Bus attacked in North Belfast

[Desigol]

This happened just after the Linfield V Rangers game;

http://u.tv/newsroom/indepth.asp?pt=n&id=35340

[TimBhoy]

Same thing (and worse) happens in Scotland too.
Sad, not sure what we can do about it.

[Desigol]

Originally posted by TimBhoy
Same thing (and worse) happens in Scotland too.
Sad, not sure what we can do about it.

The problem is that our politicians are all talk and no action. They say they want a society without sectarianism and yet do nothing about it.

[TimBhoy]

Young Celtic fan was murdered a couple of days ago just down the road from where I live, they have not yet established that the motivation was sectarian however he was wearing his Celtic top.

I hate all this religious / sectarian crap. The politicians do not seem to have any idea how to deal with the problem, to be honest neither do I.

[GersMan]

You want to have law and order to be sure, but I think it's safe to say there is a consequence for the people doing these things if they are found (although to be honest, releasing dozens of known murderers on both sides as part of a "peace accord" doesn't give great confidence on that end).

I think ultimately the most prominent social institutions on both sides need to stand up and renounce violence, and even militantly disassociate themselves from the killers,ostracize them socially (and I know, easy for me to say over here).

The Roman Catholic Church and the Proddy institutions, the lodge and what not, would have to disavow sectarianism and pledge to work together in a democratic society governed by rule of law. This involves people standing up and taking brave stands among their own and saying it stops.

The pledge must be for all political questions to be determined peacefully, by rule of law and democracy.

I would suggest the concept of a federal Ireland could be the framework for a peaceful compromise, with local areas having some autonomy under an Irish overhead. Local areas are free to pledge whatever emotional allegiance to the British crown they like. In truth, with Northern Ireland politics dominated by local, provincial parties, the British Parliament doesn't care that much about Ulster anyway -and the people are by and large not supporting the UK government anyway.

But a federal system could protect the rights and situations of both nationalists and unionists in Northern Ireland. I might add that with such a federal system installed,there is absolutely NO LEGITIMATE REASON for any militant nationalist group to exist anymore (the truth of which is why this will probably never happen - the leadership of those groups are in it first and foremost for themselves).

[Desigol]

Originally posted by GersMan
You want to have law and order to be sure, but I think it's safe to say there is a consequence for the people doing these things if they are found (although to be honest, releasing dozens of known murderers on both sides as part of a "peace accord" doesn't give great confidence on that end).

I think ultimately the most prominent social institutions on both sides need to stand up and renounce violence, and even militantly disassociate themselves from the killers,ostracize them socially (and I know, easy for me to say over here).

The Roman Catholic Church and the Proddy institutions, the lodge and what not, would have to disavow sectarianism and pledge to work together in a democratic society governed by rule of law. This involves people standing up and taking brave stands among their own and saying it stops.

The pledge must be for all political questions to be determined peacefully, by rule of law and democracy.

I would suggest the concept of a federal Ireland could be the framework for a peaceful compromise, with local areas having some autonomy under an Irish overhead. Local areas are free to pledge whatever emotional allegiance to the British crown they like. In truth, with Northern Ireland politics dominated by local, provincial parties, the British Parliament doesn't care that much about Ulster anyway -and the people are by and large not supporting the UK government anyway.

But a federal system could protect the rights and situations of both nationalists and unionists in Northern Ireland. I might add that with such a federal system installed,there is absolutely NO LEGITIMATE REASON for any militant nationalist group to exist anymore (the truth of which is why this will probably never happen - the leadership of those groups are in it first and foremost for themselves).

Let me just second what you just said. However a young lad wearing a Rangers top was attacked yesterday, which underlines the deep divisions in our society.

http://u.tv/newsroom/indepth.asp?id=35393&pt=n

[Super Swans]

This problem doesn't exsist in wales but i have two NI protestant flatmates there attitude towards catholics is disgrasfull they have also told me that the problem in Belfast is more of a gang war now with religion being the factor that is the divide to which group u should be a part of. These people from what i can make out are making money from this.

Also to the american who posted somethin about it being the british goverment it is infact the english goverment who have caused the problem with there blood thirsy ambition for land.

I being a Welsh speaking welshman want a welsh republic and i think that a lot of scots want.

England has stolen our land
Ignored our history
Called themselves us as in British
Tried to destroy our culture and language
And then call us bloody foreigners

I kno that had very little to do with fotball but the blame lies with the english goverment but the only way i can see the thing resolved although almost every protistant citizen in norhten ireland will disagree is to unite ireland it will be messy as hell in some parts but i belive the problem will go away eventually and i don't mean ignore the problem.

[Solskjaer]

Okay. This just tells me I need to wear something other than CFC or RFC clothing when I go to Glasgow. What would I be able to get away with?

Or find an escort to the games. (I don't think Kirstie, my friend in Stirling, would go with me.)

I'm reading Thomas Hennessy's recent book on the history of Northern Ireland since 1920 right now, hoping to get some perspective on that, but it's sad to know it is also running strong in other parts of the Isles as well.

[TimBhoy]

Originally posted by Solskjaer
Okay. This just tells me I need to wear something

Suit of armour, oh, and a peg on your nose if it's Ibrox your visiting.

Seriously, you will be Ok, Glasgow is just like any big city the world over, just be sensible and you'll have no problems.

[Solskjaer]

TimBhoy, you're a good man with a great sense of humour. :)

I made my apologies on the perpetual thread! Seems I made a mistake, lol, led on by someone else. I'm not so sure he didn't do it on purpose, either, the sod.