I was born and have lived in Northern Ireland for the past 25 years. I totally abhor the violence that has occurred there and I have no time for anyone who perpetrates, supports, or justifies that violence in any shape or form. On any "side". For any reason.
I think I understand that Larry has approached this subject from a humanitarian point of view, but as such a subject is open to such passionate, emotional and distressing arguments that I would ask everyone to realise that they're writing about something that has affected thousands of people and that their rhetoric may bring more hurt than good, intentional or not.
Dave the Gnome has the right idea in raising his children without prejudice. I like to think I was brought up the same way. I am not contesting peoples' rights to their own opinions; I just want everyone to be aware that some issues are too close to the bone for others to bear.