I've got mixed feelings about this. I don't have it in me to forgive or forget the carnage he fostered as an IRA commander, but, in fairness, he spent the last 20-odd years of his life in a legitimate effort to get the gun out of Irish politics.

Boru

66 younger than I thought.

(March 21, 2017 at 6:20 pm)Mr Greene Wrote: 66 younger than I thought.

'It's not the years - it's the mileage.'

Boru

I despise the IRA (and loyalist paramilitaries, although, admittedly, I did go through a phase of seeing them as "protectors" and "freedom fighters" in the past) but I don't know how to feel about this. Yes, he was an IRA commander and I certainly don't think his past should be forgotten that easily, but as you say, he did spend years working towards his goals in a peaceful and democratic manner. Even I have to give him credit for that.

Terrorist/Freedom Fighter delete as personal bias.

(March 24, 2017 at 6:54 am)Isis Wrote: I despise the IRA (and loyalist paramilitaries, although, admittedly, I did go through a phase of seeing them as "protectors" and "freedom fighters" in the past) but I don't know how to feel about this. Yes, he was an IRA commander and I certainly don't think his past should be forgotten that easily, but as you say, he did spend years working towards his goals in a peaceful and democratic manner. Even I have to give him credit for that.

What makes the French Resistance freedom fighters or the IRA terrorists? It all depends on the side you are on. But from their perspective they both fought occupying forces, using violent means. It's all in the eye of the beholder.

(March 24, 2017 at 8:52 am)abaris Wrote: What makes the French Resistance freedom fighters or the IRA terrorists? It all depends on the side you are on. But from their perspective they both fought occupying forces, using violent means. It's all in the eye of the beholder.

Indiscriminate targeting of civilians?

The French could be pretty indiscriminate on occasion. 
The Provos at least tended to give warnings prior to bombings, unlike the Real variety, I can't remember if the Continuity did or not.

(March 24, 2017 at 6:54 am)Isis Wrote: I despise the IRA (and loyalist paramilitaries, although, admittedly, I did go through a phase of seeing them as "protectors" and "freedom fighters" in the past) but I don't know how to feel about this. Yes, he was an IRA commander and I certainly don't think his past should be forgotten that easily, but as you say, he did spend years working towards his goals in a peaceful and democratic manner. Even I have to give him credit for that.

Hello, Bella.

(March 24, 2017 at 8:23 pm)Tazzycorn Wrote: Hello, Bella.

Not even close, given the second half of the statement.