Posted by Jim on June 19, 2018
Tuesday, 19 Jun 2018 14:14
Carol Nolan (R) voted in the Dáil against holding the referendum on the Eighth Amendment
By Martina Fitzgerald
Political Correspondent
Offaly TD Carol Nolan has told RTÉ News that she has handed in her letter of resignation to Sinn Féin.
Ms Nolan had been suspended from the party for three months for voting in the Dáil against holding the referendum on the Eighth Amendment.
Her suspension expires at the end of this month but she has decided to hand in her resignation.
At the weekend, Sinn Féin delegates voted to allow the Ard Comhairle to agree its position on legislation for abortion.
Posted by Jim on
Dermot McEvoy
@IrishCentral
Donald Trump Public Domain
I am distressed at the heat President Trump is taking because of his benign policy of separating children from their mothers at our sacred borders. After all, he is only trying to protect us from these future rapists and MS-13 members.
I was so distressed that the soothing words of four moral patriots—Attorney General Jefferson Beauregard Sessions, Chief-of-Staff John Kelly, Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen and photogenic Senior Advisor to the President, Stephen Miller—have not assuaged me.
Read more: Irish Foreign Minister slams Trump on separating children from parents
Thus, in this time of crisis, I turned to Jonathan Swift, the late Dean of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin. I figured the good Dean would have some kind words to back up President Trump’s policies.
As most know, Dean Swift was a big supporter of MEGA (“Make England Great Again”) way back in 1729 when he wrote “A Modest Proposal for Preventing the Children of Poor People in Ireland Being a Burden on Their Parents or Country, and for Making Them Beneficial to the Publick.”
I know the President doesn’t like to read a lot of words, so from now on I will only refer to Swift’s treatise as A Modest Proposal.
Read more: From Daniel O’Connell to Jonathan Swift, Ireland’s history in photos goes online
Jonathan Swift
Like America burdened with illegal aliens, England was burdened with Ireland and the feckless Irish people, a group intellectually inferior, morally bankrupt, and perpetually lazy. Apparently, the only thing they were good at was populating the wretched island.
The analogy is apt because there is absolutely no difference between the shiftless illegal Hispanics of today and the Irish of yesterday. Thus, Swift’s words ring true as if written yesterday.
As we look to the states of Texas and New Jersey, where many of these children are housed, we must take into account the expense these irresponsible mothers and their children are burdening the American taxpayer with. These children are housed in chain-linked enclosures. Do you know what chain-link fence is going for today?
Also, under law, the tykes must be fed, clothed, although the law wisely mandates that there should be no free hugs. Of course, this does not take into account the cost of crayons, coloring books and Legos.
Also, do you know how many Pampers a day the average tot goes through. Montezuma’s Revenge has settled in the U.S.! So, to offset these costs to the American taxpayer, I suggest we heed the words of the great Jonathan Swift and make the babies earn their own way. Their free ride is over!
Let Dean Swift, in his own words, examine and remedy the problem at our borders:
Swift Nails the Problem:
“These mothers instead of being able to work for their honest livelihood, are forced to employ all their time in stroling to beg sustenance for their helpless infants who, as they grow up, either turn thieves for want of work, or leave their dear native country, to fight for the Pretender in Spain, or sell themselves to the Barbadoes.
I think it is agreed by all parties, that this prodigious number of children in the arms, or on the backs, or at the heels of their mothers, and frequently of their fathers, is in the present deplorable state of the kingdom, a very great additional grievance; and therefore whoever could find out a fair, cheap and easy method of making these children sound and useful members of the common-wealth, would deserve so well of the publick, as to have his statue set up for a preserver of the nation.”
Read More: Take a tour through Ireland’s literary landscape
Children Should Contribute:
“As to my own part, having turned my thoughts for many years, upon this important subject, and maturely weighed the several schemes of our projectors, I have always found them grossly mistaken in their computation.
It is true, a child just dropt from its dam, may be supported by her milk, for a solar year, with little other nourishment: at most not above the value of two shillings, which the mother may certainly get, or the value in scraps, by her lawful occupation of begging; and it is exactly at one year old that I propose to provide for them in such a manner, as, instead of being a charge upon their parents, or the parish, or wanting food and raiment for the rest of their lives, they shall, on the contrary, contribute to the feeding, and partly to the cloathing of many thousands.”
