCwoc34lMPOYC0OjPwD0Cr7q9RmA1kqEWpFkmUSWA3JRFQVpNmOEt7zsKWDdrePk82FFAmENnuvS-9UgpG1ArJvkksM1EhlOb8Ofo8CCHDdxwYTzOd8hc/s400/Marquis.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NOT. CRITICISING. THIS.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFc0eT1c8ks_QQpdcU3vLCvniTKQUFZVSU4DuoWQq_WuMV42hEcIypq3xTx7vv7v15ORdrP260ORpjR2foO_T42F9ofa6QmQ-KfkDO5HwBwiDAFgVacI2imUbDwenRoJ8eJ08TRv2Nkbg/s1600/Scum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFc0eT1c8ks_QQpdcU3vLCvniTKQUFZVSU4DuoWQq_WuMV42hEcIypq3xTx7vv7v15ORdrP260ORpjR2foO_T42F9ofa6QmQ-KfkDO5HwBwiDAFgVacI2imUbDwenRoJ8eJ08TRv2Nkbg/s200/Scum.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DEFINITELY. CRITCISING. THIS.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
If you think I'm wrong and that these points don't need addressed then please enlighten me as to why I'm wrong only explain the matter on its own merit without resorting to comparisons of other groups or associations.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />Am Ghobsmachthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15333693607785579136noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4200060786761508433.post-52002131880091973392013-09-16T16:15:00.000-07:002013-09-21T23:06:17.960-07:00Petitions: Worth a Shot.<br />
NEW NORTHERN IRELAND ANTHEM PETITION: <a href="http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/northern-ireland-football-team-anthem-change/">http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/northern-ireland-football-team-anthem-change/</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx3ofyuoIM5avCCgEZk0nCusZN2Ytk8Quq4jwKPfH5VBljUAHDAxCR75AlNRH1ldkpDXSgE_Esj5T6AAX3HLIIiqpeslZTWq731ZII1UXArzXyISMXGazS-UpD7m8K-U7eOnO5hYzOR-M/s1600/frazerBryson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx3ofyuoIM5avCCgEZk0nCusZN2Ytk8Quq4jwKPfH5VBljUAHDAxCR75AlNRH1ldkpDXSgE_Esj5T6AAX3HLIIiqpeslZTWq731ZII1UXArzXyISMXGazS-UpD7m8K-U7eOnO5hYzOR-M/s200/frazerBryson.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The horror. The horror.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After a year of horror which gave to Northern Ireland various spectres including Loyalist violence, attacks on security forces, the ascent of Jamie Bryson & Willie Frazer, fleg protests and the formation of the Protestant Coalition amongst other set backs one would be sorely tempted to give up on Northern Ireland and to just stand back whilst Unionism attempts to free its feet from the quick sand by using its hands and to then free said hands from the quick sand by using its face.<br />
<br />
Welcome additions to the scene include NI21 and Loyalists Against Democracy, two groups which show that not everyone in Northern Ireland is completely out of their tribal minds.<br />
<br />
These latter two were forced into existence by the narrow mindedness of others leaving them feeling that they could stand idly by no more and that they must 'do something'.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuhJ897WDUpT6SzFfZaNZNfUGRxJ0SCjjg0GUfTSmAS7LyAA1cBR4VkOminVrRvvxJsgGLNbVuKTouj5Xtkc180gtPTR6GBRnr00wmZrNXYHzCDrwdlH-QfmCQZ87Ea6D90sY8OlAHxMA/s1600/somebody-please-do-something-about-this.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuhJ897WDUpT6SzFfZaNZNfUGRxJ0SCjjg0GUfTSmAS7LyAA1cBR4VkOminVrRvvxJsgGLNbVuKTouj5Xtkc180gtPTR6GBRnr00wmZrNXYHzCDrwdlH-QfmCQZ87Ea6D90sY8OlAHxMA/s200/somebody-please-do-something-about-this.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Your narrator wishes to 'do something' too, event if it is of no real consequence.<br />
<br />
As man of no influence there is very little your humble narrator can do except drop in the odd unwanted fact now and again as well as suggesting the occasional crazy plan or unworkable notion.<br />
<br />
To this end, your narrator wishes to give a helping hand to a few topics doing the continual rounds at the moment.<br />
<br />
Yes, flegs are included.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq9Z2r-1aV2cJVQDbIv-1D1i1MfckUgoAXlC3pdCVB5gbSvCBESrxkFMQZ7c2HYuSZpYTkhuTuwKEGVfEQ46WDdK7PmlX5ZtV1elXYUxqtKQkrPDTc44XaMrdSStVKQje2lmQlzotIJW4/s1600/hullabaloo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq9Z2r-1aV2cJVQDbIv-1D1i1MfckUgoAXlC3pdCVB5gbSvCBESrxkFMQZ7c2HYuSZpYTkhuTuwKEGVfEQ46WDdK7PmlX5ZtV1elXYUxqtKQkrPDTc44XaMrdSStVKQje2lmQlzotIJW4/s1600/hullabaloo.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Newsletter's Letters Page</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There is much hullaballoo over on planet Newsletter and various knickers have been worked into various twists:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/regional/time-right-for-a-new-northern-ireland-football-anthem-1-5489666">http://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/regional/time-right-for-a-new-northern-ireland-football-anthem-1-5489666</a><br />
<br />
and<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/regional/petition-for-new-football-anthem-1-5491591">http://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/regional/petition-for-new-football-anthem-1-5491591</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, over at Slugger things got a bit lively on matters related to the IFA, their appointments and Windsor Park:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://sluggerotoole.com/2013/09/11/culture-minister-faces-down-ifa-over-reappointment-of-martin/#comments">http://sluggerotoole.com/2013/09/11/culture-minister-faces-down-ifa-over-reappointment-of-martin/#comments</a><br />
<br />
As usual, instead of seeing much needed changes as a step in the right direction the proposals to have a regional anthem for NI and to have a new stadium away from Windsor Park have been pretty much dismissed as a sop to 'tha fenians' and as 'chippin away at are Britishness'.<br />
<br />
'Northern Irishness' is given secondary consideration yet again.<br />
<br />
<br />
So, sticking with those topics, your narrator has drunkenly stumbled into the following three conclusions:<br />
<br />
1: Northern Ireland needs a new stadium in a neutral area<br />
<br />
2: Northern Ireland needs an anthem of its own<br />
<br />
3: Northern Ireland needs a flag of its own.<br />
<br />
If the balance is corrected and Northern Ireland's football fan base still remains relatively free of people from a Catholic background then so be it.<br />
Nothing will be lost by doing the right thing and bring Northern Ireland's team more in line with other UK nations.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRNoekMkakZw9HJKO4hVbH3vsqBEVNFptNFIBsQkoHuvkIDHbc05t7sCuTZHra698I8M70ieXHskSsVp5smbLsdSaFdlr23KVehQUILMK4UA68QzRoMxRjgSAO_6CrJQFtNN7mbUDAKic/s1600/befuddled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRNoekMkakZw9HJKO4hVbH3vsqBEVNFptNFIBsQkoHuvkIDHbc05t7sCuTZHra698I8M70ieXHskSsVp5smbLsdSaFdlr23KVehQUILMK4UA68QzRoMxRjgSAO_6CrJQFtNN7mbUDAKic/s1600/befuddled.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Your befuddled narrator</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Certainly, despite much begging, no one has explained to your easily befuddled narrator how exactly Northern Ireland loses out by having its own flag (like Scotland, Wales and England) or by having its own regional anthem (like Scotland and Wales) or by having a stadium that isn't set in an area that 1/2 the population would rather not visit (like Scotland, your narrator can't comment on Wales or England on that one).<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Your narrator welcomes enlightenment on the matter as so far the main arguments appear to be something along the lines of "why should we change anything for the fenians?" or "they all support the Republic any way so what's the point?" or the ever present "chipping away at our Britishness!" (again, what is Britishness? Read the excellent post by Hawf Nelson: <a href="http://loyalistsagainstdemocracy.blogspot.com.au/2013/08/you-are-invited-to-present.html">http://loyalistsagainstdemocracy.blogspot.com.au/2013/08/you-are-invited-to-present.html</a>)<br />
<br />
<br />
Hardly concrete arguments for not seizing the moral high ground and doing the decent thing.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKLwgRqGCcrf64WwRDoW6JPtd4auTLERC7etN2Mg6qG_4nNMAfksfSReHYmVU5ZEwWKMCRBH0GxjghAp7-hmHa8qniXYo7qnTEurXe224XCbUwSVXbL38SVk4N7H4G9y-To2h_W444jdQ/s1600/bored.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKLwgRqGCcrf64WwRDoW6JPtd4auTLERC7etN2Mg6qG_4nNMAfksfSReHYmVU5ZEwWKMCRBH0GxjghAp7-hmHa8qniXYo7qnTEurXe224XCbUwSVXbL38SVk4N7H4G9y-To2h_W444jdQ/s1600/bored.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Did someone say 'fleg'?"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As for the 'fleg' well, this has been discussed ad nauseum:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://amgobsmacked.blogspot.com.au/2013/08/the-ulster-flag-banner.html">http://amgobsmacked.blogspot.com.au/2013/08/the-ulster-flag-banner.html</a><br />
<br />
and indeed<br />
<br />
<a href="http://amgobsmacked.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/marketing-filthy-word-deleted-from.html">http://amgobsmacked.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/marketing-filthy-word-deleted-from.html</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The three changes suggested earlier aren't intended to be a magic switch, more of means to give potential change some breathing space while<br />
at the same time bringing us more in line with the rest of the UK.<br />
<br />
<br />
So, if you agree then there are new petitions that you can sign:<br />
<br />
For a change in anthem: <a href="http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/northern-ireland-football-team-anthem-change/">http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/northern-ireland-football-team-anthem-change/</a><br />
<br />
For a change in flag: <a href="http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/a-flag-for-northern-ireland/">http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/a-flag-for-northern-ireland/</a><br />
<br />
We'll leave Windsor for another day, there's much ado about it at the moment....<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>ADDITIONAL:</b><br />
<br />
A frequently occurring stumbling block in the above mentioned disputes is a whataboutery based on themuns.<br />
Namely "why should Norn Iron change anything whenever THEY don't?!"<br />
<br />
'They' in this case being all Ireland sporting teams.<br />
<br />
Well, your humble narrator would love nothing more than to see an all Ireland flag and an all Ireland anthem for when the island is playing as one.<br />
The tricolour is quite simply not the flag of Northern Unionists and that's that.<br />
<br />
However, it's a poor attempt to wriggle out of the corner.<br />
<br />
Perhaps if we were to first address the inconsistencies behind the IFA's current policies then we would perhaps stand on a higher moral platform from which to berate other sporting bodies.<br />
<br />
Food for thought.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />Am Ghobsmachthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15333693607785579136noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4200060786761508433.post-90879062745965228382013-08-29T01:20:00.000-07:002013-09-24T05:43:10.286-07:00Stupid idea from a long tradition of stupid ideas...<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>THREE Flags?!...</b>.</div>
<br />
<br />
History is littered with stupid ideas and mistakes.<br />
<br />
One would imagine that they are so common place that mistakes don't really appear on anyone's radar unless said mistakes take the form of breath taking stupidity such as invading Russia or if they result in the mistake being filmed and making its way onto Youtube or a ghastly prime-time TV show on a Saturday night.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZvwxIReKxNHf8tbb13a2CbCX6F9j-NjLw2dE-RwSK680WLFCHbskMhh17nVW-Vgh9Vet49LHotxdRUWxW_IrcyBj460UbUk450NmnIS9DUBxDhalzjsCfDskssi4ps52OzkBdlAfg2aQ/s1600/Pretty+stupid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZvwxIReKxNHf8tbb13a2CbCX6F9j-NjLw2dE-RwSK680WLFCHbskMhh17nVW-Vgh9Vet49LHotxdRUWxW_IrcyBj460UbUk450NmnIS9DUBxDhalzjsCfDskssi4ps52OzkBdlAfg2aQ/s1600/Pretty+stupid.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Invading Russia: Pretty stupid...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Your humble narrator to all intents and purposes has a degree in mistakes as he can seemingly only learn by getting his fingers burnt.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz72DKmY1RU157AngHHcROEt9NZ_tjQNYzKKSybuqgeBvQw4ODQ6-WJEGtCkksLw_p9rNg-Nu_eZafaQB2YX5e5G3cWtLNqNa5_BJFAsZ7pAZUbsLhIDgTCDgF2XhjsdSMbcB1xH_7HBg/s1600/fire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz72DKmY1RU157AngHHcROEt9NZ_tjQNYzKKSybuqgeBvQw4ODQ6-WJEGtCkksLw_p9rNg-Nu_eZafaQB2YX5e5G3cWtLNqNa5_BJFAsZ7pAZUbsLhIDgTCDgF2XhjsdSMbcB1xH_7HBg/s1600/fire.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Your narrator's learning curve</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As such, the following proposal portends to be proper little pearl of wisdom for your humble narrator, who, in his defence "is only trying to help".<br />
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Now, not being in the same league as the champion of Ulster-Scots, Dr Billy McWilliams, your narrator does not harbour any ambition to leapfrog his noble intentions or pragmatic judgement on the matter of the 'fleg' at Belfast City hall rather he would propose a pale shadow of a suggestion in the company of such inestimable intellectual might:<br />
<a href="http://1690andallthat.blogspot.com.au/2013/07/fleg-crisis-solved.html">http://1690andallthat.blogspot.com.au/2013/07/fleg-crisis-solved.html</a><br />
<br />
Rather, your beleaguered narrator had the misfortune to apply his unimpressive mental faculties to the matter of Belfast's embattled city hall (a building most admired by himself).<br />
<br />
To break the argument down to it's very base elements:<br />
<br />
Unionists do so desire the flag of the Union to fly daily from the building<br />
<br />
Republicans, from a perspective hitherto unfamiliar to your narrator want 'their' flag flying as a symbol of equality.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1R2JBKpfNbdB9Us88GlhBiaLk5YG675Li6R7EbdwNyPGzsWsVdZRrcmMNKGW5el89wvN294smOIYqu78voD-OFUpqDbQQlnzSpWAzIxAVEnrhIXNP9LrWbUKRLpNAEAQTguV4lClRUdk/s1600/narrator+1600hr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1R2JBKpfNbdB9Us88GlhBiaLk5YG675Li6R7EbdwNyPGzsWsVdZRrcmMNKGW5el89wvN294smOIYqu78voD-OFUpqDbQQlnzSpWAzIxAVEnrhIXNP9LrWbUKRLpNAEAQTguV4lClRUdk/s200/narrator+1600hr.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Your narrator at 1600hr, Saturday</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As of very recently (namely until 1600hr Saturday 24th August as your narrator was on a mission to purchase some wine) this equality argument was given no merit within the quarters of AG.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
However, he now understands that feelings are feelings and that, quite simply, is that. So, if a large percentage of the population of Belfast feel beholden to salute a flag not to your narrator's taste then so be it, that is how they feel and no amount of pleading nor reasoning shall determine otherwise.<br />
<br />
Which brings us all to the oft forgotten 3rd group; The middle ground.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihS36E53ic7lb1MpuX4mEqemfo-vavKo0fS7eiPvHg94J46fTl2zo6G853vwpRG3URiGuamPs9Uw1sR19Wa9LSoxHJfayV8bN14ZsE7gDADojXpwc43GKnELa_Zv4_hLH4uGdoTA05Mvw/s1600/middleroad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihS36E53ic7lb1MpuX4mEqemfo-vavKo0fS7eiPvHg94J46fTl2zo6G853vwpRG3URiGuamPs9Uw1sR19Wa9LSoxHJfayV8bN14ZsE7gDADojXpwc43GKnELa_Zv4_hLH4uGdoTA05Mvw/s320/middleroad.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Middle of the Road: Here it is.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This middle ground are both brave and foolish for the same reason; they take potential hits from two lanes of traffic much to the frustration of Mr Miyagi, who quite clearly stipulated that it was a bad idea to walk in the middle of the road. "Walk left side of road, safe/ Walk right side of road safe/ Walk middle, sooner or later get squish like grape"<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsW8uJJ2whGwd15f9i7y4aUNnDY6NLSl0LsvhfXKuZ_t8vSTc0BnQEjycmsNMuqQ5jYpyohfGnB2mAAW8N2m61hr-PFRaOPf6GsjJ6l7FvDm8WkeSEcIVJCjmZDY4Zpx3pyiuUgsjmjsw/s1600/Mr+Miyagi+Will+bitch+slap+you+if+you+put+a+third+fleg+on+city+hall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsW8uJJ2whGwd15f9i7y4aUNnDY6NLSl0LsvhfXKuZ_t8vSTc0BnQEjycmsNMuqQ5jYpyohfGnB2mAAW8N2m61hr-PFRaOPf6GsjJ6l7FvDm8WkeSEcIVJCjmZDY4Zpx3pyiuUgsjmjsw/s200/Mr+Miyagi+Will+bitch+slap+you+if+you+put+a+third+fleg+on+city+hall.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr Miyagi will bitch slap you if you put<br />
up a third fleg</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF96btvHwJU8SGvYP1CkseBnbP9-OdH69e1jVBeib5F7bb5uUn97-hf24U9TmYsa28bBaSHfvXbEfpwU_Gv4lELIurh_4zacEIxmgK6LJrGxs8I8-Xdl2Cn1Kq7fyv8yf_f4MlyfE_ITk/s1600/Mr+Miyagi+no+longer+cares+about+your+stupid+fleg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF96btvHwJU8SGvYP1CkseBnbP9-OdH69e1jVBeib5F7bb5uUn97-hf24U9TmYsa28bBaSHfvXbEfpwU_Gv4lELIurh_4zacEIxmgK6LJrGxs8I8-Xdl2Cn1Kq7fyv8yf_f4MlyfE_ITk/s200/Mr+Miyagi+no+longer+cares+about+your+stupid+fleg.jpg" width="193" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr Miyagi no longer care about stupid fleg</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
This middle ground of Northern Ireland would like a flag for Northern Ireland. They might have a preference of a Union Flag over a Tricolour or vise-versa but that is not to say that their comfort with either flag should be interpreted as a preference to a Northern Ireland flag or that they harbour the sentiments expressed by those whom embrace the extremes of either (fleg) pole (har!).<br />
<br />
But a choice they don't have.<br />
<br />
It's either a Union Flag which by the day is being trailed into the redoubt of 'Britishness' (thank you Protestant Coalition), the Tricolour (which is 'Irish' at it's lightest extreme but perceived as 'Provo' at the other) or the Ulster Flag which sits firmly within the Loyalist camp.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSGVbt-SmPT2dDbKWA93UDPdLz9uW-xeDZQdyR7P6u6e12tMvwZ3TB2Ne8Yg6fz4ZAlDC8U1yMD7zidgFzdiWgsW1p5VrUhijW3P3ST3GM9LA8GdPc7s8-gIxjoOm_gWScWWCznxLVTPY/s1600/Middlegroundignored.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSGVbt-SmPT2dDbKWA93UDPdLz9uW-xeDZQdyR7P6u6e12tMvwZ3TB2Ne8Yg6fz4ZAlDC8U1yMD7zidgFzdiWgsW1p5VrUhijW3P3ST3GM9LA8GdPc7s8-gIxjoOm_gWScWWCznxLVTPY/s200/Middlegroundignored.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
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As such, the middle ground is ignored. As usual.<br />
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<br />
With regards to the 'fleg' crisis, your permanently baffled narrator proposes a plan that should satisfy the points mentioned earlier regarding the alleged 'demands' of each side. However, as we shall soon discover, these demands will upon deliverance multiply if not mutate rather quickly to the point where the original demands are unrecognisable and obsolete.<br />
<br />
Said plan involves a THIRD flag for city hall.<br />
<br />
Yes, another flag.<br />
<br />
A recap on the demands of earlier and their subsequent satisfaction, reads thusly:<br />
<br />
A Union Flag: This satisfies the demand for the UK flag to be flown 365 on a British municipal building.<br />
<br />
A Tricolour: This satisfies the Republican demand for equality.<br />
<br />
Observe now reader, how the goal posts change, no longer is J Bloggs Unionst MLA satisfied with his flag of choice flying as he demanded, rather now he sees his own loss in the gain of 'themuns' should the Union Flag be raised in tandem with the Tricolour, ergo, back to square one.<br />
<br />
So, enter the third flag, a new Northern Ireland flag yet to be concocted.<br />
<br />
This flag would cover the massive grey area of those who regard themselves as 'Northern Irish' and either British or/and Irish.<br />
<br />
They would be represented on the whole by two flags and, given that they have twice as much flak to cop from either extremity of the political spectrum it is rather fair.<br />
<br />
