Trevor Jones & Randy Edelman

1 Looking At You 4:28
2 The Prison 2:35
3 Return to Paradise 4:15
4 Bike Ride 0:47
5 6 Years in Prison 0:58
6 Crack Pipe 0:40
7 ...just a few days more 1:27
8 Arriving in Malaysia 1:25
9 The Appeal 1:41
10 Desperate Lovers 2:43
11 Safe Travels 0:44
12 Higher Appeal 0:50
13 God's Bathtub 1:32
14 I'll Miss You 2:17 / Clannad
15 Flesh and Blood 2:00
16 Godless Place 2:56
17 The Hanging 2:13
18 Second Call 1:11
19 Hope 0:47
20 Epilogue 7:43

This is the list of the songs and the only track with Clannad is the final and last track of this soundtrack. I loved the music also, but never have tried to play it. I will search to see if I can find the musical score for you, but for now thought this might be useful to you as it does include the titles of all the tracks (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I've been reading this thread a few times, and each time I find myself kinda speechless. I mean, you put the person who wrote the lyrics there, I'm not exactly sure how that's not giving them credit. If we sing the song because we know the lyrics, does that mean we could end up behind bars? After all, some passers by might actually hear me singing the song and then I've just broken the law. It's a law, but what kinda law is it that you can't type up the lyrics to a song that are plainly heard when played or sung by others? I could understand if people are misusing the lyrics or were claiming them as their own, but jesus, anyone can do that internet or not. I could listen to a song, write the lyrics down on paper, and sing it at a session ... after this though, maybe I should stop singing, or perhaps not even worry about my musical endeavours. Seems that one thing that has brought me much joy is only bringing problems or is bringing heartache. Could someone please explain to me the legal issues that surround their claim? I don't quite get it. You can plainly see who it is that wrote a song when you look up the lyrics on the net. The person who wrote the song gets the credit for it, so why is there a problem? I also can't see how it is legal to try to imprison people for writing the lyrics down. How could those who write music, perform it actually think it is wrong for people to provide the lyrics to songs. It's one of the biggest compliments that one could receive ... tribute to their work. A song touches me, I know the lyrics anyhoo. I sing all the time, and I know so many songs by heart .. this just feels so wrong and like even memorising the lyrics to songs is bad. Next they'll take away the music altogether because of that. If people listen to it, they'll hear the lyrics and then they can use the lyrics in a way no acceptable by international laws. The music nazi's I think crossed a few lines here. If someone is using the lyrics to a song, and they are claiming credit where they shouldn't, then try to stop them, but when they're giving credit to the person who wrote it .. what is so wrong with it? I'm so sorry I'm being repetitive .. but I just don't get it. If the site isn't saved, just want you all to know that I've enjoyed my stay here even if there's been months I've not been at the forum.

Good to hear you had a wonderful day ... hope this year brings you many more D (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

E-mail and voicechat ... gotta love em both (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) saves money via post as well as, phone lol I use, always have, the pc instead of conventional methods of keeping in contact with someone .. seemed much easier. Anyhoo ... would be grand to take in a hill or two while we're both there (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) Closer to time, or once I'm there, might just have to give you the mobile number for when am home (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Ahhhhh the mountains .... gotta love that feeling you get when at the top. I dunno why, but for some reason, when at the top of some mountains, you've this sense of (for me anyhoo) euphoria. When at Belfast, you can go up cave hill ... it's no that big .. but still, at the top you just feel as if you're in the heavens. My ideal place would be surrounded by all the things I love ... mountains, sea, cliffs, woods, and a wee glen. I'm more of a solitary sort these days. I might make friends easily, more easily than some and without effort, but the thing is, I don't want to be surrounded by mates. There's quite a few I'd love to meet, but at the same time, there's quite a few that I wish I had never met. Being here in America has it's ups and downs ... more downs than ups, but I'm away from all the shite so it's better in that respect. There are many lovely places here and in some areas the people are even nice. The only problem I have with America is the pervs that live close to where I'm at. I have the same problem all the time, and hence why I'd just prefer to live in the mountains somewhere. I wanted to travel to Montana here as I was told it was the place to go if I wanted to live in the mountains, but I've not yet decided to move there for the remainder of my time here. If I did, I'd have to make sure that I could get a job close to where I'd be living. Verizon doesn't have any places to work there at Montana. I was also told I couldn't take the Ford Explorer (as that's what I'm driving while here) there to Montana without a few adjustments. I've already got the tyres for that kinda climate, as they have these wee holes in the tyres, where I guess they put things that help you move through ice and snow better. They also said there'd need to be other stuff done to it for driving in the mountains. I'm slightly mechanically inclined, but I'm ignorant of many things where changing those kinda things are involved. Seems like loads of work and money just to move to a place that costs loads anyhoo (IMG:style_emoticons/default/mellow.gif) *sighs*

