Dear Branwen,

Once more, for the record, I am not saying a word against the Blarney Brothers. I don't know them, so I will assume that they are singing this particular song because they are ignorant of the issues with which the Travellers have to deal. As I have said before, they are very talented, and I wish them well.

However, I am deeply saddened by the inclusion of this song on their CD. For now this band will not only promote the prejudices in this song in their personal appearances; but, they will spread its poisin even further with this disc.

It is, however, this particular song, and its ilk, that I will continue to say many words against. And Branwen, it is personal, deeply personal. The poet Rainer Maria Rilke wrote, 'Our fears are like dragons guarding our most precious treasures.' Well, I have released the dragon that was guarding one of my most precious treasures -- that of my identity. And although you may want to lift your skirts and walk over the bodies of generations of my people, I swear to God that I will be here to pull your face down close to their bones, so that you will never forget them.

-- Aine