So, a Union Flag for those who are solely British/partially British/sometimes British. A Tricolour for those whose allegiance is more Republic orientated and the newly formed Northern Ireland Flag for the deviants/confused sorts/Lundys/miscellaneous types stuck in the middle.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNIe3QdUnDq6pu1f1Wgw30pB-DJp0_ou1oxWEtm7_27yb6ki6HVsv8gzhnFzuLk89cmKd3Y8dvqfh1zIeuBHBp-sgK40nBJpkdxg1zhSurJG0S5M7FvVXCNJQ-PL7By8C0ReB-8Kh0aAA/s1600/city+hall+tricolour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNIe3QdUnDq6pu1f1Wgw30pB-DJp0_ou1oxWEtm7_27yb6ki6HVsv8gzhnFzuLk89cmKd3Y8dvqfh1zIeuBHBp-sgK40nBJpkdxg1zhSurJG0S5M7FvVXCNJQ-PL7By8C0ReB-8Kh0aAA/s200/city+hall+tricolour.jpg" width="200" /> AND</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX7O8EqLf0w-XpdknbcXU54B9mbHnWXXXZsBvB2EEQS8leltIh_irJggt1Ry3cw2ZIXArKBQfz68Lu2Oc7L4Gkg28Z_3XjM5hz79jPLYj7PaJBHLom-I0K0xhhij-hOJgf3G10DLbMg3o/s1600/city+hall+union.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX7O8EqLf0w-XpdknbcXU54B9mbHnWXXXZsBvB2EEQS8leltIh_irJggt1Ry3cw2ZIXArKBQfz68Lu2Oc7L4Gkg28Z_3XjM5hz79jPLYj7PaJBHLom-I0K0xhhij-hOJgf3G10DLbMg3o/s200/city+hall+union.jpg" width="200" /></a>AND</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV07T-Dj_5-gIy4NMtKmfUXlDbO7pCRDGYEnjCirEe-iuwTocjEmMEvZtmS1Mz9-oujgwmcbdoE2sLtmiiEBDG3MJY5qL_jWphyphenhyphen_MbIpqn25TaM4Bk8T8VSaljsf-OXvGxFvCl1qYFXPA/s1600/green_saltire_reversed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV07T-Dj_5-gIy4NMtKmfUXlDbO7pCRDGYEnjCirEe-iuwTocjEmMEvZtmS1Mz9-oujgwmcbdoE2sLtmiiEBDG3MJY5qL_jWphyphenhyphen_MbIpqn25TaM4Bk8T8VSaljsf-OXvGxFvCl1qYFXPA/s200/green_saltire_reversed.jpg" width="200" /></a>?</div>
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So far so good?<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6HvTa4ZuHxi-es3ZbeibX0Q1FvEjMHXjN60wDpAhl9XLuq0fR2s1OOOLdPmmNm9Y5OXhJS73qXbd39Jwa4cKDpgrk5YDi-1Gl1wcVbuTMDX4YCebNZ1ueh5kpUOjD6bU2UhGv-D-cQL4/s1600/wrong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6HvTa4ZuHxi-es3ZbeibX0Q1FvEjMHXjN60wDpAhl9XLuq0fR2s1OOOLdPmmNm9Y5OXhJS73qXbd39Jwa4cKDpgrk5YDi-1Gl1wcVbuTMDX4YCebNZ1ueh5kpUOjD6bU2UhGv-D-cQL4/s200/wrong.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You're wrong</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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WRONG!<br />
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This is where the principles of each tribe are abandoned and exchanged for a petty currency measured in annoyance at the other tribe's expense.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdW8NB64CLN8PidqdEatO7UYy5fYQ31OQw9XJ_ND6vfOO2b0LA1vOQ-9kCeablkE5laGEg8c6M6b4SQ_T0tHUSykOHd4wYUZ05LmX8CzNtNLOpqdL98P4Gq_McrTjRxLt60GsHJwk7CeU/s1600/_65228509_loyalist_rally_at_belfast_city_hall_tricolour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdW8NB64CLN8PidqdEatO7UYy5fYQ31OQw9XJ_ND6vfOO2b0LA1vOQ-9kCeablkE5laGEg8c6M6b4SQ_T0tHUSykOHd4wYUZ05LmX8CzNtNLOpqdL98P4Gq_McrTjRxLt60GsHJwk7CeU/s320/_65228509_loyalist_rally_at_belfast_city_hall_tricolour.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loyalists and Tricolours don't mix</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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From the Unionist camp, rather than seeing gratification that their flag is rightfully restored to it's place over the centre of one of Britain's most important industrial cities, they would see insult at the achievement of the Tricolour's ascent over the copper dome not to mentioned anger at the face-lift bequeathed to the Ulster Flag, the flag of Northern Ireland in their eyes (and only their eyes).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-9ISrybWIL6_eQQ8JENRuJbdp_9LQxQnux-KVNWBpy2wHUetnRwg8ETzEAZ9PBzsghqcsk3HQH2Dz4JRZk0qfVx9zL3pKLCoB5-dwclSKdbW9U8MfDtsfCakq5bhrd7prrgqf01ltos/s1600/malcontent-t-shirt_design.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-9ISrybWIL6_eQQ8JENRuJbdp_9LQxQnux-KVNWBpy2wHUetnRwg8ETzEAZ9PBzsghqcsk3HQH2Dz4JRZk0qfVx9zL3pKLCoB5-dwclSKdbW9U8MfDtsfCakq5bhrd7prrgqf01ltos/s1600/malcontent-t-shirt_design.png" /></a></div>
From the Republican camp parked on a similar latitude defeat would be salvaged from a small victory. Rather than seeing an equality (1/3rd to match the two other schools of thought) they would lob the sheer existence of Northern Ireland into the Unionist camp and would summarise the situation thusly: "themuns have TWO flags so they do! We have only one!!!"<br />
<br />
Hence, an abandonment of the underlying principles for either camp's original objective brings it all to a point where victories and successes are measured not by how much one obtains but by how much 'the other side' loses.<br />
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<br />
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Northern Ireland is increasingly becoming a frontier with three fronts, not two.<br />
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It is about time the people of 'Northern Ireland' have a say instead of just those who would deem themselves purely as people of the UK or the Republic.<br />
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Let us fly three flags from city hall to represent the wide range of opinions and wavering allegiances rather than the grinding, miserable zero-sum game that our politicians and trouble makers hold dear.<br />
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Insert abuse below.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBLkw5RlvoyEQRZ6_yXe2xKQ8NMI9xbG0EYb8GcPyI_Hq5sD3_urmrsedDR9OiOmgbLYeD93O22PTnTNiZ0TK_8SI9K1JbmHKKHG1rCw4fK8rTwzdxUwZIaQT9lhHm9toMii6bWz52_JQ/s1600/idea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="523" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBLkw5RlvoyEQRZ6_yXe2xKQ8NMI9xbG0EYb8GcPyI_Hq5sD3_urmrsedDR9OiOmgbLYeD93O22PTnTNiZ0TK_8SI9K1JbmHKKHG1rCw4fK8rTwzdxUwZIaQT9lhHm9toMii6bWz52_JQ/s640/idea.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Your narrator: It's what he deserves.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />Am Ghobsmachthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15333693607785579136noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4200060786761508433.post-71805293035107906402013-08-24T01:00:00.000-07:002013-09-21T17:48:35.236-07:00Once Upon a Time in the West of the Bann II: Catholic Lambeg Drummers and Protestant Ceilidhs<div class="MsoNormal">
Once upon a time, when things were simple and it was
permissible to label people by their religion/former religion rather than
infuriating an acronyms such as PUL or CNR your humble narrator stood and listened
to a discussion regarding the pubs of a neighbouring village.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLb2_BzMpIQazYhfe0oEhy6s2obRl8IpDCixjqciag19tV1fOBWTvNfFT95ebODrqGNEi8MkzToFwMEWT1EhiNZz9Fs4Qyhriqq8tuRecO73Cx8t-NQdCZ7MqpZogMQiCk4hMZRWRyGog/s1600/Catholic+village.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLb2_BzMpIQazYhfe0oEhy6s2obRl8IpDCixjqciag19tV1fOBWTvNfFT95ebODrqGNEi8MkzToFwMEWT1EhiNZz9Fs4Qyhriqq8tuRecO73Cx8t-NQdCZ7MqpZogMQiCk4hMZRWRyGog/s320/Catholic+village.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">100% Protestant village</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAjJzpa6BY7sP38NK3vUXQw51fqPeLNlSTuB2czvXWWyKQYhJvtjiobIH_zz8e5PH_UnZruSxlaszaRQ71QmAfdna3qlk7FNfoKonLVL8b3yni0CFuGrx9MLIfHa7krXSx9vsZRYgN9WQ/s1600/old+irish+village.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAjJzpa6BY7sP38NK3vUXQw51fqPeLNlSTuB2czvXWWyKQYhJvtjiobIH_zz8e5PH_UnZruSxlaszaRQ71QmAfdna3qlk7FNfoKonLVL8b3yni0CFuGrx9MLIfHa7krXSx9vsZRYgN9WQ/s320/old+irish+village.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">100% Catholic village</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This village was at the time 100% Protestant (the fashion at
the time being to ignore people not of Judeo-Christian persuasion and hand out ‘get-out-of-jail-free-cards’
to European foreigners whose religious views would not have be otherwise
tolerated were they Irish, in the case of this village the recipient of said
card was a Catholic Belgian woman).<o:p></o:p><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjseRCrsY7GMNkOp-XqJ0u-X4VP240cZtPOjCazw1WG8V8JbTv4lWhKguKgY1j5av99nKSwgeoM3OkrAzjULX3wiyx4VH-SV9H1UqiUrEZwAFff-Rn3HtKyIToJbcGNzafx7_kx1Cptns8/s1600/DDD-22-Belgians.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjseRCrsY7GMNkOp-XqJ0u-X4VP240cZtPOjCazw1WG8V8JbTv4lWhKguKgY1j5av99nKSwgeoM3OkrAzjULX3wiyx4VH-SV9H1UqiUrEZwAFff-Rn3HtKyIToJbcGNzafx7_kx1Cptns8/s320/DDD-22-Belgians.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Belgians: Exempt from South Londonderry bigotry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Your narrator paid particular attention to the conversation
as it was a stomping ground and was the domain of his grandmother and a
sprinkling of various cousins, distant cousins and in-laws and an evil auntie. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What baffled your narrator the most was the casual labeling
of one of the pubs as the ‘fenian’ pub.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now, this is not through an ignorance of the local lexicon
of slang. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBnkZa_-xXna-LV9W2BdFt-q0WfsXT0Ux2ZeKPCQ7k1qXw9U4Dnl0klFw8vy8ayfVuDQI7FqGwEZ8ZFCcWbOm8K2S3ZZYqyBKTvGiUDAJIH6H3cGshuckMaZ_3fkXR4XDkuP-rul87PQY/s1600/billy+tim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBnkZa_-xXna-LV9W2BdFt-q0WfsXT0Ux2ZeKPCQ7k1qXw9U4Dnl0klFw8vy8ayfVuDQI7FqGwEZ8ZFCcWbOm8K2S3ZZYqyBKTvGiUDAJIH6H3cGshuckMaZ_3fkXR4XDkuP-rul87PQY/s320/billy+tim.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What he said...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Your humble narrator knows his jungle Jim from his hun,
his soap dodging bead rattler from his black bastard, his apron kisser from his
Douglas Haig, his Mick from his Billy and readily knows that Paddy is almost certainly a tim to
boot.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What confused him the most was that the patrons of said pub
were certainly nearly all Protestant as were the owners. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How then chilblains, did said pub acquire such an unenviable
reputation in the marketplace of the Protestant shilling?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For no better reason than it held onto some of the character
that has seemingly been cast onto the cultural bonfire by the Protestant
community.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In other words, it looked ‘Irish’.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLBvGzAi7_LU0rpA4Lwz6kYoVpJY-QaDP4rT_zC1nHE-Enr7qd7Oolp-ezXlAA1slZAMwYFDeyFMWDjjhyphenhyphenF4evURxXmr91t-SdAuWg9zRtXNYC1Sgq9iw6acxKs1BBHMrC5OWojy8veWU/s1600/merry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLBvGzAi7_LU0rpA4Lwz6kYoVpJY-QaDP4rT_zC1nHE-Enr7qd7Oolp-ezXlAA1slZAMwYFDeyFMWDjjhyphenhyphenF4evURxXmr91t-SdAuWg9zRtXNYC1Sgq9iw6acxKs1BBHMrC5OWojy8veWU/s1600/merry.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NO</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWu9SI-yW8dPiMCzZAFT-pu8K9QYZ-PunHwW_pMMHIKXEnaWz4zsB6d9MByE7BRklQRHv5Rm0pUicw47DV_1bpByySxXOOPrAKoq3OAeA7IlpHW12_juZI6gDXXbrH3yxjtnhoXp6Ot3M/s1600/louden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWu9SI-yW8dPiMCzZAFT-pu8K9QYZ-PunHwW_pMMHIKXEnaWz4zsB6d9MByE7BRklQRHv5Rm0pUicw47DV_1bpByySxXOOPrAKoq3OAeA7IlpHW12_juZI6gDXXbrH3yxjtnhoXp6Ot3M/s320/louden.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes?!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It
retained (or rather retro-applied) old Irish script for its signage, had the
audacity to put a couple of carriage wheels out front and the leftfield brass
neck to put hanging baskets of flowers out the front. All in all, none of the hallmarks
of a typical South Londonderry, Protestant, drinking, establishment.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCwcjylIzm1aK1KFpozpRG1VaDse0-k-mMoBLjTygb0p5Imv8M__1hgnxFMpnmdp2eqYU_eWu22PaBRsxqBgUXWiGSrmfNjboLjMe5FM6IyzqIfvcZLcvFNbkJyfdmPfoBNvxio-EJEFE/s1600/jumper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCwcjylIzm1aK1KFpozpRG1VaDse0-k-mMoBLjTygb0p5Imv8M__1hgnxFMpnmdp2eqYU_eWu22PaBRsxqBgUXWiGSrmfNjboLjMe5FM6IyzqIfvcZLcvFNbkJyfdmPfoBNvxio-EJEFE/s1600/jumper.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mid Ulster property developer, post-crash</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For its sins said pub has went the way of mercurial Ulster
property developer and is no longer with us.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It suffered a fate worse than death: that of being a ‘fenian
Protestant’.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It held on to the submerged and hidden culture of local
Protestants and was shunned as a result along with folk music, celidh dancing,
the Gaelic language(s) and numerous folk instruments.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Your narrator has wondered many times as to when the ‘burning
of the ceilidh books’ occurred as in when was the time when Protestants
collectively turned their back on their culture or at least the parts that were
similar if not shared with their Catholic neighbours.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He knows for certain
that 30 – 40 years before hand that very same village did host village meetings
to the accompaniment of a ceilidh band that played all manner of ‘fenian’ jigs
and reels as a warm up (or cool down) to the meetings.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Said brothers were not natives shipped in from the neighbouring
Sperrins and given an entry-pass on account of their musical skills and cheeky Celtic
ways.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These were Protestant brothers descended from planters who went
higher up the hills than your typical colonist.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They were also devoted Christians, B Specials and (such were
the times) Loyalists.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Your humble narrator knows this as his grandfather was one
of the multi-skilled musicians.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He played: the accordion, fiddle, Jew’s harp,
drums, penny whistle, fyfe, spoons and if it was your 4<sup>th</sup> birthday
maybe the saw & bow. (No, not all at the same time, smart-ass). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJpFcMl1ERT9zGjCM1iRU8ImBtf-nGlTW2pJVXH_QU51CZXfn-Duvjp1RYs4_1PIUJIH7G7-edj_ifySVWhw6-Yo8QZSDeB733KO7mOd13GF4C4EIMITeGGgNk5_7HnmeIEZigYvYIy5Y/s1600/dev.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJpFcMl1ERT9zGjCM1iRU8ImBtf-nGlTW2pJVXH_QU51CZXfn-Duvjp1RYs4_1PIUJIH7G7-edj_ifySVWhw6-Yo8QZSDeB733KO7mOd13GF4C4EIMITeGGgNk5_7HnmeIEZigYvYIy5Y/s1600/dev.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">De Valera: Gave culture 'The Treatment'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
(Though
he was much opposed to Irish dancing, this may have been due to the ‘treatment’
that Irish dancing and traditional Irish folk culture received decades beforehand
when the new found Irish Free State was ‘purifying’ its culture).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Back then there was no such contradiction in being a
Protestant and playing ‘Irish’ folk music, it was just folk music.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To walk into a modern day Protestant pub or church hall and
play a jig on a fiddle without the protective talisman of Ulster-Scots
sponsorship or at the very least a St Andrew’s Cross or Ulster Flag would raise
all manner of eyebrows and bequeath unfinished egg & onion sandwiches and
cups of tea to the poor church hall that was forced to witness such an affront.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Somehow we've went from folk music, fiddles and dances to
being the playthings of everyone to them being the preserve of themuns and then
to the modern day demarcation of different camps with Ulster-Scots flying the
flag (well, fiddle) for Protestants. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now, lest there be any misconception, your humble narrator
is a fan of the Ulster Scots Orchestra and of Willie Drennan in particular,
having met oor Willie at a cultural event once and discussed the practitioners
of lambeg drum repair. Your narrator was struck by Willie's intelligence,
modesty and musical skills. Regardless
of one’s criticism of the ‘exclusivity’ of Ulster-Scots and its current
trajectory, Willie Drennan will go down in history as a force for good. He has
led a resurrection of folk music in Protestant quarters and this is a fine
achievement and a foundation to from which we can bridge the cultural gap. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga9M7Msukt2OWtWhjzbs00JuFNjkvp-vNHEw5kQ26xMzqYvYBXfG9x5YBbPpa2ITuReVvspNPkOiDxYyhYNP05ADfd5qUbudECrdDlGb6ViKALzxnKRIt8KCNX1ib8GdzoZpjGVeDKOIs/s1600/cultural+gap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga9M7Msukt2OWtWhjzbs00JuFNjkvp-vNHEw5kQ26xMzqYvYBXfG9x5YBbPpa2ITuReVvspNPkOiDxYyhYNP05ADfd5qUbudECrdDlGb6ViKALzxnKRIt8KCNX1ib8GdzoZpjGVeDKOIs/s1600/cultural+gap.jpg" /></a></div>
IF
we want to…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ulster-Scots-Folk-Orchestra/112540838760494">https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ulster-Scots-Folk-Orchestra/112540838760494</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGD5p8Q8KbX0u-25LPP9ZEO7kklP0IqPpqDjB2icAfcJZk5lAIPlYikAuuhv83ijNr4IQpt_uvVxMCjUdBv8kZVYCD8gR2WHy6oHR1El-c6yrURm6ep449AOHjMqvy9HOTTmsZLKWXfqE/s1600/4410180313_8f98140290_s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGD5p8Q8KbX0u-25LPP9ZEO7kklP0IqPpqDjB2icAfcJZk5lAIPlYikAuuhv83ijNr4IQpt_uvVxMCjUdBv8kZVYCD8gR2WHy6oHR1El-c6yrURm6ep449AOHjMqvy9HOTTmsZLKWXfqE/s200/4410180313_8f98140290_s.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lambeg Drum 'Owen Roe O'Neill'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Decades ago there was no need for Ulster-Scots as everyone
danced, jigged, reeled and played the same music on the same instruments, not
forgetting that some Catholics also played the lambeg drum. Gentlemen pipers and Protestant clergymen were more agiven to playing the Uilleann pipes. <br />
<br />
<br />
No doubt there were different musical styles in each region, but such is the
quirks of distance, demographics and geography, hence Antrim and East Down
would be particularly Scottish orientated.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br />
<br />
Your narrator would love some enlightenment on the matter
and is appealing for help & facts to help his small mind fathom the change
and the reasons behind it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Should you know something about the matter then he would be
most obliged for pointers, references, books, photos and general low down dirty
gossip about how and when things changed because all he can hear are whispers
of how things used to be. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdz3Xuy0zoqqcIyjQnHtLVJUaDYc4RfS45ZUCEfJECmwEbfIk1r6YjFFYNUvs1-Kz-Wp8Cpw0Hj3YS3CLIa5bjubu0uSwWS6LflxaQ5TsLjf8oxy3AdL5ERgglmyxD7qKuJiiqMvmB1cw/s1600/Willie+BLD+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdz3Xuy0zoqqcIyjQnHtLVJUaDYc4RfS45ZUCEfJECmwEbfIk1r6YjFFYNUvs1-Kz-Wp8Cpw0Hj3YS3CLIa5bjubu0uSwWS6LflxaQ5TsLjf8oxy3AdL5ERgglmyxD7qKuJiiqMvmB1cw/s200/Willie+BLD+Cover.jpg" width="138" /></a></div>
Actually,
Willie Drennan’s books are a good place to start:<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Big-Lang-Danner-Willie-Drennan/dp/1905281099/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1379810888&sr=1-1&keywords=big+lang+danner">http://www.amazon.co.uk/Big-Lang-Danner-Willie-Drennan/dp/1905281099/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1379810888&sr=1-1&keywords=big+lang+danner</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSc4bk_7WCfXb3WIjPjpElnPldkBxBUQvFabu_iSEWcQMIt6GDcwtrzCNZ1urmH3QvNt6d3GmfI12ogVBoc5naKxPE1E2n6Hc1zRADBKh2hiY4PxCCqjrQbj03zZbu6GoDtAj0yU6str4/s1600/fiddlev2.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSc4bk_7WCfXb3WIjPjpElnPldkBxBUQvFabu_iSEWcQMIt6GDcwtrzCNZ1urmH3QvNt6d3GmfI12ogVBoc5naKxPE1E2n6Hc1zRADBKh2hiY4PxCCqjrQbj03zZbu6GoDtAj0yU6str4/s1600/fiddlev2.jpg.jpg" /></a></div>
But for hard core perception busting concise history your narrator strongly recommends <b>'Handed Down: Country Fiddling and Dancing in East and Central Down'</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Handed-Down-Country-Fiddling-Dancing/dp/1908448512">http://www.amazon.co.uk/Handed-Down-Country-Fiddling-Dancing/dp/1908448512</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<b>SO:</b></div>
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How and when did the cultural split start?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Was there a cultural split at all and that your narrator’s
observations are mere one off exceptions?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Are there anymore Protestants who play the Uilleann pipes?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Why are there practically no more Catholic lambeg drummers?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Where did they go?<o:p></o:p></div>
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What forced the Shankill Protestants to turn their back on
their Gaelic heritage (aside from your narrator’s previous conjectures)?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Is it the fault of overzealous nationalism?<o:p></o:p></div>
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If so, then does overzealous nationalism harm the culture
it’s trying to promote?<o:p></o:p></div>
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What is 'Protestant' culture if an individual is no longer
religious and cares little for politics and Orangism?
