Dear Roddy and Paul,

Sorry if my article offended you. I thought everyone would realize it was written last year, immediately after the bombing which killed those three boys. And, yes, I do read the news, on the Internet and our local rag. When I write my weekly column, my main goal is to 1) express my personal view based on research and 2)make people think, and hopefully talk about the issue.

I do realize there is a peace accord and I am very happy about it; but the article I read this week said there was still a problem with getting the IRA and the protestant paramilitary orgs. to agree to disarm.

Also, I agree with Mick; if we tried to cut out politics and still discuss music, esp. music of Ireland, we'd be in a sorry state, as that wouldn't leave a lot of choices.

Although, I wouldn't mind a political thread. As we do seem to be living in closer proximity, via cyberspace, we are becoming "one world" in a sense. I believe the more we can dailogue with one another, of like mind or no, the more we can learn about one another and begin to have peace throughout our planet. Our differences may define us, in some instances, but they do not have to divide us, unless we let them.

I am part of a group here, in Wyoming, which puts on a CultureFest, once per year, at which we present as many different cultural food, music, dance,and goods as possible to expose the people of this sometimes benighted state to something other than their white middle-class rancher/oilfield background. These Fests have been very successful and have included many different ethnic presentations, all of which were part of what formed Wyoming or what is making up Wyoming's population now. we're getting swamped right now with request to be in the one which will be this summer.

Thank you for listening. And, thanks to you, Alison and Rick, for your comments.

katlaughing aka Katey LaFrance