1. There is one tradition with several parts. The parts are more alike than different.

2. Orange historical ballads should not offend anyone. most people here as I have said dont even listen to the lyrics and if folk are offended by a simple historical song they are hyper sensitive and thats their problem you dont overcome it by avoiding the music.

3. If you would give up feeling offended by a small aspect of a song you could sit and enjoy them all -do it now it is easy.

4. Audiences which are intolerent need no music at all. Help them to understand.

5. I dont think songs make people kill people- to think so is a joke. But both sides have songs that pull the mind to violence that is what songs of solidarity are all about. They are however more song,music and verse than political message derived therefrom.

6. I think the Ploughboy is a wonderful song melody and verse going together well and quite pleasing. I listen to it because that I am not preoccupied with politics and appreciate the treasures of music both lyric and notation. Why should I get up from in front of a well pulled pint just because I dont agree with one small aspect of a song. Silly!

7.Most Irish musicians I know play anything the audience wants to hear even if it is political supports the IRA and terrorism. They can not say no to money. Too bad! We have way too many professional patronized musicians who sell out and in so doing also censor the tradition. More folks should just sit down and play the tunes that come into their head without worry as to the political content.

I have a feeling that most folks on this thread so far do not know any orange/loyalsit/unionist songs! Try them out- learn one and see if anyone really cares! http://www.geocities.com/CapitolHill/5567/ooooo.html

Conrad