He/she may find musical appeal in the Ulster Scots musical scene, but it is
weighed down with Union Flags, Ulster flags and the shadow of politics not to
mention a sense of contrived re-invention.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Surely he/she would consider the path of least resistance,
the path of traditional folk? </div>
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The music of his/her ancestors which belongs to us all and ironically the very
same path which is now considered to belong to ‘themuns’.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB_hzf2zYHF5Qk_7oT7ZIHNeLNHos8Q1cx8x8GzY2LaBPOz_LAH8I-wW2G4I73ptcvIFPL-piSONc9TiSJal8X0kHIUDNvbVslGL_JxFPJQTCAYd1LlMVdqgB4rmoN0_4uhV_wcVAJGpw/s1600/Oul+days.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB_hzf2zYHF5Qk_7oT7ZIHNeLNHos8Q1cx8x8GzY2LaBPOz_LAH8I-wW2G4I73ptcvIFPL-piSONc9TiSJal8X0kHIUDNvbVslGL_JxFPJQTCAYd1LlMVdqgB4rmoN0_4uhV_wcVAJGpw/s640/Oul+days.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Oul' Days: Dancing was for Protestants and Catholics.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Am Ghobsmachthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15333693607785579136noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4200060786761508433.post-61377995076790216082013-08-21T05:48:00.000-07:002013-08-21T05:48:47.036-07:00The Scottish Bigot's Guide to Ulster/Ireland<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Nightmare Vision!</td></tr>
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<br />
<br />
Having spent over a decade in Scotland, your humble narrator is no longer shocked at the behavior of 90-minute-bigots across the North Channel.<br />
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For a bit of balance, one must say that it isn't all their fault, they are in a minority (thankfully) and Paisley Road West and the Gallowgate areas of Glasgow are regularly awash with Northern Ireland's most bitter cretins who contaminate the natives with their own bigotry and bitterness.<br />
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Not known for their training in historical research, bitter cretins pass on fantastical accounts of exaggerated Irish history and on occasion one does hear 'history versions' that makes one weep.<br />
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So, in the interests of insulating wannabe-bigots of the Scottish Central Belt from erroneous versions of history, here are some nuggets that can be ignored as and when it pleaseth.<br />
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<b>1/ The Red Hand</b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NOT Loyalist</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Not all Red Hand badges are Loyalist badges.<br />
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It is an Irish symbol.<br />
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Which is why it was chosen by the Irish Unionists of Ulster.<br />
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Had most Unionists been concentrated in Connaught then we probably would be seeing very different Loyalist symbols.<br />
<br />
A dear friend of your narrator is a life long Tyrone GAA fan.<br />
<br />
Their nickname is the Red Hands.<br />
<br />
Said friend nearly got a thrashing in Glasgow because an ignoramus mistook her for a Loyalist on account of her Red Hand emblazoned Tyrone shirt.<br />
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<b>2/ Derry/Londonderry</b><br />
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It is NOT a hard and fast rule.<br />
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Your narrator is of Orange stock and most of his family would say Derry instead of Londonderry.<br />
It only became an issue a few decades ago when some people wanted it to be an issue.<br />
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FYI: County Londonderry was NEVER called County Derry, its previous name was 'County Coleraine'. The argument can only be applied to the city.<br />
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<b>3/ Ulster</b><br />
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Ulster is an Irish province.<br />
<br />
It has 9 counties, not 6.<br />
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The borders and definitions have varied over the centuries but people generally agree on its borders.<br />
<br />
Its a bit severe to lampoon everyone if they casually refer to the place as Ulster, for lazy generalisations are the norm in Northern Ireland and there are numerous associations that have it in their title.<br />
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But don't get all uppity about it and jump down people's throats if they correct you, you left yourself open with that one.<br />
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<b>4/ The British Army</b><br />
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You can call the British Army an occupying force if you want (though you'll sound like you've been brain-washed) but please remember that a fair whack of the soldiers who served in Northern Ireland came from Scotland.<br />
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Many were murdered:<br />
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<li><a href="http://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/regional/three-scottish-soldiers-killed-in-honeytrap-remembered-1-4884239">http://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/regional/three-scottish-soldiers-killed-in-honeytrap-remembered-1-4884239</a></li>
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<b>5/ The Battle of the Boyne</b><br />
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It was NOT a straight up Catholic vs Protestant fight. Seriously.<br />
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<b>6/ The Potato Blight</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7iyKLSeQr1C8JlExJXqPEjVPr2MLveowi3MNtzum2OH8cQIkGOcnk2XRLC6hP6pc_BSk0jSc6M7ZiPMQMu9cs_7hs1fJlD4WC05bMdI13iMOM7UQ_sSMtMENCOxtx8gZUsmylIxRMTU/s1600/v_woman_and_child_digging.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7iyKLSeQr1C8JlExJXqPEjVPr2MLveowi3MNtzum2OH8cQIkGOcnk2XRLC6hP6pc_BSk0jSc6M7ZiPMQMu9cs_7hs1fJlD4WC05bMdI13iMOM7UQ_sSMtMENCOxtx8gZUsmylIxRMTU/s320/v_woman_and_child_digging.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Affected Scotland too. The Highlands and Islands were decimated for reasons similar to those of Ireland.<br />
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<b>7/ Coming over for the 12th of July</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiOzQLOARPZKj3H8Bs2vM_amYi3EkssMxZ-8BKSLyduxqoyShNDr7Nu5QrJfMgWOVfK2kEp1vZIqdw3fjyoovTVHVlp2ePd0H1ftJ23yOV2h8Dvb7AeHC9Jy-4d1q1EJyyLgXTJ4PTj34/s1600/drunk-glasgow-fans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiOzQLOARPZKj3H8Bs2vM_amYi3EkssMxZ-8BKSLyduxqoyShNDr7Nu5QrJfMgWOVfK2kEp1vZIqdw3fjyoovTVHVlp2ePd0H1ftJ23yOV2h8Dvb7AeHC9Jy-4d1q1EJyyLgXTJ4PTj34/s1600/drunk-glasgow-fans.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Please stay away</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Please.<br />
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Just stop it.<br />
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(Except for Blackskull FB, a tight outfit altogether)<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidDUyjuE0hoYpvcxqu6kCr1tZcuRHrsqh1i20gAOyYPX6I2qlRL_j0mo9qQ-B3vKzqZmrGaD_xR7ASNrTLYA5N7uTRilqhqtn1C36RJrcGNMv6BidmvdaE0lujbT9VgEflBru_awhzcYE/s1600/Blackskull.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidDUyjuE0hoYpvcxqu6kCr1tZcuRHrsqh1i20gAOyYPX6I2qlRL_j0mo9qQ-B3vKzqZmrGaD_xR7ASNrTLYA5N7uTRilqhqtn1C36RJrcGNMv6BidmvdaE0lujbT9VgEflBru_awhzcYE/s1600/Blackskull.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blackskull FB: Welcome</td></tr>
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It's supposed to be about Protestantism. Not getting hammered and screaming at the fenians.<br />
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(We do a good enough job of that thank you very much)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp1w96mjNPyarfGgeoxAplCLz7kXRJCMjKI55odKGgyHxqdcGgvVMnB9UTPi2YlkaXGNl8i-gap5ihoybIu101wVnROGhtFhca4LdB_w0RqvegsTqv59gHxQP6q2XfStVHzobEv01meXw/s1600/blackskull+batman.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp1w96mjNPyarfGgeoxAplCLz7kXRJCMjKI55odKGgyHxqdcGgvVMnB9UTPi2YlkaXGNl8i-gap5ihoybIu101wVnROGhtFhca4LdB_w0RqvegsTqv59gHxQP6q2XfStVHzobEv01meXw/s400/blackskull+batman.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Having said that...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>8/ The Glasgow 12th</b><br />
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Simply awful.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQbN-nCOZQx_RAf8NoF5-2-x-OF0uJqPY3hQTXGQHmecqWKaGiIYApxXRx55323D_hwOar9ZetCivkS2M8PBkjXzXlgLaBhrUkxhSWDZhWebhVUbsBMkMLRGilRanjVxTVZrfm_Lz3csc/s1600/12TH-BOOZE-550x400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQbN-nCOZQx_RAf8NoF5-2-x-OF0uJqPY3hQTXGQHmecqWKaGiIYApxXRx55323D_hwOar9ZetCivkS2M8PBkjXzXlgLaBhrUkxhSWDZhWebhVUbsBMkMLRGilRanjVxTVZrfm_Lz3csc/s640/12TH-BOOZE-550x400.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brian John Spencer: The artist who sums it all up wonderfully.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Your narrator has been to a few over the years and has been scared witless every time and taken to be a 'Mickey bastard' on account of his soberness and unimpressed face. (Your narrator was hoping for an event more like the 12th's in Northern Ireland: Gospel tents, tea tents, each church with its own stall, toy stalls, ice cream trucks, burger vans etc etc. Not a massive drinking session!)<br />
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<b>9/ Screaming at Folk Who 'Walk Between the Bands'</b><br />
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WHO. TOLD. YOU. TO. DO. THAT?<br />
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IN. NORTHERN. IRELAND. YOU. MAY. PASS. BETWEEN. THE. BANDS. AT. A. PARADE.<br />
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YOU. MADE. THAT. SHIT. UP.<br />
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<b>10/ Asking Someone Their Religion Upon Hearing Their Northern Irish Accent and Then Accosting Them For Having Different Views To Yourself About Something Of Which You Know Very Little </b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_cdXIGSy0pf3WshKL33u5YwyhEQZHMCz8NolhKGDAeIZxW7MeAtZwGVBmRwri6UNuCw67TLps4YXaXWzVTLF4-H4u7Ypwddu1AEqXhsj32bxnHZu7Up-GtcV9S6-Ijv1IHVkRJ7GouuE/s1600/shut-up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_cdXIGSy0pf3WshKL33u5YwyhEQZHMCz8NolhKGDAeIZxW7MeAtZwGVBmRwri6UNuCw67TLps4YXaXWzVTLF4-H4u7Ypwddu1AEqXhsj32bxnHZu7Up-GtcV9S6-Ijv1IHVkRJ7GouuE/s320/shut-up.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
That's just rude.<br />
<br />
If you find yourself doing this then you may be a NED after all.<br />
<br />
Just saying.<br />
<br />
Refer to the NED checklist:<br />
<br />
Do you:<br />
<br />
Drink Buckfast?<br />
<br />
Wear trainers and trackies?<br />
<br />
Have a penchant for stabbing people?<br />
<br />
Think of education as a waste of time?<br />
<br />
If you answer 2 or more of the above points then you're probably a NED and are about to commit violence upon your computer or stolen smart phone...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAg5b7kp9_cxDdGKYE3po9Xip7dmxNUNkDk4_Hb13vjYtEKkyTw-Mv8Nw0m3MefcFVa3994Oj4d-iQYonEavbkOrBNw-SfbpmaLeWA4IYXrTJUmuo_T_QRIVeQzdYDgbW-k4EvCxL4Kp8/s1600/NEDs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAg5b7kp9_cxDdGKYE3po9Xip7dmxNUNkDk4_Hb13vjYtEKkyTw-Mv8Nw0m3MefcFVa3994Oj4d-iQYonEavbkOrBNw-SfbpmaLeWA4IYXrTJUmuo_T_QRIVeQzdYDgbW-k4EvCxL4Kp8/s320/NEDs.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Answered 2 or more eh? Well chaps, I'm afraid I have some news for ye...<br />
NO! PUT THE BOTTLE END DOWN!!! AGGGHHHH!!!!...."</td></tr>
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<br />Am Ghobsmachthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15333693607785579136noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4200060786761508433.post-28581386652261630422013-08-17T23:27:00.000-07:002013-08-26T05:13:08.211-07:00Narrator Discovers 'BUZZFEED' and the Importance of Cat PhotosYour humble narrator today stumbled across buzzfeed.com; a site that likes to list half-assed facts* and pad them out with random or vaguely related photos courtesy of writers whose ambitions are clearly constrained by their limited talent.<br />
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Sound familiar?<br />
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Your narrator was agog at discovering this site and its horrifyingly familiar formulaic productions.<br />
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It also dawned on your narrator what exactly is missing from his posts: Cats<br />
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So, without further ado, cats.<br />
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<b>1/ Irish Cat Photo</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWpQyphjiGURNGHsxT5riRgM9lva5ITiYy_UxZdGl3wYOYsdmg-Rd4idaTWT_hUbEITdqaAdk-puVjumgOtDEi_eB3v3StIPk3GgBACu-uLYcr5kRj74RBodmkFmYi7FT6HacwUtEOgBo/s1600/HappyStPatricksDayCat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWpQyphjiGURNGHsxT5riRgM9lva5ITiYy_UxZdGl3wYOYsdmg-Rd4idaTWT_hUbEITdqaAdk-puVjumgOtDEi_eB3v3StIPk3GgBACu-uLYcr5kRj74RBodmkFmYi7FT6HacwUtEOgBo/s1600/HappyStPatricksDayCat.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>2/ Scottish Cat Photo</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEircfe80qDbszK34OTeHu9ntL6q-5drucFDSTeONL2UgAMiXBk7_3xBiyOVAq8veH9MnH3DK-16ByFX-aDhjQrCi9DcelTE1DAAht1gBE_z4o_1E07geThBTBojEX13_B1NusnBz9COLvo/s1600/ToS+Cat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEircfe80qDbszK34OTeHu9ntL6q-5drucFDSTeONL2UgAMiXBk7_3xBiyOVAq8veH9MnH3DK-16ByFX-aDhjQrCi9DcelTE1DAAht1gBE_z4o_1E07geThBTBojEX13_B1NusnBz9COLvo/s320/ToS+Cat.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>3/ IRA Cat Photo</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGszf8N4frLLUmRARarGKZuweZzpGwNfpjG3RFNrqdWGOJMDv8Xt42vY80Os-cHo5XKX4DhUUjCmOObf-lz8ftKx-rQ1dGK4518YnpihOmLu-Nt-DGGP-oDRTPECzZsjZ4FmPKw5bpMUY/s1600/ira.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGszf8N4frLLUmRARarGKZuweZzpGwNfpjG3RFNrqdWGOJMDv8Xt42vY80Os-cHo5XKX4DhUUjCmOObf-lz8ftKx-rQ1dGK4518YnpihOmLu-Nt-DGGP-oDRTPECzZsjZ4FmPKw5bpMUY/s1600/ira.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>4/ NI21, Alliance and Middle of the Road Cat Photo</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz0Zl4Gg9t68_pxrTUKT3I1HLTyh9Yu57ujU2Rov0EDZxA75imL_FoUeUHjRNZuazcO3dcTSmPdDX4q8LwSUopZdbASIgGLSoStvERunIh8vfH25gRwCjdaTruCJZPV9X3AJp4_zn_CTw/s1600/atheist+cat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz0Zl4Gg9t68_pxrTUKT3I1HLTyh9Yu57ujU2Rov0EDZxA75imL_FoUeUHjRNZuazcO3dcTSmPdDX4q8LwSUopZdbASIgGLSoStvERunIh8vfH25gRwCjdaTruCJZPV9X3AJp4_zn_CTw/s1600/atheist+cat.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>5/ Unnecessary and Tasteless Catholic Church Joke Cat Photo</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipWGb_lkv0SdxPxJTXfG4HtqEQw93nhG_wnm4TKJ_-jQ5TSdbBC0tZmYybrHZ-DarJ6g4Ea5m6mvVIY_MRzkm4kxQPz5ZGNk-SmF7KzOE9RWUvyzdpRA8eJB-1Ov1DZPS8T6hlXNxRt78/s1600/catholic+tasteless.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipWGb_lkv0SdxPxJTXfG4HtqEQw93nhG_wnm4TKJ_-jQ5TSdbBC0tZmYybrHZ-DarJ6g4Ea5m6mvVIY_MRzkm4kxQPz5ZGNk-SmF7KzOE9RWUvyzdpRA8eJB-1Ov1DZPS8T6hlXNxRt78/s320/catholic+tasteless.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>6/ Celtic & Rangers Cat Photo</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji04hGZB35b9CZpFR7186L4Jfzm0mJRi0Geto_1RrVgC_vLU7fvUM1qYoZA3SYA1AzUihkSSBQiur6-LvGmm7JzHEugrz1e30Aewv8OwOg5tLP7HTidxQMz6AQ112fOsLnLDXFcQAKopw/s1600/rangerscelticcat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji04hGZB35b9CZpFR7186L4Jfzm0mJRi0Geto_1RrVgC_vLU7fvUM1qYoZA3SYA1AzUihkSSBQiur6-LvGmm7JzHEugrz1e30Aewv8OwOg5tLP7HTidxQMz6AQ112fOsLnLDXFcQAKopw/s1600/rangerscelticcat.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>7/ UVF Cat Photo</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjABsTCf0bbJ81PwFWalh77tmw55zROuMf5hpok89ErJYE2KFuMG0Ine2531Cdjl1XmfPDdHN5JI4OhdTXepI96-BE4Up-WS-YbrLOE3o5rg1XJKVII7ofCfkg4Y0gmeuMslh3R8WQJDBY/s1600/UVF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjABsTCf0bbJ81PwFWalh77tmw55zROuMf5hpok89ErJYE2KFuMG0Ine2531Cdjl1XmfPDdHN5JI4OhdTXepI96-BE4Up-WS-YbrLOE3o5rg1XJKVII7ofCfkg4Y0gmeuMslh3R8WQJDBY/s320/UVF.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>8/ Sinn Fein Youth Joke Cat Photo</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsPE4ezYgRYdWKpqioVJXfV3_wEztrCKTEc2bdHPJjJ6sPcePLr2drRjjPrEpNT48XieYfpG8X94giH41YcAHanXOLeDlN68wEoyMGru_svii7Ww7-K-31gSJYmmrnlYGk81pOwru6_YY/s1600/minions.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsPE4ezYgRYdWKpqioVJXfV3_wEztrCKTEc2bdHPJjJ6sPcePLr2drRjjPrEpNT48XieYfpG8X94giH41YcAHanXOLeDlN68wEoyMGru_svii7Ww7-K-31gSJYmmrnlYGk81pOwru6_YY/s320/minions.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>9/ Geeky Catholic Joke Cat Photo</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgCnsI9cMKICUCdV3OZoowPPZf0nf2MRWWx7aHhbiPmsfCovxpZBoI2iz2DC4wCaaZhxX0J9MhTO65CVjge7QmAiCo3PK462oXUkD8dQm7C-ut6pFIS0EceyfNIe0kjp-Cyfnt69e-_xc/s1600/353zqw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgCnsI9cMKICUCdV3OZoowPPZf0nf2MRWWx7aHhbiPmsfCovxpZBoI2iz2DC4wCaaZhxX0J9MhTO65CVjge7QmAiCo3PK462oXUkD8dQm7C-ut6pFIS0EceyfNIe0kjp-Cyfnt69e-_xc/s320/353zqw.jpg" width="242" /></a></div>
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<b>10/ Celtic Tiger's Relegation to Celtic Kitten Joke Cat Photo</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-R0bRMnD8tgigmuYQxQDTyBkFx8z7djp1o9o1nT8hR0yiuFjx8XbLV_Q6sbTgyKG9nl8Na-ecthOO8BrFBadA9I4RHKDbzRhXQRz09Aw9qIcp6XSM74M9kG177QwBUkXc_FB6RHrd-WM/s1600/Celtic+kitten.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-R0bRMnD8tgigmuYQxQDTyBkFx8z7djp1o9o1nT8hR0yiuFjx8XbLV_Q6sbTgyKG9nl8Na-ecthOO8BrFBadA9I4RHKDbzRhXQRz09Aw9qIcp6XSM74M9kG177QwBUkXc_FB6RHrd-WM/s1600/Celtic+kitten.jpg" /></a></div>
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Perhaps now that your narrator has went the way of the cat he can expect to get 10 000 hits by breakfast time.<br />
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To be humble doesn't mean you can't be a sell out...<br />
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*Japing about the facts, your narrator puts a lot of effort into researching themAm Ghobsmachthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15333693607785579136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4200060786761508433.post-66988055286102533452013-08-16T19:57:00.001-07:002013-08-18T00:14:11.521-07:00How To Get Yourself Glassed In Belfast...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilyl9ytrAwfqa3qUYTyhK1YG8lSNptg_vPINaFDkU7-wF9xrtaoOB7auS-vHCY27DuxjxLC6Ft5_4XKQQcL8OYr1iqgUurWe9DXFCl6-upzwfOKGbB1F7wXaAWC4EMFh7qizJlnb6z__I/s1600/Aggravated_Assault.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilyl9ytrAwfqa3qUYTyhK1YG8lSNptg_vPINaFDkU7-wF9xrtaoOB7auS-vHCY27DuxjxLC6Ft5_4XKQQcL8OYr1iqgUurWe9DXFCl6-upzwfOKGbB1F7wXaAWC4EMFh7qizJlnb6z__I/s320/Aggravated_Assault.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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In the interests of changing the record (for once) your narrator has decided to put up a few lesser known and unpopular myth-busters.<br />
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Please feel free to punch the screen, shout "it's not true!", call the narrator names and tell him that he is wrong, but remember, if you do, please attach a correction and a reference.<br />
