I have nothing relevant to say on the subject of clearances or land seizures in Scotland or Ireland. I'll look for the BBC airing mentioned above and the performance about "Cheviot, " etc.

This reminds me of the theme of land use that recurs in various U.S. Westerns (movies)- That cattlemen sought open range for their herds, and farmers fenced off the range and thus the 'range wars' were started. In many movies the cattle baron hires gunmen to terrorize farmers, many of whom are immigrants. "Shane" is a prime example. These issues also are involved in delineating western territories as they petition for Statehood in the U.S.

Considering the great number of immigrants to the U.S. from the British Isles, Scotland, and Ireland, I'm sure many of the Clearance issues were played out in the new territories.

In remembering these issues are we more likely to resurrect old enmities or are we more able to lay them to rest and avoid further injustices?