Saturday, June 16, 2007
Is the Order up for tackling the Elephant?
With just four weeks to this year’s July 12th parades, the Orange Order have signalled their intention to get tough on paedophiles and have issued a not welcome message (of sorts) to the street drinking battalions accompanying the jolly Brethren on parade.
Of course, the elephant on procession remains the overtly sectarian element, who will once again insist on parading in unwelcome confines and those who will use the occasion as an excuse to raise the flag and bunting in ‘mixed’ residential/ commercial areas.
So what prospect is there of progress on these fronts, which would do more to transform the Order’s image at a stroke than any number of ‘family-oriented’ bouncy castles and face painters at the Field? Any thoughts out there?
Chris Donnelly @ 03:56 PM
Playing the orange card to lay down smoke to cover last month’s humiliation? Quelle surprise. You must have been so disappointed that last night went off quietly Chris.
http://breaking.tcm.ie/ireland/mhkfojcwkfgb/
Posted by on Jun 16, 2007 @ 05:03 PMChris how exactly do you define a ‘mixed’ area?
I’m unaware of any sizeable NI populace with 100% Protestant or Catholic figures. Even Cullybackey has 1.2% Roman Catholic population according to the 2001 census. What happens if just one or two of this 1.2% object to an arch or some bunting?Posted by on Jun 16, 2007 @ 05:20 PM“What happens if one or two of this 1.2% object”?
They burn them out!
In previous years Catholic homes in Cullybacky were given fireproof blankets to protect their children in case of firebomb attacks by orange order terrorists.Posted by on Jun 16, 2007 @ 05:46 PMI thought it was Ahoghill?
Posted by on Jun 16, 2007 @ 05:48 PMThanks Gonzo,
I didn’t realise that Orange Order terrorists had also firebombed catholic homes in Ahoghill.Posted by on Jun 16, 2007 @ 05:51 PMI see. 50%+ (nice name but dream on)—a Protestant friend of mine lives in Newry and isn’t overly happy with the year-long display of tricolours and hunger strike memorabilia on the road he lives on. If he objects, will these all be removed in the interests of a mixed area?
Or is he more likely to receive his free blanket?What I’m asking for is the definition of a ‘mixed’ area. What minority percentage is required to effect the removal of one-sided symbols? 50%+ you’re obviously the mathmatical expert—you tell me.
Posted by on Jun 16, 2007 @ 05:54 PMI live in the Upper Ormeau area, its mixed, prosperous and peaceful
Yet we have to put up with loyalist knuckle draggers coming from the Annadale area covering the area in loyalist & paramilitary flags every summer.
They are not welcome yet the police refuse to face down these thugs.
If you tried to approach these guys you would be getting a petrol bomb through your window in the early hours.
Its an utter joke, they can turn their own area into a bonfire dump if they want, but respectable people want to live free from their sectarianism & hatred.
Posted by on Jun 16, 2007 @ 06:13 PMCruimh
Playing the orange blinders that let you see everything as the fault of them uns?If the orange order was really serious about wanting peaceful parades Chris is absolutely correct about needing to ditch the sectarian garbage.
Don’t even start bleating about the orange order not being responsible for the hangers on because its bollocks they have always encouraged them.
But seriously get rid of the paramilitary bull crap throw out the kick the pope bands and show just a modicum of respect and maybe you can go back to traipsing up and down the pavements like a bunch of homeless vagrants
Posted by on Jun 16, 2007 @ 06:16 PMSean - did you not read the link ?
“The PSNI is commending the work carried out on both sides to ensure last night’s event passed off without incident.
It is appealing for this type of work to continue to ensure other parades this summer are also peaceful.”
Posted by on Jun 16, 2007 @ 06:26 PMsunny boy, anyone,
what would happen if the Nationalists came out of their homes and greeted the marchers with a friendly wave, cup of tea, something like that; you know neighbourliness, I’m curious.
Has it ever been tried?Posted by on Jun 16, 2007 @ 06:48 PMYou must have been so disappointed that last night went off quietly Chris.
‘Cruimh’
I need say nothing more- you hang yourself with your own words.Posted by on Jun 16, 2007 @ 06:49 PMparcifal
Are you really ‘James McGeever’ a la Irish News letters page? I ask only because I find it difficult believe there is more than one politically conscious person on this island with such naive views?While you’re at it, should we be expecting Nigel and Diane Dodds to wave pom-poms and shout ‘Cead Mile Failte’ to a republican parade making its way across the West Circular from Ardoyne to the Falls?