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Saying "this is all wrong, so it is!" without any back up is just a waste of typing. How can your narrator make the necessary amendments without a helping hand and a point in the right direction?<br />
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<b>1/ Cromwell</b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm9f_39qFBRusazNSvRfqKwTTFgA7NcU84qQk872_8dxUI2TyuvqfGNL17fSTStzFQlPt18win2-vQzIZ_deLUWMs1Lj_1UovXuGKyxgJvyxGV4-FaDxvSeEb09VX8OPG2yRHi-E5nXoU/s1600/Cromwell+Harris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm9f_39qFBRusazNSvRfqKwTTFgA7NcU84qQk872_8dxUI2TyuvqfGNL17fSTStzFQlPt18win2-vQzIZ_deLUWMs1Lj_1UovXuGKyxgJvyxGV4-FaDxvSeEb09VX8OPG2yRHi-E5nXoU/s320/Cromwell+Harris.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Butcher of Ireland: Hang on, isn't that....?</td></tr>
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He didn't just come over to Ireland unprovoked and start slaughtering Catholics out of boredom.<br />
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Whilst he certainly despised Catholicism and wasn't particularly fond of the Irish it must be remembered that Ireland was 'Plan B' for English Royalists and Ollie and his warts couldn't let that slide.<br />
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And for all those Presbyterians out there who get a thrill out of seeing him adorning the gable end of houses in the Shankill or on Loyalist Arches in places like Magherafelt, please remember this:<br />
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HE BROKE HIS AGREEMENT WITH THE COVENANTERS, INVADED SCOTLAND AND SMASHED THE PRESBYTERIAN ARMY IN ULSTER.<br />
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<b>2/ More Cromwell</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpPSGLOGBqh-pc0qLk8kopqxPZCOI6Vt8UpaT5xhkbTlbAaQz_j4l5BgI0sWpVMAY-MfwmiQ0Fa-B6S2z-5t5670v1TtrC6eQ_HGsuJy6fwRnoZUujFtN8OCKuBkxgvwXElKUWRwM9Ogk/s1600/Aran_Islands_BirdsEye_compressed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpPSGLOGBqh-pc0qLk8kopqxPZCOI6Vt8UpaT5xhkbTlbAaQz_j4l5BgI0sWpVMAY-MfwmiQ0Fa-B6S2z-5t5670v1TtrC6eQ_HGsuJy6fwRnoZUujFtN8OCKuBkxgvwXElKUWRwM9Ogk/s1600/Aran_Islands_BirdsEye_compressed.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Arran Islands: More English than you'd think</td></tr>
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Blood surveys in the Gaelic strongholds of the Arran Islands near Galway showed that a fair number of the population (if not the majority) are direct descendants from Cromwell's soldiers who were based there during the blockade of Galway.<br />
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<b>3/ The Siege of Derry</b><br />
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James did NOT come up to the walls, demand a surrender and have the doors shut in his face.<br />
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He was in France at the time.<br />
It was the Earl of Antrim who had the gates shut in his face and instead of kicking off a siege there and then he merely went over to the Protestant town of Coleraine and billeted there.<br />
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The siege started later.<br />
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And was a farce.<br />
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With small artillery. And hardly any artillery rounds compared to European sieges.<br />
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Not to mention that Governor Walker ALSO wanted to surrender the city, Lundy wasn't daft, he'd been in proper sieges before in places like Morrocco, fighting against the French.<br />
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He knew if that a half decent army armed with proper artillery arrived it would destroy the city.<br />
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IF...<br />
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<b>4/ The Apprentice Boys.</b><br />
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A number of the original 13 spoke Gaelic (either Scots or Ulster). Perhaps all of them, perhaps only a few, it's difficult to know.<br />
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But some of them did.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLCYorPfuRB6mE4sROxMmB1D1Zhz3EZJMGhBCk7K0s1k_IKxqWz7dxBTagzH69PONqvvEBg3U7wOwfSoaxyyz9algJfe9eRLiY5jZyZjSZbtH9BKDVnU_1ms1p1k2uICrr2zN1-WABHSU/s1600/gaelic+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLCYorPfuRB6mE4sROxMmB1D1Zhz3EZJMGhBCk7K0s1k_IKxqWz7dxBTagzH69PONqvvEBg3U7wOwfSoaxyyz9algJfe9eRLiY5jZyZjSZbtH9BKDVnU_1ms1p1k2uICrr2zN1-WABHSU/s400/gaelic+2.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Being Gaelic: Hard to admit to...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<b>5/ The British Army</b><br />
<br />
Your narrator does not need to contribute anything negative to the British Army in Ireland as there are volumes of such works to this end.<br />
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So, some food for thought.<br />
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It is widely believed that many hard line Loyalists were angered by the intervention of the British Army in Belfast at the beginning of the Troubles as it much reduced the chances of evicting even more Catholics from the city.<br />
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Ian Paisley famously compared the British army to the SS<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKB_Y1fOiDzQigcnfEJGT3-1q6PbyZS444quHpAcDhd5kG4WPI1px6xS1CpbwgOXzM3lHyQ6jVt_PZfTDA4nhuxMZlYJ0sdF0vIzYAInRFB0qwMVS4dvP72x7usFbHWdmlTh8vdOrCnkY/s1600/trooper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKB_Y1fOiDzQigcnfEJGT3-1q6PbyZS444quHpAcDhd5kG4WPI1px6xS1CpbwgOXzM3lHyQ6jVt_PZfTDA4nhuxMZlYJ0sdF0vIzYAInRFB0qwMVS4dvP72x7usFbHWdmlTh8vdOrCnkY/s1600/trooper.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THIS....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnwKkjoXJUDR0BZAhJzkWYU0MKCN0aSiDH0YoEWpR__YEolKJOYDE5FcLu6SN5lP7UeTmyDoXdZUdfMdGGP425MQT7pnTENDInv7tIQB4nn9Bxu_NDuFknYxcvTyo7gB5eoRqqKvQLVog/s1600/Sharpe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnwKkjoXJUDR0BZAhJzkWYU0MKCN0aSiDH0YoEWpR__YEolKJOYDE5FcLu6SN5lP7UeTmyDoXdZUdfMdGGP425MQT7pnTENDInv7tIQB4nn9Bxu_NDuFknYxcvTyo7gB5eoRqqKvQLVog/s1600/Sharpe.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THIS?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: inline !important; text-align: center;">
OR </div>
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<b>6/ St Patrick's Day</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJefWZHWc856zJUx6JHeT0jS7rj6psD2SXB7FbQzyhXUdXZ592KQa-yfF02Djb3SmNQxMuWdBS6YYhnnvLKo6rS8bYxm8w0MC8gX34hffAbowq_w1qFA2lo1Ke-WuSbIc7p7jL9rDUlo/s1600/St__Patricks_day_in_America_I_thumb1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJefWZHWc856zJUx6JHeT0jS7rj6psD2SXB7FbQzyhXUdXZ592KQa-yfF02Djb3SmNQxMuWdBS6YYhnnvLKo6rS8bYxm8w0MC8gX34hffAbowq_w1qFA2lo1Ke-WuSbIc7p7jL9rDUlo/s640/St__Patricks_day_in_America_I_thumb1.png" width="640" /></a></div>
Was started in America by Irish Soldiers in the British Army<br />
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Originally, most parades were organised by Protestants e.g. the parade in Savannah Georgia.<br />
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Flying the tricolour is a comparatively recent idea.<br />
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<b>7/ St Patrick's Cross </b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgU1tolnbH46Qly0tAieoWCCMzOQGiMSvS04IJX0SECLzjmN8ywsfVHpD58fp3UbqL9rVUHhgw1HQHdUgh1qZJaCqrKdOB7WxPeUpWhbMrW2xpRxuT5lKEH-BW1eULehVkzW5CdoikZFo/s1600/ie-stpat.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgU1tolnbH46Qly0tAieoWCCMzOQGiMSvS04IJX0SECLzjmN8ywsfVHpD58fp3UbqL9rVUHhgw1HQHdUgh1qZJaCqrKdOB7WxPeUpWhbMrW2xpRxuT5lKEH-BW1eULehVkzW5CdoikZFo/s320/ie-stpat.gif" width="320" /></a></b></div>
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Many Republicans and nationalists argue against its use in an Irish context seeing it as a British (or even Protestant) invention, given its inception at the hand of the Dukes of Leinster (the Fitzgeralds).<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDuXjTma3qOSP3BjzdFF3Nn57F8N4uIlNGN7a6eEgjtVGq4tl9loCZf-FiAHbgCCDnBy9xvWA3w0Z9JCEePjnVGiWj4r3ezTDIvdVGFtV8QoYqeL0jiNBKcK3Y7-Ty-u7eTiHWJ0nebqY/s1600/Maynooth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDuXjTma3qOSP3BjzdFF3Nn57F8N4uIlNGN7a6eEgjtVGq4tl9loCZf-FiAHbgCCDnBy9xvWA3w0Z9JCEePjnVGiWj4r3ezTDIvdVGFtV8QoYqeL0jiNBKcK3Y7-Ty-u7eTiHWJ0nebqY/s1600/Maynooth.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where they make Catholic priests</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVpwYDUzEzVdK8P1XlWrKBxGCFIUN3jdJMdEhwhW6quVL18i65qPvz3OQb8Bv_C8VvL_i7ICDQnhyphenhyphenh-AkjK-RBz1lXyoycCS3tngThE6tonW1p2OK4pi3DsF77WQrOTynkyVzBqxTs9KI/s1600/175px-Roman_Catholic_Archdiocese_of_New_York.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVpwYDUzEzVdK8P1XlWrKBxGCFIUN3jdJMdEhwhW6quVL18i65qPvz3OQb8Bv_C8VvL_i7ICDQnhyphenhyphenh-AkjK-RBz1lXyoycCS3tngThE6tonW1p2OK4pi3DsF77WQrOTynkyVzBqxTs9KI/s1600/175px-Roman_Catholic_Archdiocese_of_New_York.svg.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St Patrick's diocese, New York. How very Protestant?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The Catholic church feels differently as the St Patrick's Cross is the flag of St Patrick's seminary, Maynooth (near Dublin).<br />
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It is also used by St Patrick's diocese in New York.<br />
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Not to mention various Catholic schools the world over.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKLdg_ZLSu2mr5aa8kVka_yhPf-DgBkUa-X1zHObkQVIr_P01DdDLGTVXBwyd8OgpUcrl5a7rvvlHAm35fahhVrZrTH55EHldfn5CRJjHRTlRkGcAZ7XReXqNJwh9epBnOUph_8xLmir0/s1600/stPatsArmagh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKLdg_ZLSu2mr5aa8kVka_yhPf-DgBkUa-X1zHObkQVIr_P01DdDLGTVXBwyd8OgpUcrl5a7rvvlHAm35fahhVrZrTH55EHldfn5CRJjHRTlRkGcAZ7XReXqNJwh9epBnOUph_8xLmir0/s320/stPatsArmagh.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St Patrick's Roman Catholic Cathedral Armagh</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>8/ Ireland and Catholicism</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipILIN7JvtEk2RBE2rELBS-AyFqz_i2EvY89h5PPwcMYCHXQgjhsLymgnBb_2FKJLpTYZSBErwGGhgHTIlL-CfEsQ5a50h4zFGBl2OmvyY5oNpKm3Bw8vTRTSLDBTV_R4rBkbJtQhFv-Y/s1600/Green_Celtic_Cross_by_dashinvaine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipILIN7JvtEk2RBE2rELBS-AyFqz_i2EvY89h5PPwcMYCHXQgjhsLymgnBb_2FKJLpTYZSBErwGGhgHTIlL-CfEsQ5a50h4zFGBl2OmvyY5oNpKm3Bw8vTRTSLDBTV_R4rBkbJtQhFv-Y/s320/Green_Celtic_Cross_by_dashinvaine.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<b>VS</b> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBVbcamUEpjj7bi1VdUrcQMq8PGqFaTdgIXmheXfBCzK2oTOi66zHgMdneaFCEIZu1dgv4_vbv3yK-AlZp-XMgQTpCLnoe_TNz4YP-jRPm50_ZZ2Y6zd_MCYOifW0Lhrd_Bw1c1OGxA5g/s1600/roman+cross.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBVbcamUEpjj7bi1VdUrcQMq8PGqFaTdgIXmheXfBCzK2oTOi66zHgMdneaFCEIZu1dgv4_vbv3yK-AlZp-XMgQTpCLnoe_TNz4YP-jRPm50_ZZ2Y6zd_MCYOifW0Lhrd_Bw1c1OGxA5g/s320/roman+cross.jpg" width="213" /></a><br />
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A tricky one, but it's a real stretch to say that Ireland has ALWAYS been Catholic.<br />
The early Celtic branch of Christianity (the one that flourished whilst the Western Roman Empire was crumbling and for centuries thereafter) was not at all popular with the big-'wigs' (well, 'tonsures') in Rome.<br />
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Henry II, the 'English King' who invaded Ireland (well, he mainly attacked the Anglo-Normans in Ireland and the Norse cities) had a papal blessing for his invasion.<br />
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Ireland wasn't quite 'Roman' enough you see...<br />
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It's a tough one, get out the old theology and Christian history books for this one...<br />
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<b>9/ Presbyterian Rebels (America and Ireland)</b><br />
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<i>"Call this war by whatever name you may, only call it not an American rebellion; it is nothing more or less than a Scottish-Irish Presbyterian rebellion" </i><br />
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<b>Quote by a Hessian (German) mercenary officer fighting for the British against the American militias.</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_HFlp5TSPp6idJrqqKmZjjTgfLyF1gsDcDuA7kteVuLx2ogdO0c7JY0FnIw0Uqnd2MR9Jy1o6e6vgabe0ky3VvQDEbJt409UxyXtMADfi6ek098z6q8_5b7Z8TG_tr9JVHtme1Vfsiw8/s1600/DontTread.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_HFlp5TSPp6idJrqqKmZjjTgfLyF1gsDcDuA7kteVuLx2ogdO0c7JY0FnIw0Uqnd2MR9Jy1o6e6vgabe0ky3VvQDEbJt409UxyXtMADfi6ek098z6q8_5b7Z8TG_tr9JVHtme1Vfsiw8/s1600/DontTread.gif" /></a></div>
In American War of Independence, it is thought that a good half of the Rebel army were Irish Presbyterians<br />
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Their success gave much encouragement to their cousins in Ireland, especially in the North.<br />
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Out of this encouragement came the United Irishmen and their subsequent rebellion, led mainly by Protestants.<br />
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Incidentally, the mainly Catholic Monaghan militia was key in crushing the Rebellion in the Belfast area and was noted for its brutality, possibly driven by the perception that it had to shake off any doubts about its loyalty after having 4 members executed for treason<br />
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<b>10/ The Boyne</b><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm1_t9IUFg_A6lZZ9TTES-bpbERNTgTTBBtNk8PfTG7sSXu1FXGMgBruE6-u6q7DWTx7A1JGLursS1WVWz9OeoCP5HsrVMcIevNe9wO1chh4hnHIGy2Ka-mPbb2c_BBkRpU6nP-EjQN4A/s1600/King_William_III_magnet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm1_t9IUFg_A6lZZ9TTES-bpbERNTgTTBBtNk8PfTG7sSXu1FXGMgBruE6-u6q7DWTx7A1JGLursS1WVWz9OeoCP5HsrVMcIevNe9wO1chh4hnHIGy2Ka-mPbb2c_BBkRpU6nP-EjQN4A/s400/King_William_III_magnet.jpg" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PRETTY sure the horse wasn't white y'all. He wasn't stupid:<br />
"Right! Aim for the man wearing bright Orange, sitting<br />
on a big bright white horse!!!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
King William had Catholic troops too<br />
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His had an ally in the form of the Pope<br />
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Shortly after the Williamite victory, harsh penal laws were brought in which affected Presbyterians as well as Catholics<br />
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<b>11/The Easter Uprising</b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsDjU0iJfuhsq3oNfHWf1s8DS1D-r4PVZrm0G7qCjt9sfsUuiti6MtemhGUoKiKEDwadcmK7ia6h9aYGE-T0yQKnnaGH6XxW4VfBLt4y68H2yHv1nocsyWjnpatGw4JNsAzo6NtWb1DMs/s1600/Loyalist+Rebels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsDjU0iJfuhsq3oNfHWf1s8DS1D-r4PVZrm0G7qCjt9sfsUuiti6MtemhGUoKiKEDwadcmK7ia6h9aYGE-T0yQKnnaGH6XxW4VfBLt4y68H2yHv1nocsyWjnpatGw4JNsAzo6NtWb1DMs/s320/Loyalist+Rebels.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Edward Carson and the UVF: 'Loyalist Rebels'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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At that time the newly formed UVF were seen as a great source of rebel inspiration given their open defiance of the Crown (oh the irony)<br />
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The rebels were not popular (until General Maxwell started shooting them).<br />
At one point they had to use their rifle butts against women near Bow St Distillery as the women were so upset at this act of treachery whilst their men folk were far away on the Western Front slaughterhouse.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic3YlL2pMPf4iZgiUC58UAikBkbF6-68TAyIo2XddcascSab2RvQlzcTZwpDRv9bpnuFRezI14iTW83DrOE3qj-BFhVyg4-iSbFazhdXUTEwHAI2Vq8LyD3kASTu39gMTSkOBJHYdNA3Y/s1600/The+BigWar.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic3YlL2pMPf4iZgiUC58UAikBkbF6-68TAyIo2XddcascSab2RvQlzcTZwpDRv9bpnuFRezI14iTW83DrOE3qj-BFhVyg4-iSbFazhdXUTEwHAI2Vq8LyD3kASTu39gMTSkOBJHYdNA3Y/s400/The+BigWar.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meanwhile, over at the <b>real</b> war 10's of thousands of Irishmen were being slaughtered...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Part of the motivation for the uprising was a 'now or never' attitude as Ireland in general was so very pro-British thanks to the wartime propaganda<br />
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<br />Am Ghobsmachthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15333693607785579136noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4200060786761508433.post-11914735779449701722013-08-15T22:44:00.000-07:002013-08-15T22:44:20.672-07:00Things That Unionists and Protestants Get Right?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIr-qQRp2NzD0ig2mvbzGykddglTWYxYdaWKUxpY4q5iBmno0ibXgelDcPFT4_0Gd5eJixnZsXh9ote33hwEf2qhIC23rGIoUm8775WpHV2XSYzd4ZNlpqkeEv4UsJ2vV4e7tz3A4NEhc/s1600/thumb_COLOURBOX5762740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIr-qQRp2NzD0ig2mvbzGykddglTWYxYdaWKUxpY4q5iBmno0ibXgelDcPFT4_0Gd5eJixnZsXh9ote33hwEf2qhIC23rGIoUm8775WpHV2XSYzd4ZNlpqkeEv4UsJ2vV4e7tz3A4NEhc/s1600/thumb_COLOURBOX5762740.jpg" /></a></div>
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As suggested by some of the chaps over at http://sluggerotoole.com/2013/07/31/10-things-that-political-unionists-get-wrong/#comments , here is a list of suggestions of things that Unionists get right<br />
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They'll be no random pictures or silly captions today as (for once, it's quite time-consuming too) we don't want to belittle any of the points.<br />
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It'll be a rolling blog and your narrator will update the list upon worthy suggestions (an example of an unworthy suggestion is 'cool band uniforms').<br />
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Most of the suggestions below have been contributed by other bloggers, so thank you Red Lion and Green Flag.<br />
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<b>1/</b><i><b>Brian Faulkner and the Sunningdale Agreement in 1974</b> - </i>(even if it didn't last, nice try though)<br />
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<br />
<br />
<b>2/ <i>The failure of the vast majority of the unionist population to support the Loyalist paramilitaries and to generally continue to support the main parties</i> </b>- Your narrator agrees with this, funnily enough, he has met people in bands with UVF standards/links whom would not support the PUP as they were viewed by some as a 'Protestant Sinn Fein'.<br />
Interesting.<br />
<br />
<b><i>3 While many are not Church attenders one could suggest that a majority of unionists listened to the words of their Anglican , Presbyterian and Methodist ministers in restraining themselves from ‘acts ‘ of revenge -ditto of course for the majority of non unionists</i></b> - Indeed, Northern Ireland could have been so much worse had clergymen not urged the turning of the other cheek or if dignified victims hadn't voiced against retribution.<br />
<br />
<i><b>4/ Doc Paisley eventually making it to the power sharing table despite decades of opposition and his groundbreaking ‘deal ‘ with SF leader and now DFM McGuinness</b></i> - (took his sweet time about it, he could have not opposed it back in the 70's with Sunningdale and the SDLP, better late than never one supposes...)<br />
