God, let's hope this is finally the end (or at least the beginning of the end) of so many centuries of destructive behavior.

The ordinary working people of NI, or of any community anywhere, have many more common interests, and more important ones, than the differences between their religions.

I realize, of course, that the differences go far beyond theology and church affiliation. In Ireland, one's "religion" is really just shorthand for identifying the community into which one was born and its historic relationship to British rule. That's complicated, I realize, but sooner or later, the differences just have to be finally put to rest, and hopefully that time has finally come.

The British Empire is not the mololithic power it used to be, and none of the churches enjoy their formerly dominant roles in people's lives and minds. It's time for everyone to let go and quit living in the past. Appreciating the music and culture of one's history is fine, but enjoying such traditions should not prevent folks from living in the present and looking forward to a peaceful and productive future.

Peace, love, and best of luck to everyone.