en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/1084225 Comments by zenhombre http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/northern-ireland/queen-hosts-martin-mcguinness-kelly-gallagher-and-mary-peters-at-northern-irelandthemed-reception-at-windsor-castle-30175441.html#IDComment816136244 Very encouraging. Saoirse! Thu, 10 Apr 2014 21:42:16 +0000 http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/northern-ireland/queen-hosts-martin-mcguinness-kelly-gallagher-and-mary-peters-at-northern-irelandthemed-reception-at-windsor-castle-30175441.html#IDComment816136244 http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/debateni/blogs/samuel-morrison/the-queen-and-martin-mcguinness-the-idea-that-victims-would-be-expected-to-welcome-exira-commander-at-banquet-sickens-me-30169873.html#IDComment815789029 One must decide if what they are witnessing is authentic (I do), but if a person has genuinely changed and now proposes a healthy way forward, how is that something to not support? Martin makes the case for himself. It is obvious some believe he is not genuine, but would those same people hold that a person cannot change and should never be given an opportunity to demonstrate such a change? What a hopeless world that would present. I support hope for healthy change. Saoirse! Wed, 9 Apr 2014 23:38:03 +0000 http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/debateni/blogs/samuel-morrison/the-queen-and-martin-mcguinness-the-idea-that-victims-would-be-expected-to-welcome-exira-commander-at-banquet-sickens-me-30169873.html#IDComment815789029 http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/uk/royal-family-to-join-irelands-1916-rising-commemorations-30169881.html#IDComment815783176 kp could have said "do not include Scotland in the reference to "our two countries". Indeed, there should be two islands and four countries. Auch, I care about any country still under the yoke of an imperialist. There are many around this planet. Wales, too, has a Nationalist Party - Plaid Cymru. I care about Scotland because part of my family is from Scotland with relatives still there. Saoirse! Wed, 9 Apr 2014 23:13:52 +0000 http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/uk/royal-family-to-join-irelands-1916-rising-commemorations-30169881.html#IDComment815783176 http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/debateni/news/there-will-be-a-united-ireland-it-will-come-from-republican-socialist-agitation-30138991.html#IDComment812708126 Ciaran says, "I envisage a future struggle in which we bring the respectable minority along the road of political action; strike action, civil disobedience, the vast array of methods capable of putting pressure on the state. And we can take back Ireland using those methods. The question is, will the state allow us to do that without reacting violently. If we were to pursue our objectives peacefully would the British state step in violently? I believe they may." These methods, as proposed by Henry David Thoreau and carried out by Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr. work only to the extent that it is understood the State will respond with violence, and the people do not reciprocate. The atrocities of the State are exposed in the presence of non-violent resistance. The World observes and is appalled by the brutality of the State. If the response to the State is return violence, the message of human injustice is lost. Violence takes center stage. It is not easy to sustain effective resistance, which is why we do not witness it very often in the world. Saoirse! Tue, 1 Apr 2014 16:52:02 +0000 http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/debateni/news/there-will-be-a-united-ireland-it-will-come-from-republican-socialist-agitation-30138991.html#IDComment812708126 http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/opinion/columnists/liam-clarke/sour-atmosphere-on-the-hill-as-storm-clouds-loom-30130514.html#IDComment811620236 I am not interested in engaging you in a debate concerning the merits of one interpretation or another. My ONLY concern in this string was making sure people didn't confuse facts with conclusions. As long as we are clear about that, I'm good to stand back and watch you and YY hash it out. As far as I am concerned, you two are covering the territory splendidly, and readers can draw their own conclusions. Thank you both for your service. Saoirse! Sat, 29 Mar 2014 21:10:57 +0000 http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/opinion/columnists/liam-clarke/sour-atmosphere-on-the-hill-as-storm-clouds-loom-30130514.html#IDComment811620236 http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/opinion/columnists/liam-clarke/sour-atmosphere-on-the-hill-as-storm-clouds-loom-30130514.html#IDComment811600729 "If you can examine the available evidence and reach a different conclusion to me I would love to hear it. Even if you could explain how people might reach a different conclusion I would love to hear that also." I have no interest in speculating about the future. My interest is in supporting the Rules of Evidence. Of course, I do have a preference about how the future turns out, but that was not my concern here. I have revealed my preferences in others posts, and no doubt will again. Saoirse! Sat, 29 Mar 2014 20:07:11 +0000 http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/opinion/columnists/liam-clarke/sour-atmosphere-on-the-hill-as-storm-clouds-loom-30130514.html#IDComment811600729 