<br />
<b>5/ I<i>t was unionists who formed the Alliance Party, an important middle ground feature of NI politics</i></b> -<br />
<br />
<i><b>6/ The UUP actually taking the brave leap in helping negotiate the GFA in the first place, much to their own party’s cost</b></i> - Especially David Trimble, he knew what was in store for himself<br />
<br />
<i><b>7/ more recently, and I hope the most important, the formation of NI21, a hopefully genuine attempt to break support for Northern Ireland’s constitutional set-up out of being linked to perceived ethno-religious background</b> - </i>Catholics are now key to the Union<br />
<br />
<b>8/ <i>SPADS bill by TUV, which gained a cross community support in curtailing the SF march of putting perpetrators of violence into positions over the heads of the rights of victims to feel that Stormont also belongs to them</i>.</b><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><b>9/ Linked to GFA, but to some degree moving away from Anti- anglo Irish feeling to acceptance of some sort of a role or dimension for Dublin in NI affairs</b></i> - let us not forget what Trimble did to the dreaded articles 2 & 3<br />
<br />
<b>10/ Rossnowlagh Annual Orange Parade</b> - A shining example to other parades in the land that dispels the unfair image of the Orange Order as a 'drinking club with a marching problem'<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv2rSaI6Y36YegDSjve2O76zw17-M9suSsQsPX8RbXiR9tVBM1impILNWEkEVOawr4W2_vfqLBpfKCNdLBM8OjxUPuSa351z3mg5kUDD-h29Zuu8GfNR5N8qLW3VKLckzsFeiCWRPvXOg/s1600/_68596000_orangedesk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv2rSaI6Y36YegDSjve2O76zw17-M9suSsQsPX8RbXiR9tVBM1impILNWEkEVOawr4W2_vfqLBpfKCNdLBM8OjxUPuSa351z3mg5kUDD-h29Zuu8GfNR5N8qLW3VKLckzsFeiCWRPvXOg/s1600/_68596000_orangedesk.jpg" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-YMG-1dM-jz9dY6AxlA3PSmvvp4WNW6ZuReSThma_UiVMfz1hXWSjKF4nCrWoe0FIg25ANV61cThrQqLsXsBy09bwlyEDnbBzkTHhuoUJ6cuNgbphpN1Q6u_tE7iZ6btsmf_C9X6dxU/s1600/460_0___30_0_0_0_0_0_surfing_orangemen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-YMG-1dM-jz9dY6AxlA3PSmvvp4WNW6ZuReSThma_UiVMfz1hXWSjKF4nCrWoe0FIg25ANV61cThrQqLsXsBy09bwlyEDnbBzkTHhuoUJ6cuNgbphpN1Q6u_tE7iZ6btsmf_C9X6dxU/s320/460_0___30_0_0_0_0_0_surfing_orangemen.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Charlie don't surf!": But Willie-John and John-Henry do...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Am Ghobsmachthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15333693607785579136noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4200060786761508433.post-27074698668641345372013-08-15T22:30:00.000-07:002013-08-16T17:09:06.630-07:00Once Upon a Time in the West of the Bann (When Catholics Played Lambegs...)<div class="MsoNormal">
Once upon a time, long ago, way before Presbyterians invented
Irish Republicanism (sort of), the places that we know as Ireland and Scotland
(or rather most of it) shared the same name in the eyes and mouths of the
travelers from the civilised Mediterranean; ‘Scotia’, meaning land of the
Gaels.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYhG7X5AQntL-qo8CCVS1E0UtvabDF4yWEwogiDvurDMroLJYzm9VrqzO2vGCVRqhRK2lbVmc1vaPY-axEvXfsV4Zt9u17nlgjEBIdb6nyZIUYtAC9jIaMKiJjWLrH6hUgWRVHmMoXH7k/s1600/scotiaMajorandScotiaMinor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYhG7X5AQntL-qo8CCVS1E0UtvabDF4yWEwogiDvurDMroLJYzm9VrqzO2vGCVRqhRK2lbVmc1vaPY-axEvXfsV4Zt9u17nlgjEBIdb6nyZIUYtAC9jIaMKiJjWLrH6hUgWRVHmMoXH7k/s400/scotiaMajorandScotiaMinor.jpg" width="291" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scotia (Hibernia) and Scotia Minor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
From a sea faring point of view it’s an archipelago with
varying distances between hundreds of islands, the two main islands being
separated only by 20km but straddled in
part by an identical culture (well, as far as Gaelic Scotland was concerned).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hence, the world was gifted with Scotia Major (Ireland) and
Scotia Minor (Scotland).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Remember, the modern ideas and interpretations of political
borders are exactly that, ideas and interpretations. At one stage of history a
country was decided by which family ruled it, not the common language or even
geography. Physical boundaries counted for little if there was a monarch
powerful enough to decide otherwise.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, back in the days of ‘the’ Scotia, it was the norm
that it was generally a ‘langwage thang’. And the Gaels (‘Scotians’?) spoke the
same language.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That’s not to say that both lands were necessarily seen as
‘one’ by the inhabitants, for example, Brian Boru had himself titled ‘Imperator
Scottorum’ – ‘The Emperor of the Gaels (Irish)’.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtVBNNtGmcO2HZ2ywm86tl6QtjR7Q9u2shGub-HjVQ4B5xGT0FEu76lRqC3hWmJeifwqQEb6aa7EpLL6NK-JxzkS8sR3DhW30kxCtn06Tvn-ZhKgQp8XwaK5up1aeeFqd6UekE_XUSwP8/s1600/brian+boru.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtVBNNtGmcO2HZ2ywm86tl6QtjR7Q9u2shGub-HjVQ4B5xGT0FEu76lRqC3hWmJeifwqQEb6aa7EpLL6NK-JxzkS8sR3DhW30kxCtn06Tvn-ZhKgQp8XwaK5up1aeeFqd6UekE_XUSwP8/s1600/brian+boru.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brian Boru: "Imperator Scottorum"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZCaon2CMIKVyFij9lYAi-ykr6CQNIo5Ej5vQgKXYvf0t-WBy8u7xOWGkSTQbp0Y3oOrJmMknPTjKpVwe_QRlyAKy9AULjKDxd-kbvZ3q2flnHwwyrsyxb97sQn_2fcvznLQw9j4r7Jdw/s1600/boru+vodka.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZCaon2CMIKVyFij9lYAi-ykr6CQNIo5Ej5vQgKXYvf0t-WBy8u7xOWGkSTQbp0Y3oOrJmMknPTjKpVwe_QRlyAKy9AULjKDxd-kbvZ3q2flnHwwyrsyxb97sQn_2fcvznLQw9j4r7Jdw/s200/boru+vodka.jpg" width="142" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vodka Boru: "Aqua Scottorum?"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But at the same time these differences petered out now and
again, in the myths of Cuchulainn he goes to places that would be deemed more
familiar and local to seafaring Ulstermen than alien Connaght, e.g. The land of
Skatha a.k.a the Land of Shadows (The Isle of Skye) and the lines become even more
blurred when the MacDonald Clan (MacDonnells) obtain a foothold in Antrim. North
and East Antrim became as much a part of the Scottish Highlands & Islands
as the Argylle ( ‘Eastern Gael’).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd5IXkp51Z58wbRQbhtnIxnwi1dO_hoxuXPTbUx3gRg6JtGEvy8XJeGvAobVQrqln6EbmjIzvf5sC_vdWYuVb_f62EKRSOmfWUeT0RkOzkgVJ9BTuWop4MTLzmp-NjQ4jvRxHegmwNENY/s1600/Skatha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd5IXkp51Z58wbRQbhtnIxnwi1dO_hoxuXPTbUx3gRg6JtGEvy8XJeGvAobVQrqln6EbmjIzvf5sC_vdWYuVb_f62EKRSOmfWUeT0RkOzkgVJ9BTuWop4MTLzmp-NjQ4jvRxHegmwNENY/s320/Skatha.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skatha's land: Skye</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So much has been carried back and forth between the two
lands over the past millennium or two that should a medieval sea-merchant be
unfortunate enough to befall the fate of a casually explained time travelling
plot and be transported to the modern era he would see little difference
between them: The same names on either side of the
Corryvrecken whirlpool, the same languages (though a difference in the
ascendancy of the two), the same tribalism, the same music (roughly speaking
and bar a few instruments, such as the new-fangled banjo gadget), the same
stereotypes of drunkenness, quick wit, singing, and fighting etc etc.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He would then wonder at the need for the constant battle
lines that are being drawn in the identity stakes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The ‘Irish’ (as in the main group) are happy being Irish and
they like the Scots. The Scots are very happy being Scottish and in general get
on well with the Irish (especially if the Scots are of the West Coast variety).
The Northern Irish Protestants (being stripped of their Anglo-Irish brethren
since partition) have seemingly switched from being Irish with an obvious
Scottish influence to being Scottish people marooned on the wrong side of the
Corryvrecken.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This would cause a lot of bafflement to said medieval
merchant.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
His thoughts would be that given the similarities (and even
the similarities of proclaimed differences e.g. Ulster Scots fiddling as
opposed to Irish fiddling? It’s still Irish fiddling FFS! Just Irish fiddling
that has been influenced by Scotland, logically so given their proximity) that
any alleged differences must be surely artificial and contrived.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One would have to agree with the hapless and no doubt
confused merchant.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Why so much effort into stressing the ethnic differences
when said differences go full circle historically speaking and end up in
Ireland anyway?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Were the Northern Irish Protestants planted on Erin’s shores
from Nigeria then there would be a great deal of logic in the approach.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But they weren’t.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD-k_NaPI01WGb_UH5uYv-b_IGFsMllaytbV35WhQV2MoLQWgUkwUNlJCycyeBT2l_7_dvm-6-6Lx26dTI8FOJSce9ui1eIy5Nmf5WVspmysCaj-HuhLpMN77yMlivbkWn-bV64i5zkJU/s1600/nigerian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD-k_NaPI01WGb_UH5uYv-b_IGFsMllaytbV35WhQV2MoLQWgUkwUNlJCycyeBT2l_7_dvm-6-6Lx26dTI8FOJSce9ui1eIy5Nmf5WVspmysCaj-HuhLpMN77yMlivbkWn-bV64i5zkJU/s1600/nigerian.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nigerian</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisnZHhB2_5FrNGRpzYHwxXUQx8jt5h4ARnZM_lhigDqyHERGiyR_iMTSoX1iVO5-Dk0zpl_ah_fKrJC1LbqQWZJxFhfpsmqRa0WYuM-Os3CfHKK-SzIyRVWRJ50G1pkxbpHr06jLBD-hY/s1600/NOT+nigerian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisnZHhB2_5FrNGRpzYHwxXUQx8jt5h4ARnZM_lhigDqyHERGiyR_iMTSoX1iVO5-Dk0zpl_ah_fKrJC1LbqQWZJxFhfpsmqRa0WYuM-Os3CfHKK-SzIyRVWRJ50G1pkxbpHr06jLBD-hY/s1600/NOT+nigerian.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NOT Nigerian</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They came from a place planted by Gaels, joined later on by
the very same groups who imposed themselves on Ireland; Vikings and
Anglo-Normans.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So it’s not like they’re the fruit of some exotic hybrid
tree.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For a long time the main differences were religion and to a
lesser extent political loyalties and the pronunciation of the letter ‘H’.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now the churches are haemorrhaging members. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The
spectre of ‘Rome Rule’ is clumsily grasped by those who have gladly surrendered
their mental faculties and those who wish to exploit this surrender and use it
as means to induce fear and create political myths and bogeymen. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgauixrxcQSYsNKmy2tUrQfH7-aVak4leKpjvooEYGebTlb_M0c9H7WIrI77fcvlcBzqSF2oD4gQKe81IxhgeKcfpIpdcrzkb0AGM_8lbDMdO_E98SEMLBHpCbQTkZ3az5umN6kS7v2GLs/s1600/homerule_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgauixrxcQSYsNKmy2tUrQfH7-aVak4leKpjvooEYGebTlb_M0c9H7WIrI77fcvlcBzqSF2oD4gQKe81IxhgeKcfpIpdcrzkb0AGM_8lbDMdO_E98SEMLBHpCbQTkZ3az5umN6kS7v2GLs/s400/homerule_3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'ROME RULE': The Fear</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiJ9SdPO4tMHiuFk3D5rCgwI1dnrzILjFiAkcn_vPxNLdSdGM-Ou1YV-vefcpwmZ61P_TdfhbX5hdaj2FfrB5o-s9CbpCA83VkYYEeota1euuLZuWLMw1e0iFB2P6j5YLkM87We-QGJM0/s1600/Kicking+Bishop+Brennan+Up+The+Arse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiJ9SdPO4tMHiuFk3D5rCgwI1dnrzILjFiAkcn_vPxNLdSdGM-Ou1YV-vefcpwmZ61P_TdfhbX5hdaj2FfrB5o-s9CbpCA83VkYYEeota1euuLZuWLMw1e0iFB2P6j5YLkM87We-QGJM0/s1600/Kicking+Bishop+Brennan+Up+The+Arse.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'ROME RULE': Kicking Bishop Brennan Up The Arse</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The past decade or so hasn't been great for the Catholic Church. Nineteenth
century Presbyterian proselytisers would have lept on that wounded animal like
a pack of hyenas. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not so
their modern counterparts. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If ever there was a time for a fresh stab
at a ‘Celtic Church’, one that would use Gaelic as the language of the house
(like the Free Presbyterians of the Outer Hebrides) and pay homage to the
Celtic saints like, Brendan, Columba, Brigid, Kevin, Patrick & Co, it would
be now. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With the fall of ‘Rome Rule’ and Protestant church
attendance the cultures have even more in common now given the machinations of modern life:
Soap operas, fast food, supermarkets, commuting, benefits, tabloids, mobile
phones, cheap alcohol, praying to the hand of the lottery for deliverance, a
hankering to own anything by Steve fucking Jobs etc etc.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yet the idea of massive differences prevails.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So much so that there are whispers of a ‘cultural war’.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDWI9vKLR-ZAwoZ65Gj_IpsFpzdjiE9gAtn7tYwDjlaJQkrezB-i6Eb40SMsLEq5SK-0FogpFUR8mifG_PakE-sz52V6rSX0LZtNXzwK__aEsIkw381FtKvnjeMJTwmW12oh1SLfgzvKw/s1600/British.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDWI9vKLR-ZAwoZ65Gj_IpsFpzdjiE9gAtn7tYwDjlaJQkrezB-i6Eb40SMsLEq5SK-0FogpFUR8mifG_PakE-sz52V6rSX0LZtNXzwK__aEsIkw381FtKvnjeMJTwmW12oh1SLfgzvKw/s1600/British.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">British</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTGKd0vKFdBOA7Jx9S6diYoT7ymzpSJAFNcd4vKnGQpDrHc6U8VpVzxC9baLtclBiRqlcxzC1GdRXPwJGBdWFQQxjpYAUfJxAPffLUrkZ-YD3SliFV2tI3PGU0B2iSxbrFVIbEGJhxcSA/s1600/Irish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTGKd0vKFdBOA7Jx9S6diYoT7ymzpSJAFNcd4vKnGQpDrHc6U8VpVzxC9baLtclBiRqlcxzC1GdRXPwJGBdWFQQxjpYAUfJxAPffLUrkZ-YD3SliFV2tI3PGU0B2iSxbrFVIbEGJhxcSA/s320/Irish.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Irish</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is no denying that there is a short sighted strategy
to wipe away all evidence of British trappings, unconvincingly labeling it as
a ‘foreign’ influence.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Such is the logic and initial tragic path for nationalism. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For all the bravado of nationalism there is an inherent
insecurity lurking in the background.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Take former European colonies and the difference in
post-colonial attitudes. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
African countries couldn’t wait to tear down the monuments
of their former masters whilst the Indians preserved many of the pompous
British Imperial edifices in a very indifferent non-plused manner in the off
chance Jonny Englander might come for a photo, much to the envy of the rest of
the Daily Mail readership. (Although that's not to say your humble narrator blames the Africans for such actions, we're all human after all and people like King Leopold of Belgium didn't do much to raise Europeans to the moral high ground)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In Central and Eastern Europe
many cities now strive to show off ‘their’ architecture, buildings imposed on
them by ‘oppressive’ empires: Krakov, Prague, Zagreb, Ljubljana, L’vov,
Chernivtsi, Brasov and many more beside. Each town is proud of its
architectural portfolio and the Hapsburgs be damned if they’re getting the
credit or the resentment.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi6QLZmspXoe6hfF1XkUnOAqEx3O-phlvOs-XFwN9FzueLRRVJPDkxdnbYhElXUuX6X5yO7Me0jLpgzeXv9rX3W-WmCj_UvZ0ssmjTD4YwxAZvOw1gvOK2ZEP3kkPWScgc_51UF7LafH4/s1600/Ljubljana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi6QLZmspXoe6hfF1XkUnOAqEx3O-phlvOs-XFwN9FzueLRRVJPDkxdnbYhElXUuX6X5yO7Me0jLpgzeXv9rX3W-WmCj_UvZ0ssmjTD4YwxAZvOw1gvOK2ZEP3kkPWScgc_51UF7LafH4/s320/Ljubljana.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dublin had this phase too, some citizens there were glad to
see the ‘British’ houses of Georgian Dublin go under the wrecker’s hammer but
now Georgian Dublin (at least as far as one can discern from tourist
literature) IS Dublin. (Your humble narrator worked in a Dublin hotel that once
served as a bank back in the Georgian hey-day).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now the chip on the collective shoulder has been replaced by
pragmatism. The Georgian and Victorian buildings of Dublin are now a source of
pride and perhaps though British by inception were built by Irish hands. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Gof_mPTYX-mT-dQ1F4tc8-bQklI1BAXhcmqO2669xKg6085mUnNQhgml8OaBSf4Ye7jym1ebtAP37_oxHMbB2QQrrGPDpNdU5n3bVbNt1hWt8CSYDNJkYdmxrUN9T__lz_zm9afbEks/s1600/stags+head.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Gof_mPTYX-mT-dQ1F4tc8-bQklI1BAXhcmqO2669xKg6085mUnNQhgml8OaBSf4Ye7jym1ebtAP37_oxHMbB2QQrrGPDpNdU5n3bVbNt1hWt8CSYDNJkYdmxrUN9T__lz_zm9afbEks/s320/stags+head.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dublin Pubs: They didn't build themselves</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
These same Irish hands lifted pints in the splendid Georgian
and Victorian watering holes of Dublin and penned words for the world to admire
in their adopted language.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The people of Dublin are all the better for this acceptance
of their ‘foreign’ influences, whether it be their buildings, their common
tongue or the very foundation of Dublin itself (a Viking trading post, colony
and slave port).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The same can’t be said for the Northern Protestants who have
went from being foreigners, quasi foreigners (as in Protestant Gaels), to full
blown Irish, to Ulster nationalists (still Irish) to now simply British.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRxJ_yFL2C43JUSRJQGdMzLkV8TBDi_Kmn20r6EhgcKlQQANLbLS0wjBt15_2Wexcg998HvCnYjwFHJcKCCcqGhPB3MruNBpvc3FfkSWHJw42ZJqB-hPE12dwvjbcudmEGJf9v52SV03Q/s1600/981470_684951681520699_889424004_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRxJ_yFL2C43JUSRJQGdMzLkV8TBDi_Kmn20r6EhgcKlQQANLbLS0wjBt15_2Wexcg998HvCnYjwFHJcKCCcqGhPB3MruNBpvc3FfkSWHJw42ZJqB-hPE12dwvjbcudmEGJf9v52SV03Q/s640/981470_684951681520699_889424004_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
They are not only Irish, they were as instrumental to Irish
culture and its recognisable symbols as the ancient Irish were to Scotland (for
example, the word ‘craic’ (originally spelled as 'crack') and musical reels are both Scottish imports).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yet many would violently deny their Irishness on account of
the perception of what Irishness ‘is’ i.e. in the eyes of many Protestants it
is that brand of Irishness championed by Sinn Fein who are not yet even at the
African-esque post-colonial stage of nationalism.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVH74JIuD8GhPBunnMnlquUsLZSyjmAJd-nslzA-i_hnhhOC3WepJpEbiN77QzHS-GUxHTJGTs_WjcpvRqwdNQuicgIWCzl-Y8bt0kudDK1MY6lm2ubIgn4q9FBYrbylt4Xf4mqxZvWP8/s1600/lg_caitriona_with_gerry_kelly_and_gerry_adams_march_2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVH74JIuD8GhPBunnMnlquUsLZSyjmAJd-nslzA-i_hnhhOC3WepJpEbiN77QzHS-GUxHTJGTs_WjcpvRqwdNQuicgIWCzl-Y8bt0kudDK1MY6lm2ubIgn4q9FBYrbylt4Xf4mqxZvWP8/s320/lg_caitriona_with_gerry_kelly_and_gerry_adams_march_2011.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RUINING. EVERYTHING.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This to many Protestants and Unionists is highly unappealing
