Comments on: Northern Ireland: 'Staring into the abyss' http://securityfiles.blogs.cnn.com/2009/03/10/northern-ireland-staring-into-the-abyss/ Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:31:02 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: Elizabeth Beall http://securityfiles.blogs.cnn.com/2009/03/10/northern-ireland-staring-into-the-abyss/#comment-1099 Elizabeth Beall Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:00:42 +0000 http://securityfiles.blogs.cnn.com/?p=371#comment-1099 In reading all the comments,I have to say there is truth in all-Thus the quandry-As with so many problems that are left unresolved,the true root of the problem is obscured as more and more layers are added-What is happening now is comparable to bailing out the water without turning off the faucet-Without the formation of the Republic the recent events of N.Ireland would not now be limited to N.Ireland-What is the factor responsible for the difference-Look at the events and you see a place stuck in time-Desperation on one side-favoritism and advantage on the other-And the very human emotions that accompany both states-In every country where this situation exists and is fostered will follow the same behaviour-Whether it be Africa,India ,the Middle East,Mexico or the United States-What we must do is direct the energy towards those that profit from these divisions ,deflecting the focus from them and the possible realization that they are not needed-Hate each other and we cannot hate them-The two greatest forces that govern our lives as Human Beings are religious and political-They play us for fools- In reading all the comments,I have to say there is truth in all-Thus the quandry-As with so many problems that are left unresolved,the true root of the problem is obscured as more and more layers are added-What is happening now is comparable to bailing out the water without turning off the faucet-Without the formation of the Republic the recent events of N.Ireland would not now be limited to N.Ireland-What is the factor responsible for the difference-Look at the events and you see a place stuck in time-Desperation on one side-favoritism and advantage on the other-And the very human emotions that accompany both states-In every country where this situation exists and is fostered will follow the same behaviour-Whether it be Africa,India ,the Middle East,Mexico or the United States-What we must do is direct the energy towards those that profit from these divisions ,deflecting the focus from them and the possible realization that they are not needed-Hate each other and we cannot hate them-The two greatest forces that govern our lives as Human Beings are religious and political-They play us for fools-

]]> By: Mary Clogston http://securityfiles.blogs.cnn.com/2009/03/10/northern-ireland-staring-into-the-abyss/#comment-987 Mary Clogston Mon, 06 Apr 2009 18:26:11 +0000 http://securityfiles.blogs.cnn.com/?p=371#comment-987 It amazes me that Ireland is the last occupied country in Europe and no one says a word about that. If it was occupied by Russia there would be an unending furor. I believe the problem is Northern Ireland (or the UK) which ever pleases you, is the plantation of a very disfunctional group of families from southwest Scotland. These families had been killing each other since the time of Hadrian's wall, and the royals in London decided to disperse them to the US, Australia and Northern Ireland. Of course they were also occupying some nice land which could prove very useful to the powers that be. This incidentally was documented on our American TDC (The Discovery Channel) in the late 1990's. Everywhere they were put they continued causing havor as in the feuds in the Southern USA and Australia. Imagine the impact such a disfunctional group would have in tiny Northern Ireland. Is the UK a peaceful country? They went all over the world attacking defenseless countries sending money back to keep the royals in luxury. I have traveled all over the Republic of Ireland and can see no religious strife anywhere. Indeed I know that the majority of Northern Irish Protestants are totally peaceful, intelligent people and would never fight another person because of their religion. How do I know that? We have them in our famiy and among our friends. I say turn to the Research Doctors to really find what is going on in Northern Ireland (or UK). Track the descendents of the disfunctional plantation and compare it with the US and Australia. One of the most well know feuding families in the Southern US has been found to have a neurological disorder, tumors on the nervous system, that makes them fly into a rage at the slightlest provocation. Also while we are at it, I would like to see our children's history books changed. Instead of glorifying a host of murderous lunatics starting with Alexander the great on down to the present day, I would love to see the Doctors who strive to help people, the men who work to make wheelchairs and prothetics for the disabled and all the good loving people presented as world heroes. Let's identify all the murderous billigerents as the disfunctional maniacs they truly are. Good people do not maim and murder under any guise, Mary It amazes me that Ireland is the last occupied country in Europe and no one says a word about that. If it was occupied by Russia there would be an unending furor.