Anyway ... home is where the heart is so they say and my heart always will be in Eire (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wub.gif) I've thought so many times on staying here, but more and more I feel sorta out of place. I love the job I do and I'm enjoying learning all there is to know about it here, but I'm starting to miss home and a couple of people I find it difficult, at best, to be away from. Looks like I'll be back in March, which is just enough time to finish training and work a while. I'd love to be able to take some of these ideas home. There's just one thing I don't like about the mobiles here .... those that use a sim card don't get all the incoming calls free ... they have to pay for those same as everything else. I thought that was nuts. See, at Belfast, with a mobile, if you ring me, I don't even have to have money at the phone ... I can get as many calls in as I want and takes no time, but here in America .. shees ... you pay for each of those. I suppose there's people on a post paid account where they get a bill and pay monthly and they have plans with free INcalling .. but not many. And to ring someone internationally from a mobile here is nuts. For a fiver I can get 25 min mobile to mobile through Orange (calling from Belfast to CHicago area) ... but when I use a mobile here to ring home, damn .. it's summit like $39.75 for 25 minutes. Needless to say, I buy these phone cards and use them and ring from a landline. This way I get 317 min for $20, mobile to mobile. Verizon does say it's free if you ring or someone rings you from another Verizon phone though.

Ok enough education for now .. can't wait to get home and can't wait to visit the Maiden City and get back Donegal way (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

Happy Birthday Chucky ... hope I'm not too late. Hope this next year brings you loads of joy (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I've only been to Ballyshannon for the International Folk and Traditional Music Festival. But I've been to Bundoran at the strand. I've this thing for cliffs and the sea. Even as a weean I was always ... ALWAYS in trouble because I'd run off into the sea. I scared mum so many times, I didn't think she'd ever be able to breathe again. I loved to swim, and didn't care where I was. Of course being surrounded by mountains and hills would make it even more of a place for me. Wish I would have visited more often. Being from Derry, I spent loads of time down there, but at the same time, not nearly enough. Everything there was peaceful and quiet. I didn't have the same kinda problems there as I did at Derry. Of course I'll be visitin the Maiden City again next year, so I might just visit Donegal (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

Teileann only had two things to do ... fishing and music, which just happen to be two of my favourite things in the world (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Da was a fisherman ... anyhoo ... it's kinda south of An Charraig. While there I also fancied just sittin at Sliabh a'Liag. But perhaps you know now why I love OUR music (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) Anyhoo .. perhaps we've met or will meet someday (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

Cead Mile Failte (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Just outa curiousity ... are ye from Donegal? if so then we might have a few other things in common, as I spent loads of time there as a weean (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) Teelin to be exact. Anyhoo .. hope to hear from you again soon (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

No matter what I've done, or haven't done, I can tell you this much ....

Every action taken and everything I've set out to do was with nothing but the deepest understanding of who those people were. I even have a feeling that you would have felt what I did was justified, as people who know me, even on the other side of the fence, said was justified. The problem doesn't lie in the jusitification of those things, but with the internal struggle that I've oft faced. It matters not what is and isn't justified, if what's in your heart tells you otherwise. Guilt is a powerful thing. I just wish that time did heal all wounds as it says. See, at an earlier post I talked of accidents that have happened ... like bombs that went off at the wrong place or earlier than had intended and the innocents that died because of those mistakes. I can say the same for things in my life also. You set out to do a certain thing and bad things happened to people it was never intended to happen to. So, when you say that maybe I shouldn't be so hard on myself, you've truly no idea how difficult I make things for myself. The standards that I set for myself, no matter how unrealistic, piss me off when I don't meet those standards. When you confront the enemy, or whom you belive to be the enemy, you should take the time to get to know your enemy. Battles, wars, tiffs (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) aren't won by lack of understanding ... it is the complete understanding of your enemy that wins wars. I'm not even referring to the troubles, but in all aspects of life that works. Even something as simple as a job. You work at the same place someone else does, and you both want to move upwards ... you get to know the other poeple that would be eligible for the job that you seek and try to find a way to make sure that you're noticed over them. You get to know that person as intimately as possible. You get to know their hopes, dreams, fears, and everything else. That is how you win. It might not be your enemy in the classic sense, but it is your rival for a job. I treat all others, whether friend or foe, with the same respect that I expect to be shown. You have to have respect for your enemies and never underestimate them. In the process of learning about some of your enemies, you oft find that they're not very different than you are and can be quite troubling, and then there's the opposite side of things where you find that they are so very different, which makes actions you take later only seem more justified. Then there's the rare and odd time where getting to know your enemy actually makes you not want any ill for that person and sometimes even end up as mates that can work together for a common cause. Look the Shankill Butchers .... do you honestly think the IRA was solely responsible for his demise? No ... they had help from their very own enemies to get shot of someone like him. There's enemies to each other and then there's enemies that are to all. It all just makes me realise a few things about human nature. We will do what we have to in order to survive ... survival of the fittest kinda thing. If it takes working with your enemies to ensure our people's survival, then I'd be willing. We can keep killing each other, or we can find a way to make things work. I've done things the bad and very hard way for ages, now it's time to listen. Active, not passive listening is the only way both sides can relate and try to learn from each other and see each others point of view. We don't have to agree, we don't have to see eye to eye, but we do always have to respect others views and thoughts. For some those things weren't even theirs, they were put there by their parents and such. Look the weeans today ... they know what they're taught. In our family it was same. The only difference between my family and some of these others is the fact that we were sorta left to our own after they put their ideas in there. It gave me loads of time to see things from many different angles. I've learned loads that way. There is also those that didn't have any guidance where politics was concerned, and that's how I choose to do things with me and mine. With mum n da having passed away ages ago, I've decided not to carry on their traditions in those matters. I let the weeans of today find out for themselves. I don't ever make any comments about political situations and they're considered rather ignorant of most of it, or at least they were. The thing is, they've suffered also, beatings and such .... so they've formed their own opinion. It was the same as with religion ... I let them choose, and thank God they chose the same paths as me in that sense. I don't believe in forcing people to believe what I do, but I do expect that when people do hear what I have to say that they do understand, as best as they can, why I do feel the way I do. That in no way means agree, it just means understanding. You don't have to agree with me, but I'd expect you to at least understand where I'm coming from. I know there's people that won't understand and for that I'm truly sorry for them, as they'll never know what it is to feel anything but hatred for another person. It isn't about hate for me, it's about a cause, a reason. It's about a dream, a hope, a thought, an ideal and the means by which to achieve that dream. I wouldn't ever kill just for hope, as that diminishes it. There is tactics and strategy in warfare. We've done the killing thing, and now some of us are ready to see how long peace will last.