and forces them to retreat into a cultural cul-de-sac of the Irish terrain:
Ulster Scots (or ‘Scots Irish’ as the original term would have it, but in their
eyes the word Irish has been sullied by Adams & Co).<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipsHjUrxMIGsnS_xKGa1r4pw6OrimY6uGCDYrwVPiNAubHmgINhBtAQyZpWNilfKhDfNpkN0mftmJ4ysOe0l1daOfkIQg6u0jlKRXS1KISzBDaVdSyZZm4CbkJ5yMHqnoJIhb7Op4pN8A/s1600/williecap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipsHjUrxMIGsnS_xKGa1r4pw6OrimY6uGCDYrwVPiNAubHmgINhBtAQyZpWNilfKhDfNpkN0mftmJ4ysOe0l1daOfkIQg6u0jlKRXS1KISzBDaVdSyZZm4CbkJ5yMHqnoJIhb7Op4pN8A/s320/williecap.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TRYING to ruin everything</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So now we have Scots (Irish) opposed to Irishness in the original ‘Scot’land (Ireland) and heaven forbid that foreigners would confuse these Celtic (“K-eltic”) English speakers with other Celtic English speakers of a very similar back ground.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Your humble narrator, who cherishes his Scottish ancestry to such an extent that he got married in a kilt (and persuaded attending Slavs to dress similarly) regrets that there is such an artificial cultural wedge driven between Erin and Alba that the two countries are culturally speaking being pushed so far apart by the very people who should act as a cultural bridge. <br />
<br />
<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Kilts were once the preserve of extreme Irish nationalists, now they are the preserve of the Ulster Scots and the British army. A golden opportunity lost. </div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0L9YhtshFn6nAXs5mTFAth49_BQ6hz6euZbGbc5UW9pMxFd4PAmmtklcarhdbDbsfpY2zf6kjvbjDFR30g1MbCl7SMxgBfNs3hI4RC19PisBtVe7EXq7qh9wCIfe7pVoXcZJ0EJ3qGXc/s1600/kiltsIrish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0L9YhtshFn6nAXs5mTFAth49_BQ6hz6euZbGbc5UW9pMxFd4PAmmtklcarhdbDbsfpY2zf6kjvbjDFR30g1MbCl7SMxgBfNs3hI4RC19PisBtVe7EXq7qh9wCIfe7pVoXcZJ0EJ3qGXc/s320/kiltsIrish.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Irishmen in kilts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlXjisnZlMMdZd7D8jh7SFV2aQmNvJypc5eEbxosVWzEeGVS11QLGEMGWv1P4B5Se6fYqr92ynzqz2EzKcurzM6stGX01JACibr8jBqDW4-bCc7mzUzcikM9IkLFuKfSd8lU7CR7IdDA0/s1600/m_kilt_piper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlXjisnZlMMdZd7D8jh7SFV2aQmNvJypc5eEbxosVWzEeGVS11QLGEMGWv1P4B5Se6fYqr92ynzqz2EzKcurzM6stGX01JACibr8jBqDW4-bCc7mzUzcikM9IkLFuKfSd8lU7CR7IdDA0/s320/m_kilt_piper.jpg" width="203" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Irish man in a kilt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnLHtDwArIU9d4UrZERfRorSUlGN6rXA-3I67M-fqC1cWtucCBSa9eqrCIIZBEdm1EYqN475qslhbZS9vKxaBTF6-hLw7xb1svixbd8Rt5pB7ao23FMihAhvMkCZ4CrPrh2gpD6YY_eXA/s1600/nelson-the-column.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnLHtDwArIU9d4UrZERfRorSUlGN6rXA-3I67M-fqC1cWtucCBSa9eqrCIIZBEdm1EYqN475qslhbZS9vKxaBTF6-hLw7xb1svixbd8Rt5pB7ao23FMihAhvMkCZ4CrPrh2gpD6YY_eXA/s320/nelson-the-column.jpg" width="201" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Irishman in a kilt (a.k.a. 'Ulster Scot')</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsMZ38nRr2WSq69A5JxWAWOCbFK0q-8Ya48OAU31niMYRCrShxfUBUJg3crgKOaLtgRgSL8DrOW7jbeM80v_pq-JbNDf129s819EkBITpTlaKdI8awcaVDCE_f7OWmkqGvNAtwoiDYWHo/s320/SA+Irish.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">South African Irishmen in kilts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsMZ38nRr2WSq69A5JxWAWOCbFK0q-8Ya48OAU31niMYRCrShxfUBUJg3crgKOaLtgRgSL8DrOW7jbeM80v_pq-JbNDf129s819EkBITpTlaKdI8awcaVDCE_f7OWmkqGvNAtwoiDYWHo/s1600/SA+Irish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh67t2kwECkNDxEDNxGH9vMol5zlqUWdmaLy4rZASPz_lZqCfk7DKxgdbZ52R19zQxXDsePj5aqMpiknRDjiPy4R6RJvritFHyNQWsd6Q_1ut-dgwr3CKtK1Zzcz-Y4yz233Nd9LdrW014/s1600/William+Gibson+Baron+Ashbourne+Kilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh67t2kwECkNDxEDNxGH9vMol5zlqUWdmaLy4rZASPz_lZqCfk7DKxgdbZ52R19zQxXDsePj5aqMpiknRDjiPy4R6RJvritFHyNQWsd6Q_1ut-dgwr3CKtK1Zzcz-Y4yz233Nd9LdrW014/s320/William+Gibson+Baron+Ashbourne+Kilt.jpg" width="246" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Irish Nationalist in a kilt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvmQqIbD9IaXNxpKEdOVGlg-Sh2KyTiZYdS7JuKRSbN3F4Wlay7R371QCxiAd2_O2mJxgcnzJriI-2KMwNLuwbhSU88aw1hVTPdK0DViZKn3x_OCfzBqrJ5N46DVzsIVHZqb4PL44o3oQ/s1600/Liam+Neeson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvmQqIbD9IaXNxpKEdOVGlg-Sh2KyTiZYdS7JuKRSbN3F4Wlay7R371QCxiAd2_O2mJxgcnzJriI-2KMwNLuwbhSU88aw1hVTPdK0DViZKn3x_OCfzBqrJ5N46DVzsIVHZqb4PL44o3oQ/s320/Liam+Neeson.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You get the idea...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="text-align: center;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To have an Ireland (at least in
the North) where kilts, pipes, Gaelic, lambegs, folk dances, music, hurley
sticks and marches are part and parcel of EVERYONE’S identity would be a strong
Ireland indeed. The Northerners would stick out very much as Northerners; different
from the South and different from the Scots yet comprised of the best parts of
both lands.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To push the sci-fi fantasy of earlier even further and
propose the impossible scenario that once again the language of the mainly
Presbyterian Scottish Outer Hebrides should become the dominant language of the
two lands (the language that was the tongue of Dalriada, the ancient kingdom
much lauded by the modern Ulster Scots) then where exactly would the
differences in the cultures lie?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Part of the reason for the perceived submersion of Ulster
Scots culture is quite simply that is was in a manner of speaking the backbone
of Irish culture of the North. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Only
when the culture ‘stasi’ of the south started to tinker with the idea of what
Irish culture should be did the difference start to take root for Northern
Ireland’s isolated Catholic population looked to the south for cultural
guidance, not to their Northern Protestant compatriots (who didn’t want them
there in the first place). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hence, no more Catholic lambeg
drummers(?)<o:p></o:p><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikebcp6G3eIlt6qBeLOXr9Ib2kE4-rHXA-Utt9LEupRvnEw5zVmcE3JaXxLMnfy24xVfnGMv90E2YQzX4MefI8NX6z-Njvc4DaLUehsQ-kYSahj4eLoRQTgTZXybz1EcxlRgnm5M6qfEg/s1600/Bantry+AOH+207+Lambeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikebcp6G3eIlt6qBeLOXr9Ib2kE4-rHXA-Utt9LEupRvnEw5zVmcE3JaXxLMnfy24xVfnGMv90E2YQzX4MefI8NX6z-Njvc4DaLUehsQ-kYSahj4eLoRQTgTZXybz1EcxlRgnm5M6qfEg/s320/Bantry+AOH+207+Lambeg.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AOH Lambeg drum, Bantry, Co Tyrone (?)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So now Ulster Scots is making a recovery but this time it’s
showing some of ‘puritanism’ and contrived nationalism as their
opposite numbers down south did when trying to refashion ‘culture’. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Irish
nationalists wanted rid of ‘foreign’ influences, the Ulster-Scots nationalists
want to retain pretty much only foreign influences and the rich’ culture that
should have been’ has been still-born at best, murdered at worst. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The irony of being more Scottish than Scottish so as not to be Irish
is not lost on your wretched narrator who so dearly wishes to see the northern
land retain its natural stance in the order of things: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
the cultural bridge
between Ireland and Scotland, not a series of contrived cultural fault lines.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Am Ghobsmachthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15333693607785579136noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4200060786761508433.post-39214415661812659992013-08-07T03:19:00.000-07:002013-08-17T18:54:24.785-07:00Republicans and Their 'Reality'<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">It has been pointed out to your narrator that although the aim of this blog is to highlight some of the irreconcilable quirks and full-blown idiocies of his own tribe - in the vain hope that some one might listen and make head way into stopping its self-destruction - it nonetheless must be conceded that some of these incredible ways are, in a manner of speaking, a reaction to "themmuns".</span><br />
<br />
With that in mind it was decided that some of the quirks of themuns should be brought under the microscope too.<br />
<br />
So without further ado (but with perhaps a little bit of hypocrisy) here are some things that Republicans and Nationalists (more so?) 'do' that are ridiculous in the eyes of Unionists and indeed many impartial bystanders.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>1/ THEIR VERSION OF HISTORY (800 years of fighting the 'English')</b><br />
<br />
Once upon a time your narrator would have applied this to only the less well educated or the overtly political and sensationalist variety of Republicans.<br />
<br />
However, recent perusals of blogs have led to the discovery of some educated types who also swallow this bilge.<br />
<br />
Many people it seem, actually believe that somehow, despite having their social elite removed under the weight of the Norman Conquest that 'the English' invaded Ireland in the late 12th century.<br />
<br />
If so then this was quite an achievement by a group of people who had been pushed into the ground to such an extent that the invading french speaking Norman gangsters managed to compile a book that documented ever piece of taxable property in England, impose a new language for the social elite and attempt a plantation or two in Great Britain (Flemmings, would you believe, even brought them to Ireland too).<br />
<br />
When said French speaking gangsters had settled in, a century later one of their number who was having a time of it in the Welsh Marches received an invite from an Irish Chieftain.<br />
This Chieftain (in an offer remarkably similar to an alleged offer by an Irish king to the Roman Agricola a millennium before) wanted a spot of continental military know-how to help him advance his position in Ireland.<br />
<br />
The Cambro-Norman known as Strongbow obliged.<br />
<br />
Now, according to the songs and tales of oppression whom do you think was the first to feel Strongbow's wrath?<br />
<br />
The ever oppressed (yet somehow at the same time valiant and militarily adept) Irish?<br />
<br />
No.<br />
<br />
Vikings. Or Norse (and Danes). Or at that stage they were known as 'Oostmen', Gaelicised Vikings.<br />
<br />
They were the first port of call.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOyE2LGVlSyslyMEP6JvS_UalQgkHmk7byyAtUTtRsw03YKULDgDPRItVz1YzVUPoQwXk2QGuUbNwitokyIuULQf7x2bWtir90Xh0NBaSUTSfP7UCYdMQ5rRGb4z6vYghgO5bIwPM_E6Q/s1600/ireland-pre-norman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOyE2LGVlSyslyMEP6JvS_UalQgkHmk7byyAtUTtRsw03YKULDgDPRItVz1YzVUPoQwXk2QGuUbNwitokyIuULQf7x2bWtir90Xh0NBaSUTSfP7UCYdMQ5rRGb4z6vYghgO5bIwPM_E6Q/s400/ireland-pre-norman.jpg" width="308" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
When Henry II came over, his 'invasion' wasn't so much to subjugate Ireland (he had enough on his plate) it was to put the leash on the Anglo/Cambro-Norman lords there as he didn't want the place to turn into cold and wet version of Sicily (where Norman Lords had parceled the place out between them and were constantly kicking the shit out of each other).<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Henry couldn't even speak English. He spoke French. Was born in (what is now) France and spent most of his time there. His Empire stretched from the Scottish border to the Pyrennes in what is now Southern France.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirUNROFjMKH3fg9vTZ4yzdmzJalOxHQJz-koGJBj_TPYmPqAm7mD70xCUFIM8V0jKE_B8vgGa7KYkPU9g9OrO9-GctgtKmfBPYJyki6TeKzjraKz1Devu7HJus-sXF3A-apL99GmTcGZE/s1600/henryII.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirUNROFjMKH3fg9vTZ4yzdmzJalOxHQJz-koGJBj_TPYmPqAm7mD70xCUFIM8V0jKE_B8vgGa7KYkPU9g9OrO9-GctgtKmfBPYJyki6TeKzjraKz1Devu7HJus-sXF3A-apL99GmTcGZE/s640/henryII.png" width="555" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Henry II: the 'English King' That Invaded Ireland? Really?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
His son John invaded in the early 13th century for similar reasons (to crush an Anglo-Norman rebellion), although he didn't have a papal blessing like his father.<br />
<br />
From that point on, it was in fact like a wet and cold Sicily after all as the Normans, the Crown and the Irish Chieftains were constantly trying to better their own station at the expense of others, with Anglo-Normans teaming up with Chieftains against one another to the extent they went 'native'.<br />
<br />
And as for the idea of 'Ireland vs Cromwell' or 'Ireland vs the Crown'? Well, all I can say is read a book or two, it certainly wasn't that clear cut...<br />
<br />
Sorry<br />
<br />
<b>2/ </b><b>ATTITUDE TO IRISH SOLDIERS IN THE BRITISH ARMY</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdg6w1BXOEvJrEUvNzMirJAcMcaf1QEo6vLLs4hE16ws3PRrpE5D9rXV81WbGaL6RqxsbQIR2Z_B82PxehvUnfT6lmtf5kPOD0p8iQHV3qdiLuRr_iN160k5u6j7wwR5xYyutN0fX-2ac/s1600/16th+Ir+soldiers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdg6w1BXOEvJrEUvNzMirJAcMcaf1QEo6vLLs4hE16ws3PRrpE5D9rXV81WbGaL6RqxsbQIR2Z_B82PxehvUnfT6lmtf5kPOD0p8iQHV3qdiLuRr_iN160k5u6j7wwR5xYyutN0fX-2ac/s320/16th+Ir+soldiers.JPG" width="288" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Young Irish Men, Soon About To Go To The Massacre</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Irish people have been fighting for and against the various monarchs from the Island (or archipelago???) of Great Britain for a long time.<br />
<br />
Even yer man the 'baddie' in Brave Heart had quite a few to fight against the Scots (in real life they weren't so 'pally' as the film suggests).<br />
<br />
To turn around and label them all as 'traitors' smacks of the typical despotic approach of 'you're either with us or against us'.<br />
<br />
Even now you'll find hundreds (thousands IF you include Protestants) in the British army.<br />
<br />
The 'Ireland vs the Saxon' narrative is such a fabrication and twisted story that the only people who can swallow it are Republicans themselves and Irish Americans.<br />
<br />
It's understandable if you're from some of the conflict zones of Northern Ireland, what you've seen is what you've seen and no one can take that away from you, but to back date your anger and retrospectively apply it to 10's of thousands of your fellow Irishmen is petty.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQ9fD5es7_7ZuoHPKWSg2h66x3ZS2gGoRAx9lZ0w9p4iB0YnJzTtEVWDlf3PB6vfitng3FhMWImUSgZ5PjusQZ0e4YcZ989uxQiVV8WGutORN42qzOlzP73GAVxd9YDRCx24teuc5_Vw/s1600/Celtic+poppy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQ9fD5es7_7ZuoHPKWSg2h66x3ZS2gGoRAx9lZ0w9p4iB0YnJzTtEVWDlf3PB6vfitng3FhMWImUSgZ5PjusQZ0e4YcZ989uxQiVV8WGutORN42qzOlzP73GAVxd9YDRCx24teuc5_Vw/s1600/Celtic+poppy.jpg" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh8uIdtRfBzg4ga2Ud0l5e7j4t7nvyYC-Wbcwx1ylywKuYWha4JB5wrBFjU-bst6sg7WOBzzSfBB9lzFCdzq3yd3ATbahx91ZKFbcvh5zPf5Bei1H52zMN8z1Chz7xySnXWuTEq0D7zoM/s1600/16th+irish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh8uIdtRfBzg4ga2Ud0l5e7j4t7nvyYC-Wbcwx1ylywKuYWha4JB5wrBFjU-bst6sg7WOBzzSfBB9lzFCdzq3yd3ATbahx91ZKFbcvh5zPf5Bei1H52zMN8z1Chz7xySnXWuTEq0D7zoM/s320/16th+irish.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Although, thankfully, this attitude is also undergoing a thaw of sorts, especially down south.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-22425684">http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-22425684</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/president-and-taoiseach-commemorate-irish-war-dead-29418834.html">http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/president-and-taoiseach-commemorate-irish-war-dead-29418834.html</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Though to be fair:<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiqYObWzaW5Ixo_UBZaxl1H3qHD803nR6j_GRkSNL4HtnEiib0cpcwM32Yjbv5IC_GPRxj29ccnUApbX-_NjntXB1b9oBXpPyWxKNkCMrTzWf10lOH2hXed6YuZXhee4mJ9F1Xrkpkrn8/s1600/NotHelping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiqYObWzaW5Ixo_UBZaxl1H3qHD803nR6j_GRkSNL4HtnEiib0cpcwM32Yjbv5IC_GPRxj29ccnUApbX-_NjntXB1b9oBXpPyWxKNkCMrTzWf10lOH2hXed6YuZXhee4mJ9F1Xrkpkrn8/s640/NotHelping.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loyalists: NOT. HELPING. THE. POPPY.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<br />
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<br />
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<br />
<b>3/ TURNING ON AND OFF A PERSON'S NATIONALITY DEPENDING ON THEIR OPINIONS OR RELIGION</b><br />
<br />
Sometimes identity in Ireland is like a light bulb.<br />
<br />
It can be turned off if deemed unnecessary/a hindrance.<br />
<br />
For example, in general, back in the day, if a family was moneyed, had English ancestry, owned a large business, had servants and sent the kids to school in England as tradition, then they were considered to be 'Anglo-Irish'.<br />
<br />
Simply apply Catholicism to the above recipe and they're back to being Irish, for example, the family of Richard Harris (the hell raising actor).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuuitP_aPAF6Osaw3DsKIuuQFI4pPU9C91iV4Bv1c83PQNZ7pJjDN61zvu_GLRDLl2nxyWTvsOsF7eCC7g0f-35V3DeKBkzEoEQfNV0eQFx8kv4gio0f_jplWzAC8V7BcIy80bNlMk5to/s1600/Richard+Harris+richard4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuuitP_aPAF6Osaw3DsKIuuQFI4pPU9C91iV4Bv1c83PQNZ7pJjDN61zvu_GLRDLl2nxyWTvsOsF7eCC7g0f-35V3DeKBkzEoEQfNV0eQFx8kv4gio0f_jplWzAC8V7BcIy80bNlMk5to/s320/Richard+Harris+richard4.jpg" width="314" /></a></div>
<br />
Simply apply a Rome based version of a middle eastern religion and they're somehow Irish.<br />
<br />
Apply an English one or a Swiss or German based one and they're quasi-foreign.<br />
<br />
Despite the best efforts of Rome to eradicate the 'indigenous' Celtic version of Christianity it is some how rewarded with a monopoly on identity.<br />
<br />
Your narrator finds this baffling.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
When the Anglo-Norman lords who came over to further their own greedy ambitions (NO patriotism in their goals whatsoever) they were 'English'.<br />
Then after being hibernicised (statutes of Kilkenny my ass) they were 'old English'.<br />
<br />
Until Henry VIII comes over and tries to whip them into line (in a blood thirsty over zealous manner), then they're 'Irish'.<br />
<br />
<br />
Then the smarter ones who knew how to bend in the wind like the Lords of the O'Neills, McDonnells and Fitzgeralds are back to being 'Anglo' (despite their respective Irish, Scottish and Norman roots).<br />
<br />
You narrator envies Scotland, for over there one can be of Anglo or Gaelic or Pictish or Nordic or Norman or 'British' (high-Welsh?) background and still without any doubt whatsoever call oneself a Scot.<br />
<br />
One can be a clan chief, live the life of a gent in London and be a Unionist to the hilt and still be a proud Scot.<br />
<br />