http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/opinion/columnists/liam-clarke/sour-atmosphere-on-the-hill-as-storm-clouds-loom-30130514.html#IDComment811558244 8B, I decided to say more about the fact that present trends never continue. Let's say that I grant you a valid interpretation of the data and that a particular outcome has a high probability of not occurring. To the degree that this may be a valid interpretation is dependent on past human choices remaining static through time. Do I detect an implied message that therefore, people who desire a different outcome should just give up? The future has been fixed in time? Now let's say that there is a group of people who are dedicated to Outcome B. The data appears to support that Outcome B is highly improbable and that Outcome A is more probable. Can you imagine that those people will decide, "Oh my, we may as well give up and take up knitting". Or, might they collect, cooperate, collaborate and implement new, different strategies to inspire people into action, change the arc of trends to something new/different, with a resulting change in outcome. This is an emotional issue for many people. If someone comes along and and indicates that their present trending behavior and choices will not result in their desired outcome, they may be inspired to alter their trending behavior and choices to effect their desired outcome. The underdog can become very motivated. Saoirse! Sat, 29 Mar 2014 17:45:10 +0000 http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/opinion/columnists/liam-clarke/sour-atmosphere-on-the-hill-as-storm-clouds-loom-30130514.html#IDComment811558244 http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/opinion/columnists/liam-clarke/sour-atmosphere-on-the-hill-as-storm-clouds-loom-30130514.html#IDComment811540515 If you are using data to propose a probability for specific outcome, that is an appropriate use of data. If you identify your probable outcome as a fact, that is a misuse of data and an unsupportable claim. As long as you do not claim that your conclusions are identical to facts, I have no concern with your claims. It is a common pass-time for people to debate and claim that their proposed probable outcome is more likely than their opponent's proposed probable outcome. Keep your claims clean and I'll enjoy the debate. Sat, 29 Mar 2014 16:45:38 +0000 http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/opinion/columnists/liam-clarke/sour-atmosphere-on-the-hill-as-storm-clouds-loom-30130514.html#IDComment811540515 http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/opinion/columnists/liam-clarke/sour-atmosphere-on-the-hill-as-storm-clouds-loom-30130514.html#IDComment811152734 In support of what I see as YY's main point vs 8B, I have posted elsewhere recently that Data and conclusions about that Data are not identical. Data is factual, but the interpretation of that Data is not factual. That an object has fallen is a fact. My conclusion about why it fell is not a fact. Two reasonable people, reviewing the same Data, can draw two different conclusions. 8B's error is to propose that based on observed data, his conclusion must be correct (true). Science doesn't work this way. Conclusions are always inconclusive awaiting new/different data yet to be observed. Concerning 8B's desire to prove the future - not possible. Predictions about the future are based, in part, on the idea that present trends will continue. The observed reality (to date) of this Universe is that present trends never continue, therefore predicting the future is, at best, an enjoyable pastime. It would appropriate for someone to say, concerning their conclusions, "This is what I hope for". Saoirse! Fri, 28 Mar 2014 16:55:41 +0000 http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/opinion/columnists/liam-clarke/sour-atmosphere-on-the-hill-as-storm-clouds-loom-30130514.html#IDComment811152734 http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/opinion/news-analysis/a-history-of-our-last-800-years-in-10-minutes-imagine-you-were-asked-to-explain-the-last-eight-troubled-disputed-and-bloodtorn-centuries-of-irish-history-30121907.html#IDComment810869473 Erin, I do not see how my statements misrepresent Irish history, but if I have wrongly perceived your position concerning the relationship between Ireland and the UK, then I apologize. I would be enthusiastic to accept that your posting name indicates of love and deep respect for Ireland and a desire for this island - Ireland to last forever. A few thoughts about the concept of understanding: having knowledge of data/facts and drawing conclusions about those data/facts is not the same thing. The formal definition of inductive reasoning - the foundation for scientific advancement is - all of your data may be correct and it still remains possible to draw the wrong conclusion. The concept of understanding extends beyond data/facts to the realm of conclusions. I will always be happy to be presented new data. I will always be happy to hear about someone's conclusions about those data. I may not always be willing to agree with someone's conclusions. Peace/Saoirse Thu, 27 Mar 2014 23:03:05 +0000 http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/opinion/news-analysis/a-history-of-our-last-800-years-in-10-minutes-imagine-you-were-asked-to-explain-the-last-eight-troubled-disputed-and-bloodtorn-centuries-of-irish-history-30121907.html#IDComment810869473 