"Precisely why I asked the question, Lively."

Of course BWMan, I merely rephrased the question you posited, in terms that some US posters might be able to more clearly recognise.
After all, there has historically been a great deal of sympathy - and practical support - for for the Irish 'cause' in the US.

As to whether the IRA like so many groups, are dubbed 'terrorists' or 'freedom fighters' or their activists 'terrorists' or 'heroes' really depends on political allegiances. Again, some US posters might better appreciate the Irish situation from "the other side", than the one currently under debate.

It appears to me that elements of the Middle East feel the same way today towards the US as elements of Ireland have until recently to the UK. Arguably it's just a much bigger map and the bombs are bigger these days..