Stop Lives Lost
I READ with interest the letters in the October 15-21 issue, pro and con, on the comments of Malachy McCourt’s letter from a previous issue. In this wonderful country that we live, the constitution guarantees us freedom of speech. These letters were expressing the opinions of the writers.
In my opinion, I did not agree with President Bush’s decision to invade Iraq. That means nothing now. It is history, and we cannot change what happened. We cannot change Pearl Harbor, Hiroshima, Nagasaki or September 11.
What must be done is to ensure that another life is not lost. This is next to impossible. It looks like we are trying to save a country that does not want to be saved. We have to support our troops and hope and pray the end will come quickly.
Jack Driscoll
Buffalo, New York
Trimble Won’t Be Scammed
II READ with interest the letters in the October 15-21 issue, pro and con, on the comments of Malachy McCourt’s letter from a previous issue. In this wonderful country that we live, the constitution guarantees us freedom of speech. These letters were expressing the opinions of the writers.
In my opinion, I did not agree with President Bush’s decision to invade Iraq. That means nothing now. It is history, and we cannot change what happened. We cannot change Pearl Harbor, Hiroshima, Nagasaki or September 11.
What must be done is to ensure that another life is not lost. This is next to impossible. It looks like we are trying to save a country that does not want to be saved. We have to support our troops and hope and pray the end will come quickly.
Jack Driscoll
Buffalo, New York
Honorary Irish Joe
I WAS happy to find last week’s “Intelligencer” praising Senator Joe Lieberman and his staff for being the most diligent of all Democratic presidential candidates on Irish issues.
What I can tell you is that this is not a recent conversion on the senator’s part. As someone who once served as Connecticut co-chairman with then State Senator Joe Lieberman for Robert Kennedy’s presidential campaign, I can tell you that Joe grew up among us Irish back in Stamford, Connecticut. The Callahans would not be the only Irish family from those parts who consider Joe and his family a part of our larger clan.
When people actually stop and listen to what Joe is saying, even on unpopular issues like Iraq or Hollywood, they may still disagree, but they can be sure they are listening to the honest opinion of a good, wise and decent, honorary Irish, Jewish man. In ethnic America, that can be a pretty wonderful combination.
Bob Callahan
Berkeley, California
A Pioneer’s Story
I WAS delighted to see the article on the Irish pioneers in your newspaper last week.
I am 75 years old and can well remember being inducted into the pioneer movement in my native Cork well over 60 years ago, on my Confirmation.
It was a wonderful day attended by my parents, the then bishop of Cork and friends and relatives of hundreds of boys and girls. We were all so proud when the bishop confirmed us and we knew we were on the road to heaven.
We all took the pledge and alas, I was one who did not abide by it. In fact I was a very heavy drinker for many years before discovering that pioneer spirit again in my seventies.
God Bless the pioneers and the wonderful work they do keeping Irish people away from the demon drink. It is a wonderful thing they do and I only hope young people reading the article might decide to sign up too.
James O’Brien
Montclair, New Jersey
Windbag Malachy
WHAT a wiseguy Malachy McCourt is attacking Michael Flatley in last week’s letters page. In weeks previous he was attacking the U.S. for our involvement in bringing democracy to Iraq.
I have a few suggestions for Malachy. Until he can dance like Michael Flatley or serve his country like the brave men and women in Iraq he should shut up.
However, in his case, I know that will be a very difficult thing. I don’t know if there is a bigger windbag in all of America.
Mary Ann Lohan
Cicero, Illinois
Adams a Joke
GERRY Adams is the most popular politician in Ireland? What does that say about the rest of them?
The man who almost certainly led the IRA and played a role in the killings and maiming of thousands of innocent people is now considered, just a few years later, the most popular politician in the country.
What does that tell you about the Irish people and their ability to forget so soon, the atrocities committed by the IRA for over 30 years? I don’t know how men like Adams sleep in their bed every night with the blood of so many innocents on their hands.
Thank God for John Spain. He is the only one who opposes him in your newspaper. He is a true voice of reason.
John Flanagan
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Kennedy Book Fan
NOT another book about the Kennedys, the Irish royal family, was my initial reaction reading your review of The Kennedys, America’s Emerald Kings last week.
However, I enjoyed the review so much I went out and bought the book. It is an excellent read and for the first time places the Kennedys in an Irish perspective, with the history of the family and JFK’s historic visit to Ireland at the center of it.
I will never forget the pride I felt as the grandson of Famine Irish immigrants, when Kennedy was elected president. At last we felt one of our own was in the highest office of the land. I can recommend this book highly.
Sean Murray
Baltimore, Maryland
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