Let me clear up a couple of things. It seems we all read each others posts through the shade of our own biases.

Sugarfoot Jack, I do not hate the British people, whether they are English, Cornish, Welsh, Scots, ..... whatever. I am sorry you take my comments that way. I have way too many good British friends to make such a blanket statement. But I do hate the policies of the British Government, over the years. I think I would characterize it the same way that I have heard my British friends characterize the USA. Love the people, hate the policies.

Martin, you said:

Frankly, I resent your implication that those who condemn "republican" violence of whatever shade, without appending loyalist-related caveats, are "bigoted".

I am sorry you take such a personal view, as it was not meant personally. Nor did I imply such a thing. What I find hypocritical and bigoted are those that make apologetic comments about Loyalist arms, while ranting on and on about the IRA decommissioning. Teribus is an example. Keith is another. Whenever one brings up the fact that the Loyalists have not yet done the right thing, these blokes rationalize it. My only point is that you either buy into the process or you don't. There can be no equivocation. And from the latest comments, I can see that they have

As to my support of violence, quite simply I don't support it. But neither will I offer apologies for the past. Michael Collins was seen as a violent terrorist in his time, but his actions surely had a major impact on the present day Republic of Ireland. It is foolish to condemn the past. But I have said many times. The people of the North of Ireland, all of the people, have embraced the ballot box. That means it doesn't matter what some Yank across the western water, or some Brit across the eastern water think. It is why the armed struggle is not relevant, despite what some of the dissidents think. The people who live there will determine their future.

Here in the States we have people that think with the election of Obama we have entered into a post racial part of our history. Nothing could be further from the truth. Same goes for the North of Ireland. As we can see, the peace process was just a start. It will take the best part of a generation for this to play out.

As to my right to speak to the issue, I have every much right as Keith, or Teribus, or any of you. The only people I will accept take a back seat to are those on the ground there. I may not agree with their views, but they have legitimacy.