American Ingrate

As an Irish American, I was mortified to see the idiotic and insensitive comments of Marilyn McGrath in the issue of September 21-27 with her letter “Irish Sickening.”

I am sure that some Americans are indeed a “laughingstock” in Ireland, as she wrote. It’s probably the likes of Ms. McGrath, a pious narrowback, and it’s right that she’s viewed as a laughingstock.

Please, lady, come down from your ivory tower and stop harassing Senators Hillary Clinton and Charles Schumer about U.S. government support for Ireland. You should applaud the people of Ireland for their spirit of independence and the well-earned financial security that seems to have taken hold in the country.

Ms. McGrath’s assumption that there is no poverty in Ireland is asinine. I’m surprised she even reads the Irish Voice. She seems like she’s a colonialist.

It seems people such as she prefer to see shoeless, starving wretches littered about the countryside of Erin. It is hypocritical to claim ancestry to a culture, and then be annoyed by the spark and spirit of freedom which Ms. McGrath’s own ancestors brought to these shores.

Ms. McGrath, you are the ingrate. Go learn about your culture, or go soak your head.

Brendan Feehan, Auburn, New York

Let SF Fundraise

For so long the Bush administration has been seeking an end to IRA activity, promising the sun moon and stars if this event was to take place. Now it has, thankfully. And what does the administration do in response? Kicks Sinn Fein in the teeth, that’s what.

It is amazing to me that Gerry Adams is banned from fundraising in the U.S., especially in light of the summer’s announcement that the IRA was forsaking violence forever.

Bush’s cronies replied with the usual empty words, but they’ve done nothing of substance to show Sinn Fein that they support the party’s path towards purely political ends.

I’m tired of reading about the “wonderful” Bush envoys to Ireland, Richard Haass and Mitchell Reiss. The latter isn’t even part of the administration anymore, and seems to be doing his Irish work on a “when I’m not busy” basis.

What have the envoys done to show U.S. interest in the Irish peace process? Nothing.

Sinn Fein is a legitimate party in Ireland, and is the largest Nationalist party in Northern Ireland. Soon the party may make up part of the coalition government in the Republic, such is their soaring popularity and popular mandate.

Every other Irish politician can come and go as they please, yet the one who has done more than any of them to bring peace is still restricted, still treated like a second class citizen.

I would like envoy Reiss to plainly state what is gained by not allowing Gerry Adams to fundraise out here, besides the total humiliation of Adams. Is that what Reiss and Bush want? A return to the bad old days?

I find myself longing for the good old days of President Clinton and his administration which was so much better than Bush on every single thing affecting our country, including Ireland. Here’s an early vote for Senator Hillary, in hopes that she can bring back the good old times.

Richard McCann, Fairfield, Connecticut

Festival Hypocrite

I would like to weigh in on Mike Farragher and his condescending point of view about Irish festivals in New York and New Jersey being a drag because of the music.

I love these festivals. I go every year to at least two or three to listen to music of old. I came from Cork to New York 40 years ago, and hearing the old songs brings me back in time.

I noted that Farragher wrote a concert review about Paul McCartney’s recent show in Madison Square. Interestingly, Farragher said that the best time for taking a booze break during the show was when McCartney played his new songs.

Why is it okay for Farragher to pine for the old Beatles songs that McCartney made famous, yet castigate those of us who love to go to Irish festivals to hear songs of our youth. How hypocritical.

All these bands that Farragher goes on and on about aren’t worth a candle in the long run. Let them go and play in the young Irish bars if they want to get a following.

The festivals are a great celebration of Ireland, and I wouldn’t change one thing about them. Just like Paul McCartney still considers it important to play the songs that made him famous.

Pat McGill, Hampton Bays, New York

Legalize Illegals

I applaud the Irish Voice for its expose of Christine Owad, the woman who made lots of money off of vulnerable undocumented immigrants looking for legal status here.

It is unfortunate that such a situation exists for the Irish in this country. They should be welcomed here with open arms for all that they bring.

It is my hope that President Bush, for once, will do the right thing and bring legal status to all of the undocumented in this country who want nothing more than to make a living and live a decent life. It’s the least that they deserve.

And as for all these right wing conservative politicians threatening to round up all the illegals, wake up to reality and recognize that these people do far more good than harm.

Janey Grace, Brick, New Jersey

We Want Brosnan

This is in regard to Pierce Brosnan versus the new Bond Daniel Craig. The blond Englishman chosen by Bond producer Barbara Broccoli is a nothing compared to the present Bond, Brosnan.

This new guy is ugly compared to Brosnan. Pierce has proven he can act. We go to see each movie several times.

We will never go to see the new Bond.

David and Rosalee Harney, Grafton, Wisconsin

Hinds’ Forgotten Work

I was surprised that a recent Irish Voice feature on the actor Ciaran Hinds didn’t include his masterful work as the wretched husband in Falling for a Dancer. It should be duly noted any time his name comes up.

Years back the film used to be shown on public television every so often, and I never missed it. For those who have never seen it, make it a point to do so.

I enjoy the Irish Voice and always pass it on to my sons. It makes me wish I lived in New York, with so much that is Irish to take part in.

Lauranne Shea, West Springfield, Massachusetts

Dakota’s Life

Dakota Fanning sounds like a sweet little girl, judging by the interview in last week’s Irish Voice, and I hope she stays that way.

It was a little disconcerting reading an interview that could have been given by an adult, such were Dakota’s choice of words. But I hope she has parents who will keep her well grounded, and not turn her into some sort of baboon, a la Paris Hilton.

I know that she is making a lot of money, and she’s a good actress, but I wonder will she turn around in 10 years and wonder what happened to her childhood. Growing up on movie sets can’t be easy.

Let’s hope Dakota also gets some time in the future to dig up those Irish roots she says she’s so proud of. She would surely enjoy a trip over there, just as I have had so many pleasant visits to the land of my ancestors.

Carolyn Hoffman, Chicago, Illinois