http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/opinion/letters/constitutional-issue-far-from-being-solved-30125808.html#IDComment810846293 Reading these posts, I conclude that both of you are smarter than me when it comes to economics, so I do not know how to conclude anything other than that point. Fortunately for me, the UK/Irish question doesn't hinge on economics, but rather human justice. Not only am I supporting the UK in leaving this island (as the result of proper, peaceful political, democratic process), I also support Scotland in their bid for independence and I support Plaid Cymru of Wales. If Britain could be publicly honest, they would say they want out of the Six Counties. In other words, it's long past time for the UK to dissolve. These four Nations on these two islands would then have an authentic opportunity to develop, nurture and support mutually beneficial and healthy relationships. I haven't seen this message before on these blogs. Just thought I'd broaden out the topic sphere a wee bit. Saoirse! Thu, 27 Mar 2014 21:40:53 +0000 http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/opinion/letters/constitutional-issue-far-from-being-solved-30125808.html#IDComment810846293 http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/opinion/news-analysis/a-history-of-our-last-800-years-in-10-minutes-imagine-you-were-asked-to-explain-the-last-eight-troubled-disputed-and-bloodtorn-centuries-of-irish-history-30121907.html#IDComment810158832 Good Morning, Erin. Your comment is completely understandable and reasonable from the perspective of a British citizen, a willing subject of the Crown who genuflects to their sovereign the Queen. You have no desire to change the status quo. Understood. I get that there are generations of families who identify themselves as British, loyal to the Crown, in these 6 Counties who have occupied nothing but their own home. I understand and accept that these families have a right to live where they live and have peaceful, prosperous lives (without bombs or bullets). I have no issues with you or these families. I understand that because your family wasn't Imperialised by an invading Nation power you do not perceive the injustice and tyranny (legal or otherwise - as defined by the invader). Understood. Not accepted. The privileged simply cannot witness the oppression the non-privileged . The 6 Counties continue to be Occupied by a Nation power. It is not mere people who just happen to be here through countless millennea of natural human migration. Please feel free to study the history of Imperialism on this planet and see if you can identify human injustice and tyranny anywhere (hint - there are thousands of examples around the globe through time, should be easy). And not just historical, but current examples, too. See if you can find an example of a Nation power invading and imposing it's will on others, occupying, displacing, imposing it's LAW against the local will, resistors being properly disciplined. By the way, your blog name: an impure version of the Irish language meaning Ireland Forever. Odd choice for such a loyal British citizen. Saoirse! Wed, 26 Mar 2014 05:31:10 +0000 http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/opinion/news-analysis/a-history-of-our-last-800-years-in-10-minutes-imagine-you-were-asked-to-explain-the-last-eight-troubled-disputed-and-bloodtorn-centuries-of-irish-history-30121907.html#IDComment810158832 http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/opinion/news-analysis/a-history-of-our-last-800-years-in-10-minutes-imagine-you-were-asked-to-explain-the-last-eight-troubled-disputed-and-bloodtorn-centuries-of-irish-history-30121907.html#IDComment810024335 Innocent enough typo Tue, 25 Mar 2014 21:33:03 +0000 http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/opinion/news-analysis/a-history-of-our-last-800-years-in-10-minutes-imagine-you-were-asked-to-explain-the-last-eight-troubled-disputed-and-bloodtorn-centuries-of-irish-history-30121907.html#IDComment810024335 http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/opinion/news-analysis/a-history-of-our-last-800-years-in-10-minutes-imagine-you-were-asked-to-explain-the-last-eight-troubled-disputed-and-bloodtorn-centuries-of-irish-history-30121907.html#IDComment810023359 It's from the article above. I basically disagree that elapsed time (800+ years) has any relevance to proper resistance to tyranny. Ending Imperialism has no statute of limitations and is a move forward, not backwards. Tue, 25 Mar 2014 21:29:47 +0000 http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/opinion/news-analysis/a-history-of-our-last-800-years-in-10-minutes-imagine-you-were-asked-to-explain-the-last-eight-troubled-disputed-and-bloodtorn-centuries-of-irish-history-30121907.html#IDComment810023359 http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/opinion/news-analysis/a-history-of-our-last-800-years-in-10-minutes-imagine-you-were-asked-to-explain-the-last-eight-troubled-disputed-and-bloodtorn-centuries-of-irish-history-30121907.html#IDComment810010575 It's a good list, nj, and it could be made longer by adding 11. the Penal Code, 12. the 1969 Marches in Derry, 13. Internment, 14 (too much to list, actually). "if Britain and Ireland have been interwoven that long, then we are integrally related and can not be separated without damage to both. Nowhere else in the world