Much like thousands of examples (if not millions) of Irish-Americans blindly supporting IRA atrocities throughout the “troubles” for years upon years. When your heart has been damaged by years of tragedy and pain, it’s really hard for your eyes to see clearly in an impassioned moment. NO excuses for either set of examples, just an observ…
Much like thousands of examples (if not millions) of Irish-Americans blindly supporting IRA atrocities throughout the “troubles” for years upon years. When your heart has been damaged by years of tragedy and pain, it’s really hard for your eyes to see clearly in an impassioned moment. NO excuses for either set of examples, just an observation from someone who was always willing to immediately see the worst in a perceived enemy while having a serious problem with looking in the mirror...
The irony here is that citizens of the Republic of Ireland had no use for Sinn Fein or the IRA. At the time of my first trip to Ireland back in the early 90s, I had--typically of Irish-Americans--a romantic, vague perception of the IRA as freedom fighters. I soon learned otherwise: The common descriptors in the Republic were words such as “gangsters,” “racketeers,” “thugs.” As much as Sinn Fein has become a factor in contemporary politics in the Republic, most older Irish voters will not support them under any circumstances.
Very nicely put. My late husband was the kindest and most loving man alive but saw the IRA as a completely legit organization. Not the Provos (he was an Irish cop, not a lunatic) but the umbrella organization, absolutely.
Much like thousands of examples (if not millions) of Irish-Americans blindly supporting IRA atrocities throughout the “troubles” for years upon years. When your heart has been damaged by years of tragedy and pain, it’s really hard for your eyes to see clearly in an impassioned moment. NO excuses for either set of examples, just an observation from someone who was always willing to immediately see the worst in a perceived enemy while having a serious problem with looking in the mirror...
The irony here is that citizens of the Republic of Ireland had no use for Sinn Fein or the IRA. At the time of my first trip to Ireland back in the early 90s, I had--typically of Irish-Americans--a romantic, vague perception of the IRA as freedom fighters. I soon learned otherwise: The common descriptors in the Republic were words such as “gangsters,” “racketeers,” “thugs.” As much as Sinn Fein has become a factor in contemporary politics in the Republic, most older Irish voters will not support them under any circumstances.
Thank you, well said. Also, ethnic Germans opposing U.S. entry into WWI is another example.
Very nicely put. My late husband was the kindest and most loving man alive but saw the IRA as a completely legit organization. Not the Provos (he was an Irish cop, not a lunatic) but the umbrella organization, absolutely.