Very nice, Keith. What you just did is proved that you are guilty of the very same thing you accuse others of. In my last post, I almost added a para that suggested you not raise the point of what the USA did with the native peoples. But I didn't because I knew you would raise it, and do so after you complained that folks put words in you mouth. Now, if you would be so kind, would you point out anywhere that I raised that point? You will not be able to, as I also have great empathy with native peoples everywhere who are displaced by others from their ancestral lands. I find great irony in the Irish that came to this country and ended up fighting in the various "Indian" wars. But there is a distinct difference in my country and yours. For the most part, your country continues to try and cover up and justify the use of the taxpayer supported armed forces to collude with the loyalists who are intent on keeping a people separated from themselves. Your government has been shown to be complicit in the murders of civil rights activists. There have been examples of this in my country, as well, but we put an end to it and have recognized the sovereign rights of native peoples. I suggest you do the same. We have much to do here, but we are well on the road.

But ..... that is a topic for a new thread, and I won't hijack this one. But I will point out that you are guilty of exactly what you accuse others of. You will not find any defense of my country's actions in this regard by me. Further more, it is not my issue. My issue has to do with my views on the actions of your government in my ancestral homeland. Despite your, and Terrible T's, attempt to act like I am not entitled to these views. let me assure that this is a pretty weak show of intellect. I need not live in a country to comment on its politics and actions, as many of you Brits demonstrate by your constant carping about what is wrong with the US. And my ties to Ireland, by virtue of blood, study, training, and celebration of its customs and musical heritage, enhance my absolute right to do so.

Mick