Let me ask you a simple question ...

What happens if someone is constantly accused of something? Look at husbands and wives .... hubby is away most of the day and night and his wife is accusing him of fuckin around. Even if he wasn't with another woman, she's going to think the worst .... what will he eventually do because of those accusations? I'm not going to say every bloke would do something like that, but I'd say the majority of them would do it just because they've been accused of it so much. It gets deep down into their hearts, their minds and their souls ... they would do it because of suggestion, as well as all that seems to happen in the relationship following those accusations and the false belief of those things.

How is this any different with the IRA? I mean if people are going to keep accusing them of not actually having done what they have, and if they truly don't think they've ended their war ... then how will they ever be able to prove it and what is going to happen after so many thoughts, actions, and deeds have been set out against them? We're all human and we all make mistakes, so push and push and then the people might get what they've wanted, which evidentally isn't peace. At some point people are going to have to take people at their word, if not, there's never going to be anything but mistrust and will accomplish nothing but starting the war all over again. If things go back to a more militant compaign kinda thing ... it will be ten times worse than it ever was. It would no longer be for a cause but would be out of spite.

I'm an odd person, with odd ideals and very passionate about my beliefs. I can listen to others and I can compromise, but I can't tolerate either political or religious indifference, ignorance, nor intolerance. I know people want to say all kinds of shite about protestants, and I'm sure there's bad ones out there, but there were loads of them that fought and died for Ireland's freedom. It isnt about God and isn't about church, it's about us, the people. It's about politics, money, power, influence, prestige, status, control .... so many things, but it hasn't been and won't ever really be about God. I used to hate most prods .... I don't anymore, but I've found just as many of them wanting a free Ireland as there are of us catholics that want the same as. I also can't say I hate all unionists, but I will say I do have this ever growing hatred for all loyalists. Politics, a democracy isn't going to work if the majority of the people that are involved are only on one side. I know there's some of our people in there also, but the sad fact of the matter is that it's still the queens democracy. I'm not sure if you get that or not, but it's still not exactly fair atm, but it's getting better (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Now lets just hope that the ignorance of a few people don't destroy what's being built before we have time to build it. I didn't ever do what I did because I enjoyed it, or because I wanted to do it, I did what I did because I felt it was necessary to do what I was doing. What people are doing now isn't necessary and isn't going to accomplish anything. I'll never stop wanting a free Ireland ... I'll never give up on the idea of A Nation Once Again, I'll never give up on those ideals, but if there's a way to acheive it without losing any more people than WE already have, then I'd give it a chance, as I'm doing.
GOTTA GO (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wacko.gif)