I believe the problem is Northern Ireland (or the UK) which ever pleases you, is the plantation of a very disfunctional group of families from southwest Scotland. These families had been killing each other since the time of Hadrian's wall, and the royals in London decided to disperse them to the US, Australia and Northern Ireland. Of course they were also occupying some nice land which could prove very useful to the powers that be.

This incidentally was documented on our American TDC (The Discovery Channel) in the late 1990's.

Everywhere they were put they continued causing havor as in the feuds in the Southern USA and Australia. Imagine the impact such a disfunctional group would have in tiny Northern Ireland.

Is the UK a peaceful country? They went all over the world attacking defenseless countries sending money back to keep the royals in luxury.

I have traveled all over the Republic of Ireland and can see no religious strife anywhere. Indeed I know that the majority of Northern Irish Protestants are totally peaceful, intelligent people and would never fight another person because of their religion. How do I know that? We have them in our famiy and among our friends.

I say turn to the Research Doctors to really find what is going on in Northern Ireland (or UK). Track the descendents of the disfunctional plantation and compare it with the US and Australia. One of the most well know feuding families in the Southern US has been found to have a neurological disorder, tumors on the nervous system, that makes them fly into a rage at the slightlest provocation.

Also while we are at it, I would like to see our children's history books changed. Instead of glorifying a host of murderous lunatics starting with Alexander the great on down to the present day, I would love to see the Doctors who strive to help people, the men who work to make wheelchairs and prothetics for the disabled and all the good loving people presented as world heroes. Let's identify all the murderous billigerents as the disfunctional maniacs they truly are.

Good people do not maim and murder under any guise,

Mary

]]> By: Sara http://securityfiles.blogs.cnn.com/2009/03/10/northern-ireland-staring-into-the-abyss/#comment-976 Sara Mon, 30 Mar 2009 12:05:00 +0000 http://securityfiles.blogs.cnn.com/?p=371#comment-976 Although I was born an American, I am proud of the fact that I am half Irish and half British. I was over joyed in 1998 when the peace accord was signed, as growing up I could never understand why certain people, on both sides could not let by gones be by gones. I am very sad that certain people (namely the Real IRA) still cannot see that after 800 years, all that the people of Northern Ireland want is to raise their children in peace and safety, knowing that they can walk to school and not be shot at or blown up. So shame on the Real IRA and shame on any one else who means to destroy the hopes and dreams of generations to come. Although I was born an American, I am proud of the fact that I am half Irish and half British. I was over joyed in 1998 when the peace accord was signed, as growing up I could never understand why certain people, on both sides could not let by gones be by gones. I am very sad that certain people (namely the Real IRA) still cannot see that after 800 years, all that the people of Northern Ireland want is to raise their children in peace and safety, knowing that they can walk to school and not be shot at or blown up. So shame on the Real IRA and shame on any one else who means to destroy the hopes and dreams of generations to come.

]]> By: jimmy http://securityfiles.blogs.cnn.com/2009/03/10/northern-ireland-staring-into-the-abyss/#comment-964 jimmy Wed, 25 Mar 2009 14:02:59 +0000 http://securityfiles.blogs.cnn.com/?p=371#comment-964 Anthony-maybe he/she has taken the head of stupidity of and put it in the trash can empty vessels make the most sound. Anthony-maybe he/she has taken the head of stupidity of and put it in the trash can empty vessels make the most sound.

]]> By: Anthony Ratcliffe http://securityfiles.blogs.cnn.com/2009/03/10/northern-ireland-staring-into-the-abyss/#comment-945 Anthony Ratcliffe Thu, 19 Mar 2009 12:22:25 +0000 http://securityfiles.blogs.cnn.com/?p=371#comment-945 Silence from Proud Irish American says it all. He/She must be finding it hard to justify terrorism in Northern Ireland and not appear to have double standards when it comes to terrorism in the USA. Silence from Proud Irish American says it all. He/She must be finding it hard to justify terrorism in Northern Ireland and not appear to have double standards when it comes to terrorism in the USA.