Not in Ireland. There are clauses. No one's sure who's in charge of them though...<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>4/ THE GREAT WARRIOR - OPPRESSION PARADOX</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPBm9TBFzdApjElVxmJQBeVW7iva_oX0gQ_ZUsOdrtSSQaxZtMfYUD2r_d8eNzNgTWQKoEt-UmTTb2lVOm-VttccBoBBFiht0zjSjvPc6GxP2QmghjEtqo3CGu-ErTdMrvBepuFrpCWIc/s1600/Slaine_the_Celtic_Warrior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPBm9TBFzdApjElVxmJQBeVW7iva_oX0gQ_ZUsOdrtSSQaxZtMfYUD2r_d8eNzNgTWQKoEt-UmTTb2lVOm-VttccBoBBFiht0zjSjvPc6GxP2QmghjEtqo3CGu-ErTdMrvBepuFrpCWIc/s320/Slaine_the_Celtic_Warrior.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
That a country that is a hot bed of great soldiers, warrior poets and warrior legends at the same time has been under the yoke of another neighbouring country for 800 years.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
OR?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIgG-PZ1oYdpIvVxp0cZSf80KZxNcQ_mPExKaZErGPeIBeuaT4nf52E-O6Bn5suPs0b_U6l3CXuNOLVGn07-cTZjJKiADm6KNJhiClDPQvySEUWTozopXLtkTLRkLa-cVilSmFZQjKLlI/s1600/big+hand+head.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIgG-PZ1oYdpIvVxp0cZSf80KZxNcQ_mPExKaZErGPeIBeuaT4nf52E-O6Bn5suPs0b_U6l3CXuNOLVGn07-cTZjJKiADm6KNJhiClDPQvySEUWTozopXLtkTLRkLa-cVilSmFZQjKLlI/s320/big+hand+head.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
It's on a par with Christian paleontologists: Should be contradictory but there's a surprising number of them out there.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
FYI, the Tibetans, not known for being a warrior nation given their pacifistic nature managed to throw off the yoke of the Mongols (military nutters) within THREE centuries.<br />
<br />
Also, the population difference between Ireland and England was only substantial as of around 160 years ago. Before that although England was bigger, it wasn't THAT much bigger.<br />
Plus it had been dealing with France, Scotland, sometimes Spain and sometimes the Netherlands for centuries.<br />
So it's not like they spent all their time thinking " so how can we f*ck up Ireland today then?"<br />
<br />
Which would lead your average Joe to think that one of the suggestions must be wrong: either the Irish aren't great warriors after all or the 800 years of solid oppression is a crock of sh*te.<br />
<br />
As some one who is proud to be Irish (your narrator considers Ulster-Scots/Scots-Irish to be just that, a subset of the Irish family) and very proud of Ireland's calibre of soldiers and generals in centuries of warfare your narrator must biasedly choose the side of a proud military history and cast off the '800 years' as gross exaggeration bereft of context.<br />
<br />
There, I've said it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>5/ HIGHLIGHTING THE NUMBER OF PROTESTANT REPUBLICANS</b><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVFOhLGJwKwqB7if48ojrMoBOCNmdZFOH1_38sFStCiFk1-82Svl0X75SIeh8SP3HFTzBF_CEJ6xGqEtsipW1spsVmVOFRWd2DgJPlYdUg7QhU4QHG4PaA1ftZjyd3AntmbFn1w8hlyys/s1600/henry-joy-mccracken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVFOhLGJwKwqB7if48ojrMoBOCNmdZFOH1_38sFStCiFk1-82Svl0X75SIeh8SP3HFTzBF_CEJ6xGqEtsipW1spsVmVOFRWd2DgJPlYdUg7QhU4QHG4PaA1ftZjyd3AntmbFn1w8hlyys/s320/henry-joy-mccracken.jpg" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Henry Joy McCracken: NOT a Provo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Pretty much a Presbyterian invention, Republicanism appears to have aged for the worse over the centuries, so much so there's very few Republicans from the Protestant side of the fence.<br />
<br />
<br />
What does that say about Republicanism?<br />
Especially as there is a large number of open minded Protestants quite averse to Loyalism and it's accompanying British nationalism, why then are they so seemingly impermeable to Republicanism's ideals?<br />
<br />
It's a bit of a cheek to salute and hail Henry Joy McCracken or Roddy McCorley when very few of their modern co-religionists find anything appealing in the modern day version of the movement that they helped to found.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Please leave them out of it until your house is more appealing.<br />
<br />
FYI: Mentioning Billy Leonard will not impress anyone.<br />
<br />
<b>6/ 'MOPE'RY</b><br />
<br />
There is no quicker way to start the eyes rolling on a Unionist than to start citing the injustices of 'perfidious Albion'.<br />
<br />
Seriously, not everything is the fault of the British.<br />
<br />
They did some good too you know, the tourist industry of Dublin is for one quite grateful for the Georgian Architecture, Victorian pubs, museums and infrastructure that the British left behind.<br />
<br />
Furthermore, the perceived gains of years of gurning has spawned a worrying new breed of creature: The Orange-MOPE.<br />
<br />
Thank you guys, thank you so much for giving us the Protestant Coalition...<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji9AQ4ti85IiVPIP4_xOEuwp_dfSgamDR63BnL__F_XiJoyTn1RTUsIgudNqzHj7S19Gxq2qxHE-SdGQj_dUMpDp_3Mj7aoADPBKZirwGPDav6H0gmS-df8YtwsK5onJD5S0gg4-Em4oY/s1600/Protestant+Coalition+Committee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji9AQ4ti85IiVPIP4_xOEuwp_dfSgamDR63BnL__F_XiJoyTn1RTUsIgudNqzHj7S19Gxq2qxHE-SdGQj_dUMpDp_3Mj7aoADPBKZirwGPDav6H0gmS-df8YtwsK5onJD5S0gg4-Em4oY/s320/Protestant+Coalition+Committee.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Protestants: So much better when they weren't 'appressed'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Now they think that if they can persuade the under educated and the over zealous that every one is against them then the 'Prawtestant Peepal' will rally around some sort of Protestant renaissance.<br />
<br />
An ironic choice of word given that to many of them, as to Baldrick, the Renaissance was just something that 'happened to other people'...<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>7/ DENYING THAT THERE'S AN IMAGE PROBLEM WITH THE GAELIC GAMES</b><br />
<br />
Read any Unionist paper in the country or go on any political blog with any kind of Unionist representation and you'll hear the complaints from the Protestant community about how uninviting to down right offensive the GAA is to the Protestant community at large.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzgUOHa_IwtEbVOBBNAbcWyvV5zeazlHW9XsWOqAqMFg2gFb4VRYbZD_s1GrJZkkb5NdVARBnLwYjIFEERFEvkafS1uQFqU-RL2wH5hK95FQXE9Gp7_Llc9_2xY8PN9y5M_eJQquFH9EY/s1600/OrcWith+Hurley.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzgUOHa_IwtEbVOBBNAbcWyvV5zeazlHW9XsWOqAqMFg2gFb4VRYbZD_s1GrJZkkb5NdVARBnLwYjIFEERFEvkafS1uQFqU-RL2wH5hK95FQXE9Gp7_Llc9_2xY8PN9y5M_eJQquFH9EY/s400/OrcWith+Hurley.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ORC WITH HURLEY STICK: NOT an image problem?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
That coupled with the pathetically low Protestant membership level MUST surely send alarm bells ringing in a non-sectarian organisation?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
There have been a some gestures made but by and large it's the refuge of themuns and thought of in harsh terms by many Unionists.<br />
<br />
How is that not an image problem?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj__eLTXzXzC9e3nXcXXKbBhcMWAHFsCvnFlv7w6W7Jf3pTxbVhYyFhmOl0_skolSPJ3NS4rtrSQZ-nkezmXKoIdc42pKZQBs7NZEL6eFbc9xGCli7J_rLLuszNnOejHIP5LAW-wyCFGVc/s1600/get-behind-your-tea_621360g21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj__eLTXzXzC9e3nXcXXKbBhcMWAHFsCvnFlv7w6W7Jf3pTxbVhYyFhmOl0_skolSPJ3NS4rtrSQZ-nkezmXKoIdc42pKZQBs7NZEL6eFbc9xGCli7J_rLLuszNnOejHIP5LAW-wyCFGVc/s320/get-behind-your-tea_621360g21.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">IMAGE IMPROVEMENT: Just a suggestion...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<b>8/ HOBBLING THE APPEAL OF THE IRISH LANGUAGE</b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNvclfNAQ3lLzqgidz2i_3neFciBSPa6cTWiqp4Gz0kqvZ_FEn3ab2ErSKXLrrjAn9162eNQaXOyIH28HuPrtZI0P7uR1ndtHhPfQwDUzPmt2zoRjDo-sukd6zOL9oX5OPakauYQkyfLg/s1600/sinn-fein-president-gerry-adams-opening-the-sinn-390x285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNvclfNAQ3lLzqgidz2i_3neFciBSPa6cTWiqp4Gz0kqvZ_FEn3ab2ErSKXLrrjAn9162eNQaXOyIH28HuPrtZI0P7uR1ndtHhPfQwDUzPmt2zoRjDo-sukd6zOL9oX5OPakauYQkyfLg/s320/sinn-fein-president-gerry-adams-opening-the-sinn-390x285.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"STOP! FOR THE LOVE OF GOD MAN JUST STOP!!!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Similar to above, rightly or wrongly, it is perceived by many Unionists (less so now thankfully) as the domain of Republicanism.<br />
<br />
Once upon a time it was the academic plaything of the Anglo-Irish gentry who embraced it as they finally realised that they were in the eyes of their English counterparts 'a bunch of Paddies'.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7eAOXF5ISEfFggOEcAVIP-UKatQE0UmrXGHspXQ1KdBt60vA8LG_ZTd13Uv9JAxcChtPds9_SSZmYoF_0yPZcgGhuSy6DkMpaYAGsu-0GQPkcxDLJLAxoi_8UVJFwMx7TmE01eGNVJe0/s1600/redHandMosaic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7eAOXF5ISEfFggOEcAVIP-UKatQE0UmrXGHspXQ1KdBt60vA8LG_ZTd13Uv9JAxcChtPds9_SSZmYoF_0yPZcgGhuSy6DkMpaYAGsu-0GQPkcxDLJLAxoi_8UVJFwMx7TmE01eGNVJe0/s320/redHandMosaic.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gaelic Mosaic in Kintullagh House, now St Louis Convent</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Some of these wealthy paddies adorned their grand houses with glorious Gaelic themed frescoes and mosaics.<br />
<br />
Which must have been lovely, till many were burned in '23 for being on the wrong side.<br />
Or indeed, as mentioned before the ever shifting goal-posts of Irish identity caught them off-guard:<br />
<br />
"today's Tuesday, today you're..." *rolls dice* "...a SIX! ENGLISH! BURN THE HOUSE DOWN! In a polite fashion mind...."<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
A turning point in the history came in 1915 when the Gaelic League was taken over by people with a Republican political agenda.<br />
<br />
This helped to alienate Protestants who were instrumental in it's formation and facilitated the slow death of the language in the newly formed Northern Ireland.<br />
<br />
If it was the language of nationalism then it wasn't suitable as a language for Unionists which helped to reduce the number of Protestant Gaelic speakers in the Shankill from nearly 20% to S.F.A.<br />
<br />
So lads, a job well done eh?<br />
<br />
A well known quote (or perhaps an urban myth, either way, the phrase is famous) allegedly by a Sinn Fein <strike>drone</strike> party member ironically fired a few rounds into the image of the Irish language in the eyes of Protestants: "Every word of Irish spoken is like another bullet being fired in the struggle for Irish freedom..."<br />
<br />
Try and keep the safety catch on please...<br />
<br />
Seeing Gerry Adams et al speaking Irish is a bad image for the Irish language in the eyes of Unionism and many Protestants in general.<br />
<br />
Thankfully, there are people like Linda Ervine, the Ultach and a few Presbyterian churches which are striving to over come this imbalance.<br />
<br />
Linda Ervine's class: <a href="http://www.ebm.org.uk/communityirishclass.php">http://www.ebm.org.uk/communityirishclass.php</a><br />
<br />
Ultach: <a href="http://www.ultach.org/">http://www.ultach.org/</a><br />
<br />
Fitzroy Presbyterian Church: <a href="http://www.fitzroy.org.uk/Groups/80951/Fitzroy_Presbyterian_Church/Get_Connected/Irish_Speakers/Irish_Speakers.aspx">http://www.fitzroy.org.uk/Groups/80951/Fitzroy_Presbyterian_Church/Get_Connected/Irish_Speakers/Irish_Speakers.aspx</a><br />
<br />
Good luck to them.<br />
<br />
<b>9/ SAYING 'THE NORTH OF IRELAND' INSTEAD OF 'NORTHERN IRELAND'</b><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Cnhpn2fn2fUKulT-GvL3aKE5ybUNineZufLwY9coDq16oxGchD548KOo7DC_h8dtX6GaXv-Itud6ic1eChdOlDLGUFAoWmxEq861B4W9U9Mk58sjUZRbwIPerqUs605sSFjw5NEKr48/s1600/North+of+Ireland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Cnhpn2fn2fUKulT-GvL3aKE5ybUNineZufLwY9coDq16oxGchD548KOo7DC_h8dtX6GaXv-Itud6ic1eChdOlDLGUFAoWmxEq861B4W9U9Mk58sjUZRbwIPerqUs605sSFjw5NEKr48/s400/North+of+Ireland.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Nnnn...Nooorrr...tthhh....errrrnn.....Ire........lanndddddddd. ...."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Northern Ireland/<br />
It still exists.<br />
<br />
Sorry.<br />
<br />
If it didn't, then you may not have become a hard line Republican in the first place.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Some even call the Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland the 'Six Counties Deputy First Minister'.<br />
<br />
Sorry, but that's just stupid.<br />
<br />
You sound petty, small and biased when you say this.<br />
<br />
In which case why would we listen to you?<br />
<br />
<b>10/ READING BOOKS BY TIM PAT COOGAN</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Well, it depends if you want to be objective and critical regarding Ireland's turbulent history or just want to take the slippy slope to full blown MOPEry.<br />
<br />
If you ever want to be taken seriously in a debate with a Unionist, DO NOT quote Tim Pat Coogan.<br />
<br />
He has a gift for writing, a great way with words and a tremendous tenacity for research.<br />
<br />
All in all a waste of talent that could have been better served to give people a sense of respect and belief in themselves instead of compounding an inferiority complex regarding the dreaded Saxon.<br />
<br />
(With the exception of 'Wherever Green is Worn', but then again he just goes overboard)<br />
<br />
Seriously, when you type an author's name into Google along with the word 'bias' there should not be nearly a full page of Google hits related entirely to that particular historian's views. Except maybe Niall Ferguson...<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Am Ghobsmachthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15333693607785579136noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4200060786761508433.post-67367376504621319262013-08-07T02:12:00.000-07:002013-08-07T21:30:42.516-07:00ANOTHER Thing That Protestants/Unionists Do That Harms Northern Ireland's Place In the Union<br />
Alas the great downward spiral of Unionism just won't stop.<br />
<br />
Observe the latest disaster to hit Unionism and keep the ideology as a mainly Protestant club:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
THE PROTESTANT COALITION<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguPKOO43cGS7n0wIhD0t4RVralHtmvfzojzxmIj45tVhXX6wZlBvg80Xwt_UOsPAedTxZdoOjpinDzEvTyM-EweSnC9rTlj6uNdUbcCFJncUe15Jg-9Oi9xUq_CBkqY1UGIRuDk_T0KhU/s1600/Protestant+Coalition+Committee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguPKOO43cGS7n0wIhD0t4RVralHtmvfzojzxmIj45tVhXX6wZlBvg80Xwt_UOsPAedTxZdoOjpinDzEvTyM-EweSnC9rTlj6uNdUbcCFJncUe15Jg-9Oi9xUq_CBkqY1UGIRuDk_T0KhU/s320/Protestant+Coalition+Committee.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the countryside they say "bad luck comes in threes"...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Admittedly smart enough to pick up on the element of society that sees itself as abandoned they nonetheless are seemingly hell bent on reinforcing old symbols and associations e.g. Union Flag = Protestant.<br />
<br />
<br />
How does hammering home imagery of Union Flags and Protestantism hold any appeal for the Catholics of Northern Ireland who might otherwise be tempted to at least consider the appeal of the Union?<br />
<br />
Not to mention saying 'Ulster' all the time instead of Northern Ireland, as if it's some sort of magical place free of themuns.<br />
It is annoying that the title Northern Ireland has the word 'Ireland' in it leading to a MAD view that perhaps some people within its borders are Irish (obviously only the Lundy-types) but what can you do, Tim Pat Coogan isn't too fond of the name either.<br />
Each to their own...<br />
<br />
Also, they run the risk of ruining current campaigns.<br />
<br />
For example, your narrator is one of many whom are disgusted by the Raymond McCreesh playground debacle/act of disrespect but how many reasonable people from the Nationalist community are likely to lend their support or voice their concern after seeing the image below:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-4Zi6aOP_kJXJImkDZookR8YyPm_agkeHf-HwOTjAMyaFNUJXM9bZX532yYBOF6XfjGtonWVJ04JEp5g4PwJCHeOTi6hDGKbSulEdnJfYqkiPAIHkU4u6I0ZZCj4x-cnU571cU_mjvUY/s1600/ira-park2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="84" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-4Zi6aOP_kJXJImkDZookR8YyPm_agkeHf-HwOTjAMyaFNUJXM9bZX532yYBOF6XfjGtonWVJ04JEp5g4PwJCHeOTi6hDGKbSulEdnJfYqkiPAIHkU4u6I0ZZCj4x-cnU571cU_mjvUY/s320/ira-park2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4alFr9UjFioj9ht1e0ouJ5b475tCvV1uSJbJDOU74T7DPLxK0jCEqiMxRlPLJrckmmWy9_iUBnN9QfyBFI8GsK9UPoA0kqbxZ5s6ARYq7LGxjQzZ2s-ASYhce0kT2kE_os6w5lVu5Mn0/s1600/250px-Pied_Piper_with_Children.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4alFr9UjFioj9ht1e0ouJ5b475tCvV1uSJbJDOU74T7DPLxK0jCEqiMxRlPLJrckmmWy9_iUBnN9QfyBFI8GsK9UPoA0kqbxZ5s6ARYq7LGxjQzZ2s-ASYhce0kT2kE_os6w5lVu5Mn0/s1600/250px-Pied_Piper_with_Children.jpg" /></a></div>
When Willie was seeking justice for victims then that was a truly noble cause and he evidently believes that what he is doing now is the right thing but reinforcing the link between religion, politics and culture will cost the 'PUL' dearly in the long run as will all the doom-saying and fear-mongering that they are indulging in at present.<br />
It's always led the Unionist people to a bad place.<br />
<br />
The PC seemingly can't see that they're demeaning the voice of victims as they're tarring the victims with their own dogmatic brush.<br />
<br />
<br />
Not everyone who criticises the failing aspects of Unionism is a Republican or Nationalist by default.<br />
<br />
If Willie & Co truly want to kick start some sort of Unionist 'fight back' then they should firstly ask some serious questions about the state of Unionism and where do the want it to go?<br />
<br />
Are they happy at the low number of (badly needed) Catholic Unionists?<br />
If not, then how do they tackle this?<br />
Are they happy about the amount of culture that has been self-amputated from the Protestant community in the past century (well, the bits that could be shared with themuns e.g. the Gaelic language(s) and folk music)?<br />
<br />
Are they aware that many not-so-hard-line Unionists and centrists DO have sympathy with the plight of the Protestant Urban working class but at the same time believe that the current approach advocated by the PC (plastic mimicry of Sinn Fein's MOPEry tactics, adorned with dogma, rhetoric, divisive symbols and the usual war drum beating) is doom-bound and dangerous?<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZzAzCpDig_ooY8qHRuJesA0DZl_6efOK6qWITbatZJK7ffLm3-4NsTLiPuImaCAPnhV2aqgiOwMQX0WY4ryC8eVryWxlvWn7fGlSoWvussKEHdVl-6hVVIlCig_rfVyMVcYhFMLWfQYI/s1600/_63010740_villagehousesmore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZzAzCpDig_ooY8qHRuJesA0DZl_6efOK6qWITbatZJK7ffLm3-4NsTLiPuImaCAPnhV2aqgiOwMQX0WY4ryC8eVryWxlvWn7fGlSoWvussKEHdVl-6hVVIlCig_rfVyMVcYhFMLWfQYI/s320/_63010740_villagehousesmore.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SYMPATHY</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhRl3RLx57AOZ2qfsgrxGp0i9bPrP1_n-WxbUzgdZxdNBwahjm53qwtnHewNlvqDuY2ptE__a5N-5hGxiMlWg-sd6v7ud944U_0L41lrs0sCiLRsAh9XTFHr6TU-C_IQRn3oOIFMFB134/s1600/poverty+belfast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhRl3RLx57AOZ2qfsgrxGp0i9bPrP1_n-WxbUzgdZxdNBwahjm53qwtnHewNlvqDuY2ptE__a5N-5hGxiMlWg-sd6v7ud944U_0L41lrs0sCiLRsAh9XTFHr6TU-C_IQRn3oOIFMFB134/s320/poverty+belfast.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SYMPATHY</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