Sorry, for some reason I didn't see the response ... as for the 'wee fella' bit .... erm ... ummmm .... a wee lass mebbe (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) although a might be wee in some respects, I'm no so wee in spirit, nor certain other bits of me lol but hiya none the less (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) hope you do enjoy your time at the forum and once again ... sorry for the ages it took to respond as a didn't see the response. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Thank you Patrick (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) It is good to have some sort of ambition, but the thing is, there is a downfall to being so ambitious. I always want to learn and once I feel I've mastered something, unless it is a constantly changing environment, I get bored easily. I've worked so many jobs, but rarely enjoy the benefits of a rapidly growing and expanding (ever changing) environment, such as that of mobile services. I'm not a technician and I never thought I had the aptitude for it, but I'm seeing a difference in me day by day. It's nice to know about things I didn't know about before and equally nice that I get to share that with customers that call in. Once I walk them through troubleshooting it also cuts down on call volume. I'm sure there's loads of people out there that would be equally eager to learn, but they can't because the training isn't available to them. If everyone had to go through the kind of training we did, I'm sure 1/2 of the people that call in over troubleshooting issues wouldn't have to call in anymore. It reminds me of when I was in Algebra and Trig .... those scientific calculators needed a class for themselves. It wasn't easy to learn how to utilize one of those to it's fullest potential. When I was at Uni, I asked my professor how to use it and took me through about three hours to show me all of it's functions and how to apply them to our homework. Others were always having problems and never getting their work done on time because they weren't sure how to use them, so I suppose that learning those things, and taking the initiative to learn about them helps you later. It's the same with mobile phones. Honestly, I've had really good calls from people who wanted to know what to do so as to avoid having to call in again. I don't mind sharing what all I've learned and if I had stayed where I was at, I never would have learned either. Orange mobile is what I have to deal with at Belfast and such. Honestly .... they suck (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Although I do think that when Verizon bought up all these other companies, they could have done a better job integrating them all into their system. As it is there's 14 different systems that we have to go in to. Each area of the US is broke up into four different systems (one of them runs in DOS ffs). We have to do all major changes to their handsets through their native billing system. It's crazy lol anyhoo ... enough boring you for the day (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) I'm off to work soon, but had to reply. You're such a darling Patrick (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

It would appear as if you deal with the hardware for the VOIP, whereas I deal mostly with the software. I deal with setting up new accounts and activating it. I also do loads of troubleshooting and work with the pc's to help people get the best performance. Also, I've found that so many people are so well protected these days that even firewalls can affect performance. It's amazing how things work sometimes. I also liked the idea of how to set VOIP up in a house. I'm sure that if given more time we'd be learning all about the hardware aspects of it and the way it runs through the lines. It's bad enough that I took the time to learn about landlines and the proper protocol that goes along with that. I've also learned a bit about fibre optics and copper wiring. I'm no electrician but I'm getting a better working knowledge of how everything works. There's still training to go through for In Region Bundling and such, so I hope to learn even more (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) But working with the mobile phones is kewl also. At the moment I've been working with getting people set up for Mobile Web 2. It seems rather costly to access the web from your handset, but I do see the benefit to it also. I've also got some experience with Get It Now, as well as Pix/Flix Messaging. The thing is, we have a basic (very basic) troubleshooting guide that we walk through with customers that are having problems getting all those things to work, so when I have to go to TSS (Technical Support), I actually sit on the line and listen to what they have the client do. We're not supposed to do that, but I've found a few wee things that actually work that we aren't taught. See, we get graded on our calls and every single one is recorded and most are actually listened to and there's many call backs about our service that we provide. We get graded on our # of transfers to tech as well as other departments, so the less you have to transfer, the better the score and the better your ACHT (Average Call Handling Time). Try setting up new activations and programming phones and also getting in all that you have to in each call in less than 320 seconds (That is actually what they expect of us). I love it when people call and then put the phone down, as that's only a couple seconds and works into our averages. I've actually been at the phone for 3 hours to find a phone number in the NY area. That was abso mad (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wacko.gif) Of course I was getting a, play by play, of what was going on in South Park lol I've had marriage proposals, I've had blokes tell me that they've fallen in love with my voice and asked if I'd consider meeting them outside of work. I've had others try to give me their mobile telephone numbers to keep and their landline numbers also. I've had blokes that I've had to release the call from because they were pervs and said they were mast to my voice. You'd no believe all the shite we have to deal with lol I've even had women tell me how much they love my voice lol I remember this one woman called in and was sound to begin with, but after I was explaining the calling plans she didn't respond. I kept repeating her name and was going to end the call and she finally spoke up and said my voice had put her to sleep and asked me if they could send a recording of it to her lol Anyhoo, gotta go to work now ... take care and see all yous soon

Well, Patrick, I'm actually working for Verizon Wireless, as well as training for In Region Bundling for Quest ... which deals with VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol). Verizon is nice, but I've learned loads about how mobiles work. The only bad thing is that I've gotta go back to shite once am back home lol I wish they would get VZW in Ireland ... would be grand ... the thing is though that VZW would have to pay for the usage of cell sites over there and would be costly for them so they'd probably not have service as cheap as they do here. I actually sit at the phones, but the reason I was working so much is that now - 1 Jan., it is umlimited overtime (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) I was actually working 10am - 2am for a week. I was abso knackered (IMG:style_emoticons/default/huh.gif) The training didn't take long to go through, as it was only 3 weeks total, but I think they should have had training last as long as Cingular (10 weeks) for basically the same information. I spose that we just have to be smarter than the cometition lol I like working with VOIP also. But I like the other job I'm doing much better anyhoo, which I'll tell ya about later (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

As for the way the thread has been ...