would anyone argue for a return to the status quo of the 12th century". I've heard no arguments to return to any previous century. This is the history of occupation and resistance. The occupation is 800+ years old but the Imperialism is current. The Occupiers passionately defend their actions and position, while those involved in active resistance passionately defend their actions and position. There are those who will read this and agree and there are those who will read this and disagree. I've not read that anyone has changed their mind about things based on what others have posted here. Saoirse! Tue, 25 Mar 2014 20:47:28 +0000 http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/opinion/news-analysis/a-history-of-our-last-800-years-in-10-minutes-imagine-you-were-asked-to-explain-the-last-eight-troubled-disputed-and-bloodtorn-centuries-of-irish-history-30121907.html#IDComment810010575 http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/northern-ireland/the-stormont-department-which-has-had-no-callers-to-ulster-scots-line-in-eight-years-29509155.html#IDComment703885553 Gaelic and Ulster Scots (whether a language or a dialect) represents a historical and living culture. One of the tragedies on this planet is the irretrievable loss of language. I have read that thousands of languages have already been lost with no method of bringing them back. Possession of one's language is foundational for a person having a sense of place. Let's do what we can to preserve, not tear down. By the way, I am now in Arizona USA where my oldest son owns a pub. I will be teaching them how to pour Guinness and introduce him and his mates to Hurling. Saoirse! Wed, 21 Aug 2013 00:14:02 +0000 http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/northern-ireland/the-stormont-department-which-has-had-no-callers-to-ulster-scots-line-in-eight-years-29509155.html#IDComment703885553 http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/northern-ireland/sinn-fein-mla-gerry-kellys-speech-in-breach-of-code-claims-dup-man-29490791.html#IDComment699993861 Come on, eastant, all FT accomplished was flaunting his status as an unrepentant imperialist. He never offered a rational argument that his ideas are more valid than his opponent's ideas. I can almost hear his laughter when he types haha. He resorted to calling people subhuman. You support this?You are correct, however. There is nothing meaningful one can say to a proud imperialist. He should be congratulated, actually, for taking this stance. There is no effective counter. He can have fun indefinitely from this vantage point. If imperialism were subject to the views or concerns of others, it couldn't possibly be successful. If defeating one's opponent is all that is required to establish being right, then we are doomed. Thu, 15 Aug 2013 00:02:45 +0000 http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/northern-ireland/sinn-fein-mla-gerry-kellys-speech-in-breach-of-code-claims-dup-man-29490791.html#IDComment699993861 http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/uk/religious-people-are-less-intelligent-than-atheists-analysis-of-over-63-scientific-studies-stretching-back-over-decades-concludes-29493132.html#IDComment699122917 No. Have you ever had an in-depth conversation with a Jesuit over time? If they perceive in you a kindred spirit, they are very flexible in their beliefs and their willingness to experiment with off limits ideas and conceptualizations. They present as not needing certainty as many others seem to. They get constructs/categories of thought vs truth. Tue, 13 Aug 2013 18:30:50 +0000 http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/uk/religious-people-are-less-intelligent-than-atheists-analysis-of-over-63-scientific-studies-stretching-back-over-decades-concludes-29493132.html#IDComment699122917 http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/opinion/letters/stern-resistance-makes-united-ireland-a-lost-cause-29490810.html#IDComment698587728 "Sinn Fein do not seem to be seeking cross community support." As I review the efforts of SF leadership around Ireland, I witness a very strong understanding of the need for cross-community support and a mindful effort at achieving just that. It is, no doubt, hard to see due to more sensational activity attracting the press and galvanizing people's emotional content. Saoirse! Mon, 12 Aug 2013 21:57:28 +0000 http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/opinion/letters/stern-resistance-makes-united-ireland-a-lost-cause-29490810.html#IDComment698587728 http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/opinion/letters/stern-resistance-makes-united-ireland-a-lost-cause-29490810.html#IDComment698582880 There is too much incorrect information in this Opinion to address. I have no doubts, however, about MF's sincerity. My few notes: 1) time is not a factor when pursuing a proper cause, 2) enormous progress has been made as evidenced by the advent of the Good Friday Agreement and positive, progressive growth since (again, too numerous to mention here -the Editors will not allow me or others the space), 3) a closed mind along with a sense of hopelessness will be experienced as a lost cause. I hope MF can find some serenity in his life. Saoirse! Mon, 12 Aug 2013 21:44:43 +0000 http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/opinion/letters/stern-resistance-makes-united-ireland-a-lost-cause-29490810.html#IDComment698582880