]]> By: jimmy http://securityfiles.blogs.cnn.com/2009/03/10/northern-ireland-staring-into-the-abyss/#comment-917 jimmy Fri, 13 Mar 2009 20:50:20 +0000 http://securityfiles.blogs.cnn.com/?p=371#comment-917 jill newton March 10th, 2009 This is just an after thought for jill Even in Scotland where I live Protestants and Catholics are not educated in the same schools so its not just Ireland. The kids all play together after school but it’s all down to religious education in catholic schools. You do not get a protestant teacher in a catholic school but you can get a catholic teacher in a protestant school. Because religious education is not as big a priority in a protestant school. Just a thought Jill jim jill newton March 10th, 2009
This is just an after thought for jill
Even in Scotland where I live Protestants and Catholics are not educated in the same schools so its not just Ireland. The kids all play together after school but it’s all down to religious education in catholic schools. You do not get a protestant teacher in a catholic school but you can get a catholic teacher in a protestant school. Because religious education is not as big a priority in a protestant school. Just a thought Jill
jim

]]> By: jimmy http://securityfiles.blogs.cnn.com/2009/03/10/northern-ireland-staring-into-the-abyss/#comment-916 jimmy Fri, 13 Mar 2009 19:14:10 +0000 http://securityfiles.blogs.cnn.com/?p=371#comment-916 Neutral I reside in Scotland I have many catholic friends and many protestant friends. I am a protestant. But who cares what you are. Its what is inside you that counts and how you respect your fellow man? Most people who advocate violence do so from a great distance and let others do the deed. These people must not be aloud to put Ireland back to where it was when I was there. I would be so sad to see a return to armoured cars and flak jackets. This is what these people are trying to do, I also think the political scene is much stronger now and you will not see a strong arm approach from government as that would be just what these people would want, so they could recruit more people and say again I told you they would do that, the people themselves will change Ireland .As to Ireland being one country I would say that is a long way off and you cannot listen to paper talk as an example demands for complete independence of Scotland I do not know anyone who wants Scotland Independent, I will not say that goes for every one, but most want to stay as we are in the union, That is what you have in Ireland .As to the orange order marching I go with some catholic friends to watch them sometimes no one says anything about the Hibernian marches that takes place. So I do not think it really matters let the Catholics and protestants strut there stuff, I would rather see banner waving and a healthy taunt from which ever side it is than some poor person getting shot. I also hope you are correct that one day Ireland is one but I would not hold your breath mate. All any one can do mate is hope reason prevails and rises above violence. Neutral
I reside in Scotland I have many catholic friends and many protestant friends. I am a protestant. But who cares what you are. Its what is inside you that counts and how you respect your fellow man? Most people who advocate violence do so from a great distance and let others do the deed. These people must not be aloud to put Ireland back to where it was when I was there. I would be so sad to see a return to armoured cars and flak jackets. This is what these people are trying to do, I also think the political scene is much stronger now and you will not see a strong arm approach from government as that would be just what these people would want, so they could recruit more people and say again I told you they would do that, the people themselves will change Ireland .As to Ireland being one country I would say that is a long way off and you cannot listen to paper talk as an example demands for complete independence of Scotland I do not know anyone who wants Scotland Independent, I will not say that goes for every one, but most want to stay as we are in the union, That is what you have in Ireland .As to the orange order marching I go with some catholic friends to watch them sometimes no one says anything about the Hibernian marches that takes place. So I do not think it really matters let the Catholics and protestants strut there stuff, I would rather see banner waving and a healthy taunt from which ever side it is than some poor person getting shot. I also hope you are correct that one day Ireland is one but I would not hold your breath mate. All any one can do mate is hope reason prevails and rises above violence.