It was legit arguements. See, the Irish have been argueing, fighting, and killing each other over these things for centuries. I don't hardly think that it's bad to voice an opinion, and tis the Irish way to argue (IMG:style_emoticons/default/huh.gif) but for some people that's daily life in Ireland, or as Setanta would prefer, the UK (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) I'm sorry if it all seemed a bit wordy, but how does everyone propose that they sway the minds of people? I mean do you assume just because someone is on the opposite side of the tracks that they could never understand or listen? Some of Irelands heroes were English, Protestant and such. The Scots have had a hand in it also. I choose to think that everybody should be working together, but if they cant then you need to find a way to relate to one another so that you can get each other to listen. You can't win a debate by shutting your mouth. You actually have to put yourself out on a line and open your mouth, voice your opinions and make sure others hear so as to draw them in. If people are listening, either way, then that's how you relate, or how you win people over to your view. It can't happen though if the only thing people know how to do is state their side and then shut everyone else up. It's insane really. It's kinda like being a bully ... you KTA and then say how things are going to be and then never give them a chance to speak. Eventually they're gonna come back and hit you twice as hard. People are going to learn how to work together for a while, least till people see that there's some effort being made. Also, what harm comes from trying to get someone to see your point of view? If you can successfully debate then you've got people who have seen or heard it and are better able to understand all points to it. I've seen the political debates there at the states, Bush/Kerry. They were days and lengthly and specifically for getting people to see exactly what their position was and to try to gain the votes of the people. This is no different. It may bore most of you, and that's ok as it's just a forum and something that you read voluntarily and don't actually have to read it, unlike living at the north where it's your life and for some of us have to hear it everyday. It isn't something we can turn our backs on, it isn't something we can ignore as it is in our faces daily. That's why some of us have gotten to the same point you are, only no way out of it. We have/are living it. If you think this thread was bad, then be happy you don't live at the north (IMG:style_emoticons/default/huh.gif) Anyhoo ... enough psychobabble (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Also, think that the debate was finished anyhoo (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) really doesn't matter, but it was interesting in the fact so many people actually read it. I wonder who feels one way or the other and who has or hasn't listened (read)?

Cheers Patrick (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) I might as well stay where I'm at instead of going back, but I'm still not sure. It would be nice to meet some people from the forum while I know, surely, that I'm going to be here. I also wanted to say a quick hiya to Lisa (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) I don't believe that we've met as of yet, but tis nice to see you at the forum (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

I'd like to add me own personal welcome to the forum Lyrthion (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Tis a nice and lovely wee place for everyone to gather! It seems this forum is filled with many poets and writers of all genres. There are even a few muscians also (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) Hope to see you around Lyrthion (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Well, hiya Donegal (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Just seen you were sorta new to the forum and thought I'd say hiya (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) Cead Mile Failte (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

I really feel the need to say what I've done in the past to help conditions in the North, but at the same time, then it feels like I'm bumming myself up. If you think my heart only lies in political factions, or that I've no mind for working with those that I nearly hate just to sort of keep peace, then you'd be wrong. There's no point in me telling you what I've done in the community (and no, it was as far from politically motivated as one can get). I can't ever give up hope in one day having what I want, as well as loads of other people want. I know it doesn't fit in well with what you want or already have to a certain degree, but the fact remains my heart goes only one way where Ireland is concerned, but I would and do make a difference in some ways to help better the quality of life that people have in the north. Perhaps if I knew you a bit better, I'd tell you what I've done and what I do when I'm there, but till I know someone, I don't find it easy to talk about things, especially when I know I'm, well, erm ... not that grand of a person. I'm shite, but least I know who I am and what I'm about and know that anything that's ever happened to me was well deserved for all the stuff I've done at the past. So, to me, talking about things that I do that others would see as good, grand, wonderful etc etc etc ... I see as a form of remuneration, payment for all the ill I've done. It does go beyond that, but it's sort of a personal thing and if I said, then I'd show a weakness that I just couldn't do atm. But one thing is definate ... what I work for is for the people ... but where politics is concerned .. you'll not sway my mind which way I want things to go, but perhaps I've already displayed a bit of compromise in here as in how to go about things till, perhaps, one day, I'll live to see what it is that I've, quite literally, dreamt about.

Sooooooooooooo, they can't tell who you voted for ... in the literal sense you're right ... but in another sense you're wrong. Say someone with a celtic tattoo goes to vote .. tell me ... who do they assume you're voting for? Honestly ... in each community, everybody kinda knows everybody. Even if they don't know your name, they still know which side of the fence you walk upon.

