Letters

Defending the Great U.S.

I USUALLY take with a grain of salt some of the letters published in the Irish Voice, but after reading “Wake Up People” from Robert O’Sullivan of Cork in the September 1-7 issue, I feel it is my duty as an American to respond to some of his pathetic drivel. 

First, I would suggest that Mr. O’Sullivan take a look at the shortcomings of his own country before he points fingers at mine. He tried to imply that there is no “free speech” here in the United States. Well, the last time I checked we do have free speech and have never had something called Section 31 in our Constitution,

We also have tens of thousands of people who enter the U.S. on a daily basis and would rather live here illegally than in their own homeland. That number would also include citizens of Mr. O’Sullivan’s country, in case he might have forgotten that fact.

Mr. O’Sullivan further states that he knows absolutely, positively that Iraq had nothing to do with September 11. That’s great! I think we should get rid of the CIA and the National Security Council immediately and hire Mr. O’Sullivan as our security czar! 

That is, if we could lure him away from “free Europe” as he so states. I’m glad he feels so safe in free Europe! Perhaps he might open up a History book some time and see who made Europe free — the United States of America! 

Twice in the last century the U.S. gave in excess of 750,000 men’s lives in order to let people like Mr. O’Sullivan enjoy regatta day on Bantry Bay. One of those 750,000 men was a child of 15 years of age. He was my wife’s uncle. His name was Joseph Gillen of Dromahair, Co. Leitrim. 

Joe lied about his age so he could fight for the U.S. in World War I. He lies forever 15 in an unknown grave in France. 

Mr. O’Sullivan went on to state that he owes his “freedom” to the Russians and their involvement in World War II. Well, perhaps if his country had opened up its ports and joined the war like they morally should have done, the war would have ended years earlier.

If recent events don’t cast a beacon of what’s to come in the future from the fundamentalist Islamic terrorists who wish to see us dead, then I’m afraid that nothing will. We are dealing with desperate, homicidal maniacs who will go to any lengths in order to destroy us. They hate us because of who we are. 

They hate us for our freedom. And they hate us because of our western ideas, religion and way of life. 

Thank God we have a man like George W. Bush who is willing to step up to the plate and face that threat. This war will take many years and countless battles, but we will prevail in the end. 

God Bless our troops! God Bless our commander in chief! God Bless America! 

Raymond McGowan

Bayside, New York

Some Thoughts . . . 

PRESIDENT George W. Bush has not done many favors for the immigrant community. So I wonder how many Irish went to the protest demonstrations against the Bush administration.

And on the appeal by the Irish charity Concern for help in Darfur, Sudan. People should avoid going to the pub for a night and instead give the money to this worthy cause.

Sean Breen

Bronx, New York

Warfield’s Best Wishes

I AM writing to the Irish Voice because I am a big fan of Derek Warfield, formerly of the Wolfe Tones. I want to relate a story on why.

I recently celebrated my 50th birthday, and a close friend of mine who lives in Strabane, Co. Tyrone thought I might like some autographed pictures. He went to a place in Donegal where Derek and his band Sons of Erin play, and asked Derek and Noel Guthrie if they would sign some pictures and a birthday card.

They did that without blinking an eye. That was very classy and much appreciated. And they sent a couple of notes, because that’s the kind of men they are.

If Irish Voice readers have a chance to see Sons of Erin, go. It will be well worth it.

Jim Harrington

Arlington, Massachusetts

Orde Should Butt Out

INSTEAD of continuing to infiltrate himself into the political landscape of the Irish peace process, Hugh Orde ought to concentrate on doing his job of reforming the police service in the north of Ireland so that it conforms to the Patten recommendations and can earn the respect of all of the citizens of the six counties. 

Orde, at a press conference last week on his assessment of cross-border organized crime, claimed that “provisionals were still heavily involved in smuggling, fraud and other money-making schemes.” Once again, Orde is choosing a critical juncture in negotiations to point a finger at Republicans clearly in an attempt to perpetuate the same tired propaganda. 

Joining the Orde chorus was Irish Minister Michael McDowell, who for the past year has been beating the same anti-Republican drum. Sinn Fein’s huge successes in the recent Irish and European elections are proof that McDowell’s rants and raves have been profoundly rejected by the Irish people. 

If Orde and McDowell have proof of racketeering let them proceed with prosecutions. If not then they ought to shut up. The reality both men face — if negotiations lead to permanent stability of the institutions — is their own obscurity as Sinn Fein moves forward transforming the political terrain of Ireland. 

Paul Doris, National Chairman

Irish Northern Aid, Inc.

New York, New York

Breslin Bye-Bye

JIMMY Breslin’s long-awaited departure from the Catholic Church, as mentioned in the “Sidewalks” column of August 18-24, will surely bring thousands back to the church who couldn’t stand being in the same room with the rotund spouter.

At 73, Breslin’s literary well is as dry as himself. Save an “Ave” for a writer whose big drum has a big hole in it.

It’s truly a great day for the Irish!

Thomas Phillips

Brooklyn, New York

Sick of Bad Faith

WHAT on earth or the British government playing at? How many times will they show bad faith on their part by bugging Sinn Fein member’s homes, cars and offices? It seems that when it comes to this issue, Loyalist politicians have an amazing lack of memory, and their silence is deafening. 

The latest find in Connolly House in Belfast came just days before the Sinn Fein leadership took part in peace process talks at Leeds Castle. It seems that when the Republican leadership is ready to meet for crucial talks with the British government that an act of bad faith on the British government’s behalf is made. 

The threat from Loyalist paramilitaries is as big as ever to the Republican/Nationalist communities as seen in the last few weeks when a number of vile acts were carried out against innocent people. These have included the sending of bullets through the post to the homes of 13 Sinn Fein members and their families, and the attempted mass murder of Nationalists in a pub in Ardoyne when a Ulster Defense Association gang drove a digger through its front wall and attempted to firebomb it. 

Still the intimidation and bad faith are directed towards Republicans, who have remained peaceful and committed to finding a lasting peace with freedom in Ireland. 

Jackie Sheridan

Warrenpoint, Co. Down

Northern Ireland