Just curious. Now I know that’s never been tried!
Posted by on Jun 16, 2007 @ 06:53 PMoops bitten :(
Posted by on Jun 16, 2007 @ 06:58 PMSame applies to you Chris - as the link shows , people are addressing the problems. [play the ball - edited moderator]
Posted by on Jun 16, 2007 @ 07:05 PMI’ll try again - it doesn’t help when SF try to use this to stir up trouble.
Posted by on Jun 16, 2007 @ 07:18 PMchris
ChrisI’ll have a go. Check this:
If it is true that these parades are hateful sectarian displays, then what feeds that hatred is resentment in nationalist areas.
That would cover, throwing stones, to golf balls, loud irish music, to dropping yer draws and painting tri-colours on yer arses as the parades pass. ( maybe shagging in the upstairs windows curtains open ... my favorite :)
lol
Now imagine the coup, by coming out on the streets, happy, doing a bit of window cleaning, smiling, mowing the lawn etc
are you with me so far?
Now these parades would freak out, believe me, they would run away in terror at the sign of welcome and friendliness.
You’d have taken away their whole raison d’etre of marching, cos you’re not being wound up about it.
Its love they’re afraid of, and hate they feed on.
I learnt this visiting ATWNow to the “decent prods” I keep hearing about, Those that aren’t there for hatred on the March would stop and say hello, and exchange pleasantries.
So naiveity or visionary? what dya think?
Maybe next year eh :)
Posted by on Jun 16, 2007 @ 07:22 PMMadradin Raud/Davros would love this thread, pity he isn’t here ;0)
Posted by on Jun 16, 2007 @ 07:29 PMaye
dya know sumthink I don’t?
C Gaskin thought he was “maggot”, unsure though. yes MR would though, don’t forget ambrose uprichsrd to add, bet that’s a new one fer you :)Posted by on Jun 16, 2007 @ 07:34 PMWow—just checked in. Over 2 hours and 14 posts in, and no-one has yet tackled my question:
‘What I’m asking for is the definition of a ‘mixed’ area. What minority percentage is required to effect the removal of one-sided symbols?’
I ask merely for information....
Posted by on Jun 16, 2007 @ 07:35 PMCruimh
Ahh, the old chestnut: Dastardly republicans stirring up trouble. Sure the local catholics secretly want to come out from their dirty houses, rip down their Sacred Hearts and sing along with the ‘Billy Boys’ IF ONLY Sinn Fein would let them (And sure didn’t Wilf Breen say as much in today’s Irish News?)
I find such comments amusing and at the same time exemplifying the frightening level of ignorance that exists within unionism as to nationalist thinking. It’s also the reason why I continually highlight the reciprocal scenario that unionists are asking nationalists to accept: namely, republican parades through unionist areas. We both know they wouldn’t be tolerated.
Parcifal
Naive or visionary?
Neither- just plain daft.Posted by on Jun 16, 2007 @ 07:37 PMChris - are you not happy that BOTH sides made an efort to ensure that last night was peaceful ? Or is it too painful to acknowledge that the Oranges side DID make an effort?
Seems strange that you are so negative when such a big hurdle as last night was cleared.
The only explanation I can think of is that you are disappointed.
Posted by on Jun 16, 2007 @ 07:42 PMparc,
Cruimh is Irish for maggot. George thought the same too. That’s three of us. Rehashing the exact same arguments is the give away.
Posted by on Jun 16, 2007 @ 07:51 PMaye, hmmm that is interesting, we’ll out him yet :)
Chris D, I’ll show you what I mean someday, and how powerful is the technique. It works.Posted by on Jun 16, 2007 @ 07:58 PM‘Now imagine the coup, by coming out on the streets, happy, doing a bit of window cleaning, smiling, mowing the lawn;
Can’t wait to mow my lawn the next time this crowd of utterly decent guys pass my home. Mr Bratty was such a popular chap in South Belfast.
Perhaps the local lodge and band could give me a hand with the windows !!http://www.freewebs.com/ulsterfirstfluteband/index.htm
Posted by on Jun 16, 2007 @ 08:07 PMOn ATW after the election MR talked about going back to Slugger to wind up the shinners then all of a sudden Maggot appears rehashing MR/Davros/AU’s old lines. Then Cruimh replaces maggot. He must think people are stupid.
Posted by on Jun 16, 2007 @ 08:09 PM