As for the GFA, I do partially agree with you, but also think it's just no the suss of the IRA's motives and sincerity. There's much more there to consider.

What I meant by:



was when you were on about the population decline of the prods. I do suppose you weren't just blaming the republicans for the population decrease, but none the less, what has happened to our people was nowhere near as tragic, nor even close to the genocide that has plagued the Native American Indians. If you wonder if I sympathise with them, OF COURSE!!!! I was referring to the Native Americans that were slaughtered or enslaved. Our people have seen their share of sorrows and heartaches, deaths and such, but my point was you can't compare the two as they are nowhere near close in comparison.

I still don't see how you say that prods were at Ireland before anybody else, but I'm going to leave that for now as I've been working for 16 hours today and I'm knackered and want to choose what I want to write novels about in here lol

As for fenian ... I know tyvm lol ... My point was I don't take being called a fenian or a taig as an insult. People can think they're slaggin me all they want, but in all honesty, I can't help but laugh at them most of the time (and Patrick, no comments about past events please (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif) ) lol

Parades, parades, parades ... you're right about the fact I'm away atm during the time when they're actually giving us a wee break ... but when a first got back here to the states, was well before Oct (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) The saddest bit is, I'll probably be back just in time to see them all start again (IMG:style_emoticons/default/huh.gif) They were stopped from marching down there, but the thing is .. they weren't stopped from doing it at all.

.... that was in referrence to the PC not you Setanta (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

oh and by the way ... KYA = kick your arse (ass) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) and KHA is his or hers ... KMA is actually kiss not kick lol

*sigh* I'm only just at the pc the night ... I'd really love to respond to all that Setanta .. but I've just worked 13 hours and am knackered, both physically and mentally atm. I don't know how I'm going to be able to keep working and be able to do all I need to do otherwise, but I'm sure I'll enjoy the money even if what I get to take back home with me will be nearly half anything I make here (IMG:style_emoticons/default/mellow.gif) It's loads of hard work for very little. Anyhoo ... point here is that I can't think that much to respond to everything (IMG:style_emoticons/default/mellow.gif) would take me a few days seeing as how I'm working 10am to 2 am for the next four days. I'm not going to be able to keep up with those kinda posts lol So I'm going to keep these short and just to the point.

Simple statement ... I want to have all 32 together ... I want a unified Ireland. I want, I want, I want (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) You want something different than I do, but the reality of it is that one or the other isn't going to get what they want and is possible that neither of us will get what we want. The only thing I'm concerned with is not losing any more people. I am sick of death ... I'm sick of sorrow and the heartache that consumes our lives at times ... what a way to keep a people oppressed eh? and when I say that, no I am not just referring to catholics/republicans/nationalists. In the most technical sense of the word, we are all brothers/sisters. We keep killing our own. No matter how you look at it .. it's the same ... prods kill prods .. loyalists kill loyalists .... republicans kill republicans ... it's endless ... it isn't even just an enemy .. for at times we are our own worst enemies. Maybe you get me, then again, maybe you don't. The only thing I can say is that no matter what happens ... what is there going to be left to call Ireland or UK should it be decided once and for all (which I'm not sure that's ever going to be possible). they stay and remain a part of the UK then we're going to have fighting .... if they go and becomes Ireland reunited with the south, or even it's own Northern Ireland separate from both ... there's going to be fighting. So I'm a bit confused ... I know what I want but I'm not sure what's the best way to go about it so that at the end of the day everyone can get on well with each other. I'm half asleep here so if I'm rambling .. just shoot me (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) lmao

Patrick, luv, I know it was meant in an affectionate way (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) and please don't zip it (IMG:style_emoticons/default/mellow.gif) I haven't changed that much (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) now if I thought you were serious ... I probably wouldn't be here ... but I know was a joke (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

Well, considering that Ireland hadn't become a part of the UK, by the Act of Union, in 1801 (1800 is when it was created, but didn't go into effect until 1 Jan 1801), I don't think you could say that Ireland has always been a part of the UK (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) FFS ... when they passed that act ... it said that Ireland was to be joined to Great Britain into a single kingdom. The Dublin parliament was abolished then. Ireland was then represented at Westminister by 132 and they were ALL anglicans ... so much for fairness eh? Even though Ireland was still mostly catholic, they forced it to be recognised as the Anglican church being our official church. Ireland was to keep a separate Exchequer and was to be responsible for two-seventeenths of the general expense of the United Kingdom. No Catholics were to be allowed to hold public office, and no Catholic Emancipation.

It was Ireland before them and one day, God willing, should be Ireland once again. In actuality, it wasn't the IRA that made things impossible. First, you have to remember it was the United Irishmen. I'm sure you've heard of Theobald Wolfe Tone and Lord Edward Fitzgerald. They wanted to break that connection that Ireland had with England and assert our independance. It was to unite all Irishman, despite their choice of church, to bring all protestant and catholics together.