A Modest Proposal
Pro-Life to the Maximum:
“There is likewise another great advantage in my scheme, that it will prevent those voluntary abortions, and that horrid practice of women murdering their bastard children, alas! too frequent among us, sacrificing the poor innocent babes, I doubt, more to avoid the expense than the shame, which would move tears and pity in the most savage and inhuman breast.”
Bon Appétit:
“I have been assured by a very knowing American of my acquaintance in London, that a young healthy child well nursed, is, at a year old, a most delicious nourishing and wholesome food, whether stewed, roasted, baked, or boiled; and I make no doubt that it will equally serve in a fricasie, or a ragoust.”
Let the Market Decide:
“That the remaining hundred thousand may, at a year old, be offered in sale to the persons of quality and fortune, through the kingdom, always advising the mother to let them suck plentifully in the last month, so as to render them plump, and fat for a good table. A child will make two dishes at an entertainment for friends, and when the family dines alone, the fore or hind quarter will make a reasonable dish, and seasoned with a little pepper or salt, will be very good boiled on the fourth day, especially in winter.”
Let Them Eat Delicious Human Veal:
“I grant this food will be somewhat dear, and therefore very proper for landlords, who, as they have already devoured most of the parents, seem to have the best title to the children.
Infant’s flesh will be in season throughout the year, but more plentiful in March, and a little before and after; for we are told by a grave author, an eminent French physician, that fish being a prolifick dyet, there are more children born in Roman Catholick countries about nine months after Lent, the markets will be more glutted than usual, because the number of Popish infants, is at least three to one in this kingdom, and therefore it will have one other collateral advantage, by lessening the number of Papists among us.”
Waste Not, Want Not:
“Those who are more thrifty (as I must confess the times require) may flea the carcass; the skin of which, artificially dressed, will make admirable gloves for ladies, and summer boots for fine gentlemen.”
A Win-Win Situation:
“For first, as I have already observed, it would greatly lessen the number of Papists, with whom we are yearly over-run, being the principal breeders of the nation, as well as our most dangerous enemies, and who stay at home on purpose with a design to deliver the kingdom to the Pretender, hoping to take their advantage by the absence of so many good Protestants, who have chosen rather to leave their country, than stay at home and pay tithes against their conscience to an episcopal curate.
Read More: A modest proposal to eat all illegal aliens
“Secondly, The poorer tenants will have something valuable of their own, which by law may be made liable to a distress, and help to pay their landlord’s rent, their corn and cattle being already seized, and money a thing unknown.
“Thirdly, Whereas the maintainance of an hundred thousand children, from two years old, and upwards, cannot be computed at less than ten shillings a piece per annum, the nation’s stock will be thereby encreased fifty thousand pounds per annum, besides the profit of a new dish, introduced to the tables of all gentlemen of fortune in the kingdom, who have any refinement in taste. And the money will circulate among our selves, the goods being entirely of our own growth and manufacture.
“Fourthly, The constant breeders, besides the gain of eight shillings sterling per annum by the sale of their children, will be rid of the charge of maintaining them after the first year.
“Fifthly, This food would likewise bring great custom to taverns, where the vintners will certainly be so prudent as to procure the best receipts for dressing it to perfection; and consequently have their houses frequented by all the fine gentlemen, who justly value themselves upon their knowledge in good eating; and a skilful cook, who understands how to oblige his guests, will contrive to make it as expensive as they please.
“Sixthly, This would be a great inducement to marriage, which all wise nations have either encouraged by rewards, or enforced by laws and penalties. It would encrease the care and tenderness of mothers towards their children, when they were sure of a settlement for life to the poor babes, provided in some sort by the publick, to their annual profit instead of expense.
We should soon see an honest emulation among the married women, which of them could bring the fattest child to the market. Men would become as fond of their wives, during the time of their pregnancy, as they are now of their mares in foal, their cows in calf, or sow when they are ready to farrow; nor offer to beat or kick them (as is too frequent a practice) for fear of a miscarriage.”
