GUEST,Anti-Racist, would you please BITE ME?

St. Paddy's Day is just a bit of fun, a Great Day For The Irish, and also for the part-Irish and even the non-Irish: anyone who wants to be Irish for the day is certainly welcome.

I'ts NOT about a group extolling itself as better than anyone else.

There is, perhaps, still an element of "we're-just-as-good-as-anyone," thanks to centuries of oppression, plus ~ for the Irish in America ~ a celebration of the liberty and equality found in a new country that was sorely missing back at home. The harsh realities behind this attitude may be fading into history these days, but unfortunately discrimination against the Irish people is still not entirely a thing of the past, not everywhere.

So ~ tomorrow's the big day! We're expecting perfect parade weather in New Orleans: temperatures in the low 70s (F) and not a cloud in the sky. I'm sure it'll be somewhat chillier in Grand Rapids, but you folks up there should be used to that; here's hoping you won't be marching in rain (or snow!), and that everyone has a great time.

PS: At Jed Marums' gig last night at O'Flaherty's, we learned of a nice new promotion on the part of Guinness this year: buy a pint and keep the special commemorative glass, imprinted with the message "Happy St. Patrick's Season 2005." [Emphasis mine.]