There wasn't a right to vote at that time if you were catholic. they had to pass the Catholic Relief Act in order for our people to regain some of their rights to vote, and yet they were still told they couldn't ever take a seat in Parliament. That was really nice of them to give us the right to vote for whichever one was the lesser of evils. I mean we could vote but only for those that were Protestant. Earl Fitzwilliams tried to get equality for our Roman Catholic churchs, but he was called out of office so to speak and to the disgrace of the King. So, even those that did fight for us ended up in the same boat as we did.

And back to the matter of the parades .... the Orangies get to march without much a bother as in PC ... but the bother comes in with those of us who feel their parades, through or BY our naighbourhoods are completely unecessary. I don't know about everyone else, but if someone took my home, my land and put me through so much hell, and then turned around and marched close to my house so as an gesture, then I'm sure I'd find a way to stop them. The St. Patricks Days parade has had many unionists and protestants attend, I've even known a few. It is a part of our heritage and a part of our culture, which existed before England got handed Ireland and took control and abolished catholicism at one time. The Easter Parades are a bit different, just a bit .. but still .. we should be allowed to honour our dead in peace. The Orangies do it their way and we do it ours, but they've more allowances than we do. Which traditions should be held first and foremost .... those of the ages ... or only those of a newer age that has caused so much hatred and biggotry?

Now why would republicans love the police? I don't suppose you've seen the way our people have been treated by them .. how deaths of our catholics went uninvestigated while those of unionists and protestants were always invetigated. Also, those lovely wee interrogation centres left little to be desired. We could go on with how the police treated our people (loads of them innocent as well) but you'll only say how the republicans did the same. I can only say that republicans aren't all bad .. and yes there were some that did those kinds of things .. but they didn't do it given protection of England (and I know you know what I mean). I don't live in a mostly republican area .... I live in the middle of a black hole and if you knew Belfast, you'd know that. How big is Bawnmore Estates? Not big at all .... Surely you know of Newtownabbey ... that's where I'm at (when I'm home). Newtownabbey ... over 90% protestant, unioinist, loyalist and those that just don't give a shit one way or the other. Mostly is all Protestant and Unionists with loads of Loyalists. You see the Orangies about all the time, you see those lovely Rangers fans also that confuse being a rangers fan with being a loyalist (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Those that I didn't want in Ireland (should we be united) would be all those that don't want to be a part of Ireland. Anybody who would be fighting and such after the fact. If England agreed to go willingly .. if all the soliders were removed and all the military were pulled out and such ... then why keep people about that would keep the fighting going even more so. It was Ireland before England got a hold of it and in 1801 made it a part of the UK and it should be Ireland once again (A Nation Once Again).

I do thank you for wishing me well in situations unresolved.

As for your thoughts of appealing to voters on the opposite side of the fences ... tis a good idea and one I mentions in here quite a while ago. I stated that the only way we were going to be able to make things work is if we can get the support of all the people one way or the other. See, if you are thinking about it in a political sense, then all people must work doubly hard to try to get things acceptable on all sides, but unfortunately that's a task that might seem near, if not, impossible. We have to work with the reality of it all and not the fantasitcal ideals of those of us who would like to see it resolved, even though our ideas of resolution be totally different. The whole thing is, if and when Ireland should be united again, or even the North become a nation unto itself, it will only have been done so because the majority of people wish it. It won't happen till then.

I did not forget the funeral event. What I was trying to do is find proof that I could put on the net. It was in Anderstown paper ... but I'm trying to find it at the net. I'm same as you and always want proof, and I'd be more than happy to get that for you, will just take a bit more time. Anyhoo, I must be off now .. got a few things a need to do and people I need to see. lol

Also, thanks for reading my jibberish and sorry it isn't always as well thought out or formed into this post as yours, but my time is kind of limited as I'm working while I'm here and I work two jobs actually, so I rarely have the time, but for some reason, since you've been posting, I've been making it here loads more often (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Well, Patrick, of all the people at this forum, there's only one person that knows more about me than you do, so you tell me? Am I a psychopath ... or am I just a bit derranged? Perhaps I'm just a wee bit nuts (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Sooooooooooooo, even if I know the answer, I should just keep my mouth shut and not say? I mean if I tell you then perhaps I'm a phsychopath? lol

Aye the vote is supposed to be secret, but they know who is entering ... they know which way you're voting (to a certain degree). They aren't complete eejits there. I'd also like to say there is people there watching ... maybe not as you're voting .. but as you walk in and as you walk away they are most certainly there watching and if you say nowt ... then I'd assume you've never participated in elections/voting.


I do agree that is the best Bloody Sunday (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Everyone did have their hand in the creation of the GFA and honestly, not all the things they've said were actually done. Why have they not lived up to all they've said in the GFA? I'm only curious as to why you think the GFA has been upheld, or do you think it has?