What about the 'image' of NI Protestants?<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyxhczMKAzMYyBu-GOgl2U2xtrzFcvtjTegyV8sA39R1vdD1KLWWIWYNt_TG8UUOovc5cfOCeNi4Fy4Tk_Q-1KTdgQELp_R-dNRfS4I94FXNVfyVBu-xCMHA7Z6ynGtbfCJ_-fyo0kHgA/s1600/1342107956-loyalists-put-final-touches-on-bonfire-structure-in-belfast_1328260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyxhczMKAzMYyBu-GOgl2U2xtrzFcvtjTegyV8sA39R1vdD1KLWWIWYNt_TG8UUOovc5cfOCeNi4Fy4Tk_Q-1KTdgQELp_R-dNRfS4I94FXNVfyVBu-xCMHA7Z6ynGtbfCJ_-fyo0kHgA/s400/1342107956-loyalists-put-final-touches-on-bonfire-structure-in-belfast_1328260.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NO SYMPATHY!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Is it fair how much of a financial burden we are to the mainland and that we will continue to be so as long as potential investors are scared away by protests and such like?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
If your humble narrator were a Republican/Unificationist, he would be most relieved to see the appearance of Willie & Co.<br />
Any chances of having Unionism move to a pragmatic middle ground are now down the swanny thanks to Willie's efforts to keep everything Red, White and Blue thanks to his noxious brand of "from my cold dead hands" Unionism.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc3fHT57ZZzTWK7CjffhA-FEx-ektEmPtuhV743dcwHGUAGh51adn5wFsy8bGR2bo95FnDK55wnDEg2RHryhhxaqgGlIXmHfKLfhvWM7O0qQ9OdjLGlJ9v9p9AjacTwIuiyM-mqygYiVc/s1600/logo+new.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc3fHT57ZZzTWK7CjffhA-FEx-ektEmPtuhV743dcwHGUAGh51adn5wFsy8bGR2bo95FnDK55wnDEg2RHryhhxaqgGlIXmHfKLfhvWM7O0qQ9OdjLGlJ9v9p9AjacTwIuiyM-mqygYiVc/s400/logo+new.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L.A.D: So Loyalist that they're Republican.</td></tr>
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The man doesn't even know the difference between satire and Republicanism, hence the feud between him and the chaps at 'Loyalists against Demacracy': <a href="http://loyalistsagainstdemocracy.blogspot.com.au/?zx=c8244d020472914d">http://loyalistsagainstdemocracy.blogspot.com.au/?zx=c8244d020472914d</a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chuck Norris: NOT your humble narrator.</td></tr>
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Your narrator supports their efforts and hard work in highlighting what is wrong with the more extreme elements of Unionism/Loyalism<br />
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Tight work L.A.D.s<br />
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There are simply not enough Protestants in Northern Ireland to have a Protestant based Unionist strategy.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWOHr6QYJUYFhn7SjAjfDHfO_5KkKYLuYUiI-XMngZPODOZC41K4qNbMDHaDjD5EiJ1Www300CTv_pDIUp3uhbBG_QmVsGFbQIgu87m5DWuo9W1TGsZbSccTOWzun3ALzCJj4q2qjtavM/s1600/Rabbi+says.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWOHr6QYJUYFhn7SjAjfDHfO_5KkKYLuYUiI-XMngZPODOZC41K4qNbMDHaDjD5EiJ1Www300CTv_pDIUp3uhbBG_QmVsGFbQIgu87m5DWuo9W1TGsZbSccTOWzun3ALzCJj4q2qjtavM/s320/Rabbi+says.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"...and then the Rabbi says "YOU should go for the Catholic vote" HAHAHAHA!!!"</td></tr>
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Even Big Pete and the DUPers are (reluctantly) starting to concede this (although they don't act like it).<br />
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Will the DUP have to behave like hard line basket cases just to stop votes going to the PC (should they actually contest elections)?<br />
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Do demographics mean nothing to these people?<br />
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Has the BBC Spotlight poll went to every ones' heads?!<br />
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<br />Am Ghobsmachthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15333693607785579136noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4200060786761508433.post-52679331759475004092013-08-06T04:41:00.002-07:002013-08-07T02:13:29.708-07:00The Grand Plan For Unionism<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh471YYe6pBBELiL4P8YBMV_KCEbed9SKvjNsaKHnY_VhEVY0GlUC82qH6d8G88ijbJNOIYpGwQpyBTBG-PQglRnezMw6Tm40wQcbeCb-Rd24-5RTctoXCB1l2KsQkNMN338mhP4UWJUe4/s1600/Top+Secret.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh471YYe6pBBELiL4P8YBMV_KCEbed9SKvjNsaKHnY_VhEVY0GlUC82qH6d8G88ijbJNOIYpGwQpyBTBG-PQglRnezMw6Tm40wQcbeCb-Rd24-5RTctoXCB1l2KsQkNMN338mhP4UWJUe4/s320/Top+Secret.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>THE STRATEGY TO MAINTAIN NORTHERN IRELAND'S PLACE IN THE UNION</b></div>
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PLEASE FEEL FREE TO MAKE FURTHER SUGGESTIONS BELOW</div>
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NO SURRENDER</div>
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<br />Am Ghobsmachthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15333693607785579136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4200060786761508433.post-83860570140558582162013-08-02T18:31:00.000-07:002013-08-04T04:28:59.808-07:00The Ulster Flag (Banner)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqDSYnSFKvisqRBJDCz4JQ-kj0rPywnahfQbFlM2EcTB8L3pHOvUOVbj_jTwmHAINM6xmbW_rN3BwGUkUU7n8XeAuYi1HF4mtnuRyyY9PwQipscdcuO8mSMMtnJpNusTIKZ4JhJ5usIV8/s1600/Ulster+Flag.GIF" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqDSYnSFKvisqRBJDCz4JQ-kj0rPywnahfQbFlM2EcTB8L3pHOvUOVbj_jTwmHAINM6xmbW_rN3BwGUkUU7n8XeAuYi1HF4mtnuRyyY9PwQipscdcuO8mSMMtnJpNusTIKZ4JhJ5usIV8/s320/Ulster+Flag.GIF" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
In the interests of clearing up a matter which has stung quite a few people either on here, on other sites or indeed in face to face conversation I have decided to post on a topic that is quite dear to many people (and to do so in the first person, no humble narrator today).<br />
<br />
The topic in question is what is perceived to be my own personal crusade against the Ulster Banner, better thought of by many as the flag of Northern Ireland.<br />
<br />
Like many Protestants in Northern Ireland I had one on my bedroom wall as a teenager as well as some smaller ones which adorned key rings, hats or what ever paraphernalia I may have had at the time.<br />
<br />
I certainly loved to see it fluttering from lamp posts (back then I didn't see this as tribal or territorial statements, more of a display of patriotism) and to see it at Windsor Park or just in wherever Northern Ireland may be playing.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhREG5C4v7xrVKniEIjd5KkFKm50nHNCERanjMiNIybq8YD2tgYF28ixYCyj7VIkblIpB0S2_Xae-7weABc0vJrGo4xi5TgkHpeYvDA6Ygfk-vS02ZCdJ1HAOEwTQQX5WJl4dhZB90-qxk/s1600/GreenAndWhiteArmy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhREG5C4v7xrVKniEIjd5KkFKm50nHNCERanjMiNIybq8YD2tgYF28ixYCyj7VIkblIpB0S2_Xae-7weABc0vJrGo4xi5TgkHpeYvDA6Ygfk-vS02ZCdJ1HAOEwTQQX5WJl4dhZB90-qxk/s320/GreenAndWhiteArmy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hair tingling</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4OsYtLS0lFk1amzI99wTy1OmoyG2yTwN6sk8geHOsY67FAu99oP9cfXfdrNkZKw_SHWlNOZ-HHzcfkj7BK1NJByeNF5I7oWeZzqqRHG4XP31muUGz9OG_rOmZhb3EtzvbloCNxz3kZz0/s1600/Ulster+Flag+McIlroy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4OsYtLS0lFk1amzI99wTy1OmoyG2yTwN6sk8geHOsY67FAu99oP9cfXfdrNkZKw_SHWlNOZ-HHzcfkj7BK1NJByeNF5I7oWeZzqqRHG4XP31muUGz9OG_rOmZhb3EtzvbloCNxz3kZz0/s200/Ulster+Flag+McIlroy.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Choice?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I would take one with me on holiday along with other flags and I have a clear recollection of waving the flag excitedly to a group of befuddled English high school pupils in Belgium ( I was in high school at the time too lest there be any alarm).<br />
<br />
So, how did I go from being a 'lover' to a 'hater'?<br />
<br />
Well, I didn't.<br />
<br />
I don't hate the flag at all, it is still for me something uniquely 'Norn Iron'.<br />
<br />
However, after years of watching Unionist politicians fumble from one disaster to another, play to the gallery and work the crowd again & again I started looking at things a bit more analytically and (I hope) logically.<br />
<br />
With this new found openness, I was informed in every official capacity that I came across that the flag that I took to be 'my' flag was in fact NOT.<br />
<br />
The Ulster Banner was made redundant in the early 70's with Stormont.<br />
<br />
I made enquiries and was informed (twice) by the Northern Ireland Office (Her Majesty's Government's representatives in Northern Ireland) that this was the case.<br />
<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Now, I was going to scan the letter and post it here but realistically I could quite easily have just typed up my own later, printed that off and scanned it in a feeble attempt to fool everyone so no one would see it as proof any way.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>So, here is the address of the people in the know.</i><br />
<i>Don't take my word for it.</i><br />
<i>Email them or write to them yourself:</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Northern Ireland Office</i><br />
<i>Stormont House</i><br />
<i>Stormont Estate</i><br />
<i>Belfast</i><br />
<i>BT4 3SH</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Although, they did also reply to an email of mine:<br />
<br />
"<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Thank you for your enquiry.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"></span><br />
<div align="left" dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small; line-height: normal;"><span class="ecx763593714-08062012" style="line-height: 18px;">The Official flag of Northern Ireland is the Union Flag, this is the only official flag used.</span></span></div>
<div align="left" dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">
</div>
<div align="left" dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small; line-height: normal;"><span class="ecx763593714-08062012" style="line-height: 18px;">NI has not had it's own unique flag since 1972 when the NI Government and Parliament were prorogued.</span></span></div>
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</div>
<div align="left" dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">
<span class="ecx763593714-08062012"><span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="ecx270220015-08062012" style="line-height: 18px;">NIO Web Team</span> "</span></span></span></span></div>
<i><br /></i>
Again, ask them yourself, NIO:<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: x-small;">info@nio.gov.uk</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
A nay-sayer told me that the NIO wouldn't know their flags from their elbows and that Stormont decides such things as that is the work of the NI Executive, our attempt at a 'government'.<br />
<br />
So I asked there and they said:<br />
"<span style="background-color: white; color: #1f497d; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Guidance and regulations surrounding the flag of Northern Ireland does indeed come from the NI Office and not from the NI Assembly."</span><br />
<br />
So, if you'd like to ask them, Stormont<span style="color: #2e2e2e; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">:</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Segoe UI', 'Segoe UI Web Regular', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Helvetica Neue', 'BBAlpha Sans', 'S60 Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;">Communications@niassembly.gov.uk</span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Apparently we don't have our own flag and as such we 'default' (is that right? please correct if you're less ignorant than I) to the Union Flag.<br />
<br />
This was made public knowledge by none other than TUV leader Jim Allister regarding the topic of the Union Flag:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaItaFlbXjhQGqFUHiCeB9vQ9E71xMT4NnF7xfcF94xGz8kY4JoNNtapnaspS_QbMSz12USgg4G8Z-RtfJbIgXzdQxa-bzKz2hv9nVGbZZbNiqoKHx8OEmTlewBQOsYAnmXJr7xAcQp4c/s1600/Jim3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaItaFlbXjhQGqFUHiCeB9vQ9E71xMT4NnF7xfcF94xGz8kY4JoNNtapnaspS_QbMSz12USgg4G8Z-RtfJbIgXzdQxa-bzKz2hv9nVGbZZbNiqoKHx8OEmTlewBQOsYAnmXJr7xAcQp4c/s640/Jim3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From Jim himself</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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</div>
<br />
<br />
And to a lesser extent:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7p7Zi2CiSud8SGcOORT34ctV93v7SqLIXCPW0cmMk3MBvOKu64NdcSC_IkfffWj8KveaILZhLgagqZ1Vel2WU_jHvK4FB6Mbq-R50_FXiIfuClj81RlmRRg2va7fSJkIa6k_KbzGqPpc/s1600/Jim+WPFG2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7p7Zi2CiSud8SGcOORT34ctV93v7SqLIXCPW0cmMk3MBvOKu64NdcSC_IkfffWj8KveaILZhLgagqZ1Vel2WU_jHvK4FB6Mbq-R50_FXiIfuClj81RlmRRg2va7fSJkIa6k_KbzGqPpc/s640/Jim+WPFG2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Union Flag instead of a Northern Ireland flag?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Even the BBC are of the opinion that the Ulster Flag has no legal status:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-11431921">http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-11431921</a><br />
<br />
Here's a summary of the above link:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpmPCQ6XcR8j1oxceT7cXTHMpm66hHhlT6ONgK1nLnMkuaiNVCr95zzp7vGibHgxq1px8_iG0rlzKnhJZrmFAxbm8B2p7TwALI0Ce3Tok4228KzxptY37dHX9P4AU0bGUeV8ow6kdLYQw/s1600/AuntieSaysSo3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="447" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpmPCQ6XcR8j1oxceT7cXTHMpm66hHhlT6ONgK1nLnMkuaiNVCr95zzp7vGibHgxq1px8_iG0rlzKnhJZrmFAxbm8B2p7TwALI0Ce3Tok4228KzxptY37dHX9P4AU0bGUeV8ow6kdLYQw/s640/AuntieSaysSo3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even Auntie says so</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
There are other sites too, but it is the internet after all, so discretion is advised:<br />
<a href="http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/gb-ni.html">http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/gb-ni.html</a><br />
<a href="http://www.flags-and-anthems.com/state/flag-northern-ireland.html">http://www.flags-and-anthems.com/state/flag-northern-ireland.html</a><br />
<a href="http://www.flags.net/NOIR.htm">http://www.flags.net/NOIR.htm</a><br />
<a href="http://wikitravel.org/en/Talk:Northern_Ireland">http://wikitravel.org/en/Talk:Northern_Ireland</a><br />
etc. etc.<br />
There's a plethora of such sites.<br />
<br />
So, my position is simply one of logic: We have no flag to call our own.<br />
<br />
This coupled with the Unionist strategy for survival rather than a strategy of at least attempting some sort of unionist expansion (why not at least try to make Northern Ireland an appealing place for Catholics? We only need a fraction of their vote for Northern Ireland to withstand a border poll) puts Northern Ireland's very existence at stake.<br />
<br />
There was much gloating and rejoicing after 'that poll' by the Spotlight program that declared that a fair whack of Sinn Fein voters would vote to remain in the Union given the choice in a border poll.<br />
<br />
If people truly believe this, then how can they logically believe that ALL Catholics are to a man unequivocally opposed to anything Northern Irish or any symbols that represent it?<br />
<br />
If you found yourself laughing, jeering or even just believing that the spotlight poll was even half accurate then you've automatically surrendered any right to think that a new Northern Ireland flag would be treated with hostility by ALL of Northern Ireland's Catholics.<br />
"Themuns want to remain in the UK! But are so anti-Union that they'll never accept our Northern Ireland flag!"????<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJy_2DEtA5MaVMQWsU9Rn_saK4XKkhcrNO23KRG-sTCHHuUvEs-f2ziH7DVuuu_GbqW1Uc7-TGbPxy6PKAq-238JT4jXbqb72NcHwKPAwcC7sbNZ67EDAH5YSa_DBA5KzBrlB5T-QgzPU/s1600/NWS_20130716_New_008_28271095_I2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJy_2DEtA5MaVMQWsU9Rn_saK4XKkhcrNO23KRG-sTCHHuUvEs-f2ziH7DVuuu_GbqW1Uc7-TGbPxy6PKAq-238JT4jXbqb72NcHwKPAwcC7sbNZ67EDAH5YSa_DBA5KzBrlB5T-QgzPU/s320/NWS_20130716_New_008_28271095_I2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Untainted flag?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It is not lost on me that should Northern Ireland have a flag of its own that Catholics will not come running over the horizon to embrace the new cloth.<br />
<br />
This is not what I am arguing.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Nor is it lost on me that Windsor park will become a much more welcoming place to Catholics without a flag that they PERCEIVE as a loyalist flag being flown so wantonly.<br />
If Catholics start to support Northern Ireland then what do we have to fear with regards to Northern Ireland's survival?<br />
<br />
A new flag won't change everything but its a great place to start 'The Change'.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOkKI9ZIQqxze8qOkXmMSc3rxnZIQZELjkyA6Siq8PpxpKd2uW0ahqNgLCW05cgQR70EseFIERysupFVovSjNDpsl2HSh0emwtv3tXKy6ua0ueOJhELIlHjjzIcC_suWVB0lLYI3pEsL0/s1600/safe_image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOkKI9ZIQqxze8qOkXmMSc3rxnZIQZELjkyA6Siq8PpxpKd2uW0ahqNgLCW05cgQR70EseFIERysupFVovSjNDpsl2HSh0emwtv3tXKy6ua0ueOJhELIlHjjzIcC_suWVB0lLYI3pEsL0/s1600/safe_image.jpg" /></a></div>
<b>So what now?</b><br />
<br />
Well, we can limp on as we are now, with an unofficial flag with a controversial image which is off-putting to 1/2 of Northern Ireland's population or as hard as it may be come up with an alternative.<br />
<br />
<br />
Here's a few ideas from a few different people:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/NewNIFlag/media/grid">https://twitter.com/NewNIFlag/media/grid</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leA11_Quo9Y">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leA11_Quo9Y</a><br />
<br />
I strongly recommend this site for info and ideas: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/newniflag">https://www.facebook.com/newniflag</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.davidairey.com/northern-ireland-flag/">http://www.davidairey.com/northern-ireland-flag/</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://richardwillisuk.wordpress.com/2009/04/05/a-flag-for-northern-ireland/">http://richardwillisuk.wordpress.com/2009/04/05/a-flag-for-northern-ireland/</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flagsforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=25&p=7748">http://www.flagsforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=25&p=7748</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://samsflags.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/northern-ireland.html">http://samsflags.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/northern-ireland.html</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://gyronny.com/2012/08/05/time-for-a-flag-for-northern-ireland-weve-been-without-for-forty-years/">http://gyronny.com/2012/08/05/time-for-a-flag-for-northern-ireland-weve-been-without-for-forty-years/</a><br />
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Like I say, I welcome corrections, I can't preach against ignorance and then deny it when it applies to me.<br />
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As for the flags, well, over to you.<br />
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<br />Am Ghobsmachthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15333693607785579136noreply@blogger.com9