I would have respected your right to that discussion and would have expressed my sentiments. I must, however, reject the idea that Mudcatters are not discussing here because they are afraid. Never has been the case and isn't now. The facts are that this has been a very good discourse on the subject with posts on both sides of the issue. Once again I will point out that to discuss the issues that spawn the music, and in this case a whole category of music are absolutely legitimate. How can one discuss the music of Ireland without discussing the politics? The whole history of that land over the last 800 years has been affected by its politic. Virtually every aspect of the music has been impacted by the politic. I respect that it may make you uncomfortable, and that you are and still choose to post shows the depth of your character. I salute you for that. But to suggest that the rest of us shouldn't discuss this based on that doesn't work for me.

DaveI suggest you follow Larry's suggestion and investigate your facts. The facts are that the unionist paramilitaries have killed more people during the troubles than the IRA. This is easily verifiable. And what does all that matter at this juncture? I believe that the end is near, there are still bumps in the road, and that the result is predictable. Look to the examples of Germany and South Africa.

Mick