Army admits 'not defeating IRA'

[DanTheFoxBhoy]

The Troubles were fueled by hatrid yet will be cured by forgiveness, communication and mutual goodwill.

That much is true. But the six county struggle is not one of dogma. As Finnegan said it has played a role but does not define the problem well.

This whole catholic v protestant thing is overrated anyway, it's more nationalist v loyalist and there are those in the aforementioned 'sects' who sit in the other political camp anyway. And it will only continue to change over time.

As for the German attacks, the English fought bravely and they weren't occupied. If they had been occupied the English spirit would seek to expel the occupiers, I'm sure of that.

Peace in the north will only come through cooperation, understanding, acceptance, and ultimately a united Ireland which will stand for all of those things.

[Finnegan]

As for the impact of the British in Ireland if we can largely get over the German attempt to subject our people less than 50 years ago I am sure the Irish can put TheTroubles, Bloody Sunday and the Potato Famine behind them.

I actually find that a little ignorant, and a little insulting. The world should overlook the atrocities of the British Empire simply because of their involvement in the World Wars? So America shouldn't be questioned for it's military history because, after all, they did overthrow Saddam? I'll come back to this, but I'm currently late for work.

[BartonFox]

That much is true. But the six county struggle is not one of dogma. As Finnegan said it has played a role but does not define the problem well.

This whole catholic v protestant thing is overrated anyway, it's more nationalist v loyalist and there are those in the aforementioned 'sects' who sit in the other political camp anyway. And it will only continue to change over time.

As for the German attacks, the English fought bravely and they weren't occupied. If they had been occupied the English spirit would seek to expel the occupiers, I'm sure of that.

Peace in the north will only come through cooperation, understanding, acceptance, and ultimately a united Ireland which will stand for all of those things.

[Daphne du Maurier]

Sure l'm an Ulster Orangeman, from Erin's isle I came,

To see my British brethren all of honour and of fame,

And to tell them of my forefathers who fought in days of yore,

That I might have the right to wear, the sash my father wore!

Chorus:

It is old but it is beautiful, and its colors they are fine

It was worn at Derry, Aughrim, Enniskillen and the Boyne.

My father wore it as a youth in bygone days of yore,

And on the Twelfth I love to wear the sash my father wore.

Chorus

For those brave men who crossed the Boyne have not fought or died in vain

Our Unity, Religion, Laws, and Freedom to maintain,

If the call should come we'll follow the drum, and cross that river once more

That tomorrow's Ulsterman may wear the sash my father wore!

Chorus

And when some day, across the sea to Antrim's shore you come,

We'll welcome you in royal style, to the sound of flute and drum

And Ulster's hills shall echo still, from Rathlin to Dromore

As we sing again the loyal strain of the sash my father wore!

Was that Dana?

I can't quite put my finger on it.

I am certain it is a Eurovision Contest winner, was it Dana?

[Flynny]

How can young people grow up to think clearly, rationally, freely and for the betterment of all mankind if they are brainwashed with questionable religious dogma from day one?

Religion could serve a purpose in promoting genuinely decent values, though so could good education.

But all too often religious concepts are abused by unscrupulous, serve-serving individuals to gain control over people's minds through questionable rhetoric, fear, threats and intimidation.

There is nothing decent about that. That is manipulation. It is not education or wise counselling.

Indeed from a genuinely religious point of view I could argue that seeking to control peoples minds is the worst sin there is and probably the most dangerous to the welfare of people on this planet, as many have demonstrated.

Love you, Thrac.

[Head Honcho]

Was that Dana?

I can't quite put my finger on it.

I am certain it is a Eurovision Contest winner, was it Dana?

Take yer finger out yer arse