Irish Rover if you're still reading this thread, I'm sorry if my starting this thread at allseems insensitive. I am an American of mixed celtic descent. I have four friends, all from Dublin, who have immigrated here.

I asked the question to learn from mudcatters. The information I receive through the media here is limited and perhaps suspect; certainly it is inadequate. Mudcatters often educate me. They have done so in this instance. Still, you say one cannot understand unless one live there. I have never been in Northern Island. But I do live in the same world as you.

Here in Washington DC violent hatred and prejudice and injustice are currently played out in more covert ways than in Northern Ireland perhaps, but wherever there are humans these three exist.

I can't know your feelings, but I understood enough from your message to learn from it. I wish you peace.

Fortunato