.... and I maintain that these same types of situations could likely be found in any large city in the world. Kevin responded to kat's post only after having it pointed out to him that no one was responding to the post which demonstrated, as Ron said, an unfortunate situation that needs to be looked into. It appears to me that there are folks that will miss no opportunity to criticize the US, yet never look at their own circumstance in the same way. I understand we are a big target, and that our policies under this administration have damaged us, but it seems to me that if we are truly attempting to be progressive in our views, we would curb these gratuitous types of criticisms.

Years ago, when I came to Mudcat (1998), I spouted a lot of the rhetoric about "Brits" and "England" that many Irish Americans did. Through the discussions on this forum, I learned much about the English, and the situation. I wouldn't say that I changed much of my view about what must happen in the North of Ireland for justice to finally be served, what I did learn is that things are not as black and white as I would have liked to believe, and that English folks, and all the other Brits, often support the aspirations of the Irish, often are great fans of the culture, and don't deserve many of the acts perpetrated on them, and the prejudices and insults hurled upon them. I have come to view England and Great Britain as a place I can't wait to visit one day. You all helped me to get back in touch with the idea that working folks in Ireland (regardless of where they say their prayers) and in Great Britain have far more in common than they have differences. In short you were instrumental in reminding me not to paint with such broad strokes. Seems to me it is time for me to return the favor and remind you.

All the best,

Mick