Do North Americans really have to keep up that bizarre opposition of "the British" and "the Scots"? You would never hear that in Scotland, whether from a unionist or a nationalist, Highlander or Lowlander. It's just plain wrong.

My thoughts exactly, Jack. When I see regimented rows of little Irish girls wearing identical wigs to dance in competitions, for example, I wonder what the powers that be in Ireland are thinking of. The passing on of a tradition is a great thing, but to impose a straitjacket on it is not. And by the Irish on the Irish.