Yes InOBU you are correct in what you say about devout catholics and also staunch protestants (devout & staunch always used aren't they?!!!) that do belong to their various paramilitaries. I think the difficulty arises with the extreme militant activities and being able to justify these acts with a Christian faith. I myself am a Protestant from a Belfast family and we do want to stay British etc. but I would never take up a gun as it directly opposes God's will. I spend my Summers in the Republic...around Athlone with a strict Catholic family....without another Prod for miles and whilst we don't shout for the same side they support their side and I support mine and there isn't any bitterness between us. Whilst supporting or sympathising a cause I still don't feel I can condone violence as there have been enough martyrs in Ireland already. I know that the political way to go seems a waste of time...talking can really be the only way even when we're going round in circles most of the time!!! Unfortunately there's no logic there either!! With regard to drugs problem.....Belfastian's "shade of dodgy" is just right.....whether a person is or isn't a member of a paramilitary group, in certain areas anti-social behaviour is dealt with.....whist some of it is for the good of the neighbourhood they still have ulterior motives so they can monopolise the illegal, smuggled provisions. Good discussion going on isn't it?!!! Shame those with the power can't be as reasonable!!!! Best wishes.......Sandy