There are times that I respect the positions of members of the debate that run counter to mine. These are the times when there is at least respect. But lately, in several threads, the absolute denial of facts and the openly anti Irish/Irish American comments have shown the prejudice that oozes from them. In the former case there could be respect, in the latter, none. As to the combatants, I have great empathy for the families of all the combatants. I would try and explain why to the tin soldier, but he would just try and twist it.

One thing that sticks out. For all his rants, terrible T knows deep inside that the actions of the IRA soldiers will ultimately end in a united Ireland. Despite the wishes of the privileged Orange, they will ultimately be a part of a united land. In fact, the signs are already out there that they are realizing the hoax (known as the Orange card) that was perpetrated on them several generations ago by English capitalists. Average folks are coming to understand, slowly but surely, that they have far more in common interest than the differences over where and if they pray. There are many bricks in the Famine roads, and Bobby Sands and his brave comrades are some of the most important. Ultimately and surely though, the trek is being made on those self same roads. As the song that I recorded says, "every road we've ever walked was built by hungry hands".

Can't wait to see the film.

Le gach dea-mhéin,

Mick