]]> By: Jack http://securityfiles.blogs.cnn.com/2009/03/10/northern-ireland-staring-into-the-abyss/#comment-915 Jack Fri, 13 Mar 2009 13:21:40 +0000 http://securityfiles.blogs.cnn.com/?p=371#comment-915 Jimmy-never has a truer word been said mate Jimmy-never has a truer word been said mate

]]> By: Neutral http://securityfiles.blogs.cnn.com/2009/03/10/northern-ireland-staring-into-the-abyss/#comment-914 Neutral Fri, 13 Mar 2009 12:01:18 +0000 http://securityfiles.blogs.cnn.com/?p=371#comment-914 It seems to me that an historical mistake was made with partition back in 1922. As it created an insoluble problem. A priviledged and artifically created majority (Protestant) and an oppressed minority (Catholic) in Ulster. That is what precipitated the 1969 Civil Rights movement. The best analogy I can think of is the situation in Southern Rhodesia at the same time. A priviledged minority lordng it over the rest. It was the Unionist over-reaction to the Civil Rights Movement that precipitated the birth of the Provisionl IRA. The British army were caught in the middle and were asked to do the wrong task. Using an army to defuse civil discontent has never really worked. Things have moved on since then. The issue of being British is surely a moot point now. Within the EU both UK and Republic of Erie citizens have freedom of movement in both countrries. Similalrly the Loyalist fear of being subjetced to Catholic morality and schooling is also evaporating as Erie is rapidly becomming a secular country. Bigotry remains a problem. A few years ago the world witnessed the amazing sight of Catholic school children running a gauntlet of viscious verbal atatcks on their way to school. SImilalrly the Loayalist insistence on Orange order Marching is hardly a sign of reconciliation. The devolution of power to Wales and Scotland and ongoing demands for complete independence of Scotalnd are also interesting as most Scottish nationalists are aslo good Presbyterians who are opposed to Irish republicanism. The only real solution is for Ulster to revert to Ireland and for the various groups to move on from there. Sure there will be protests and threats but once people have got used to peace veyr few want to go back to war. It seems to me that an historical mistake was made with partition back in 1922. As it created an insoluble problem. A priviledged and artifically created majority (Protestant) and an oppressed minority (Catholic) in Ulster. That is what precipitated the 1969 Civil Rights movement. The best analogy I can think of is the situation in Southern Rhodesia at the same time. A priviledged minority lordng it over the rest. It was the Unionist over-reaction to the Civil Rights Movement that precipitated the birth of the Provisionl IRA. The British army were caught in the middle and were asked to do the wrong task. Using an army to defuse civil discontent has never really worked. Things have moved on since then. The issue of being British is surely a moot point now. Within the EU both UK and Republic of Erie citizens have freedom of movement in both countrries. Similalrly the Loyalist fear of being subjetced to Catholic morality and schooling is also evaporating as Erie is rapidly becomming a secular country.
Bigotry remains a problem. A few years ago the world witnessed the amazing sight of Catholic school children running a gauntlet of viscious verbal atatcks on their way to school. SImilalrly the Loayalist insistence on Orange order Marching is hardly a sign of reconciliation. The devolution of power to Wales and Scotland and ongoing demands for complete independence of Scotalnd are also interesting as most Scottish nationalists are aslo good Presbyterians who are opposed to Irish republicanism. The only real solution is for Ulster to revert to Ireland and for the various groups to move on from there. Sure there will be protests and threats but once people have got used to peace veyr few want to go back to war.

]]> By: jimmy http://securityfiles.blogs.cnn.com/2009/03/10/northern-ireland-staring-into-the-abyss/#comment-905 jimmy Thu, 12 Mar 2009 20:54:43 +0000 http://securityfiles.blogs.cnn.com/?p=371#comment-905 Proud Irish American I was just discussing your thinking with my wife, when she said maybe he play’s to much call of duty world at war you can get a lot of noise from a armchair warrior. I must say I think she is right God help us all. Proud Irish American
I was just discussing your thinking with my wife, when she said maybe he play’s to much call of duty world at war you can get a lot of noise from a armchair warrior. I must say I think she is right God help us all.

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