The point is, In The Name Of The Father, shows how unjustly people were accused and tried and sentenced, so to speak. There is artistic license in nearly everything you see. Is why I've also always believed in, 'Believe nothing of what you hear and only half what you see.'

The thing is .. if a man is beating his wife down the street and one of the family took it upon himself to make sure it didn't happen again, I'd judge him less harshly than someone who murders without reason. I see why some people do what they do and can understand it. That has nothing to do with the troubles per se, but at the same time, the troubles can be intertwined within those kinds of problems, such as a prod and a catholic being married. It does and probably will continue to happen. Why do those kinds of people get together in the first place if it is such a problem?

Ah, yes the NA do love us Irish people. Least the ones I was with did, but they didn't like American white people. I can assure you after spending several months, and hearing how they do feel a certain kinship with our people and I'd say of the four reservations I have been at in my life, nearly every single one of them agreed with the IRA. I'm sure there's those that didn't, but I was only at Cheyenne and Sioux reservations. When they did have American visitors, they weren't even allowed in certain areas, that I myself was allowed at. Live with and among them for months and then you'd know, but till you've spent time with them and actually living in their conditions and also till you've actually participated in some of their ceremonies, then you wouldn't understand.

And as for the number of prod in the Republic ... they weren't all slaughtered. Many of them moved ... and there is a BIG fucking difference between millions of people slaughtered and entered into slavery then a couple hundred thousand. And the prods weren't the original people in Ireland. That also makes a BIG difference. I don't see how you can even compare the two. What happened to the NA was by far loads worse than what has ever happened to any of our people on ANY side. The NA were 99% of the population until the British/French people invaded THEIR land.

If you were to call me a fenian bastard, or a fenian cunt, or a fenian anything, at this time I'd just smile and thank you (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) I'm not sure where you're at, but I can say this .. they are allowed to march through some of our areas. You call them walks, but it is a march .. hence 'marching season.' You say they've never tried to say no St. Patrick's Day parade and yet they have talked about it. You also said none of the parades are allowed to g'wan without the parades commission approval ... yet when have the orangies ever been denied the right to march? When has it ever even come close knowing what kinda shit happens when they do? they said we can't have our parades at times, even if they change their minds, just because of the trouble that ensues ... seriously .. it happens both ways and yet they've not even come close to stopping the Orangies. You say they ruin it with the flying of the tricolour ... let me ask you a question .. isn't it just as offensive for those of us who want a united Ireland to see a Union Jack? The first parades always displayed the tricolour. That is tradition. Just as you think the Orangies have a right to march and proclaim their traditions, why is it that we should be denied ours? I'm having a difficult time understanding how someone could say it's ok for one and not for the other, cause to me that's just bullshit. You claim to love your Irish heritage just as much as your British heritage. Then why would a tricolour be offensive? That is a part of where you come from, a part of your heritage .. a part of our culture ... so you don't appreciate your culture as much as you said I suppose. It is a flag. It is a symbol for some of us of what we wish could have been and what we wish it could be now. There is nothing wrong with a tricolour. When I've been at the states, I've seen states fly separate flags from the USA flag (not sure what exactly they call it, I've heard it referred to as the 'Stars and Stripes', so I hope that is appropriate), as well as State flags, and even other flags that I'm not completely sure what they're about. What you're saying to me is a kind of discrimination ... even a kind of ethnic cleansing as you mentioned before. Some of us chose to get Irish passports ... some of us say we're Irish (as we DO have that right), so why shouldn't we have the right to fly the tricolour? If we are given the choice to which we want to claim, they why shouldn't we be allowed, without prejudice, to fly the tricolour? You can have your precious union jack .... why can't we have our tricolours?

Also, let me ask you, if someone KYA would you like it if they kept going around you during certain times of the year bumming themselves up for having done so? and they kept at it relentlessly without hesitation? They are NOT confined to their own neighbourhood. Maybe they're proud of how they treated our people in the past .. I could always bring up the Apprentice Boys since I've seen more of them than the Orangies ... but it's the Orangies that I've gotta deal with where I live at now (thankfully I'm away at the moment and have been for a wee while). I also wonder how you handled bullies. How do people handle a bully? They eventually stand up to them and are always trying to KTA when they feel they're stepping over that invisible line. I do suppose that you think Fleadh shouldn't be a part of our culture either eh? Just curious (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Since Juliet is spelled differently perhaps it's not the same Romeo and Juliet we've been thinking of. The only thing I can think of is.... 1) Romeo and Juliette are two fishes. The aquarium was set up beside the window and either the wind knocked it over, or someone tried to climb in and knocked it over and the aquarium broke (Shattering the glass), thus emptying the aquarium of all it's water, and so the fish died, or ... 2) Romeo and Juliette are plants placed in water, and so the wind knocks the vase over, shattering the vase and spilling the water, since the plants couldn't get the water they needed, they died.