Children—Superior to Swine:
“Many other advantages might be enumerated. For instance, the addition of some thousand carcasses in our exportation of barrel’d beef: the propagation of swine’s flesh, and improvement in the art of making good bacon, so much wanted among us by the great destruction of pigs, too frequent at our tables; which are no way comparable in taste or magnificence to a well grown, fat yearly child, which roasted whole will make a considerable figure at a Lord Mayor’s feast, or any other publick entertainment.
But this, and many others, I omit, being studious of brevity. Supposing that one thousand families in this city, would be constant customers for infants flesh, besides others who might have it at merry meetings, particularly at weddings and christenings, I compute that Dublin would take off annually about twenty thousand carcasses; and the rest of the kingdom (where probably they will be sold somewhat cheaper) the remaining eighty thousand.”
Read More: Joe Kennedy protests Trump’s family separation policy
In Conclusion:
“I can think of no one objection, that will possibly be raised against this proposal, unless it should be urged, that the number of people will be thereby much lessened in the kingdom.”
Thank you, Dean Swift for your sage advice on what we should do with these children inundating our borders. As I’m sure President Trump will agree, your suggestions are moral and financially feasible.
Now, if only McDonalds would sign-on and offer a Big Mac Niños Pequeños, I’m sure the President will be onboard and swiftly offer these modest proposals to the Congress.
Posted by Jim on June 18, 2018
June 18th
VETERANS TICKET FOUNDATION
This organization, the Veterans Ticket Foundation, is a non-profit veteran-focused program that now includes First Responders (1st Tix). Check it out and use the link https://www.1sttix.org/ref/398229 to connect to the application page. Please share the link with every and any veteran, active duty service member and First Responder possible. Vet Tix provides free concerts, lectures, theater tickets and sporting event tickets to Veterans and First Responders.
MEMORIAL MASS
On Saturday, June 23, 2018 at 0930 hours, a Memorial Mass will be held honoring the memory of Firefighter Daniel F. Pujdak, L-146, who made the supreme sacrifice on June 21, 2007. The mass will take place at St. Cecilia’s Church, 84 Herbert Street, Brooklyn, NY. All off-duty members and their families are invited to attend. Members are requested to attend in dress uniform.
FDNY LGBTQ PRIDE CELEBRATION
The New York City Fire Department will be holding its 3rd Annual FDNY LGBTQ Pride Celebration on Thursday, June 28, 2018 at the Fire Museum located at 278 Spring Street from 6 to 9 pm. We invite all members to join us in dress uniform for an evening of pride filled with food, live performances, honored guests, and photo opportunities with the FDNY Mascot, Anniversary Fire Truck and Ambulance. To RSVP for this event, email GeorgiaBrooke.Guinan@fdny.nyc.gov or call FF Brooke Guinan at 718-999-2716 by Friday, June 22nd.
NEW YORK METS COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE
The New York Mets will host a community blood drive on Monday, July 2, 2018, from 11am to 6pm at Citi Field. All donors will receive a pair of Mets tickets to a 2018 home game. On Monday, June 11, 2018, the New York Blood Center declared a Blood Emergency. Blood donations are lagging this spring and typically drop during the summer months. Your donation will help save up to three lives. For questions concerning medical eligibility call (800) 688-0900. To make an appointment please contact (516) 478-5031.
MEMORIAL MASS
On Thursday, July 5, 2018 at 1100 hours, a Memorial Mass will be held honoring the memory of Lieutenant Gordon M. Ambelas, L-119, who made the supreme sacrifice on July 5, 2014. The Mass will take place in the quarters of E-211/L-119, located at 26 Hooper Street, Brooklyn, NY. All off-duty members and their families are invited to attend. Members are requested to attend in dress uniform.
SPLISH SPLASH WATER PARK DISCOUNT TICKETS AVAILABLE
Long Island’s Waterpark located at Exit 72 West, Long Island Expressway, Riverhead, NY (631) 727-3600, www.splishsplashlongisland.com. 18 water slides, wave pool, lazy river, kiddie area and more! General admission price is $35, under 48″ and senior admission price is $28. Children 3 and under are free. For further info, please contact reception at 212-683-4832. Tickets must be purchased at UFA offices. Any unused tickets that are purchased through the UFA can be refunded if tickets are returned by September 5th.
Posted by Jim on
Belfast.Wednesday, June 13th, 2018
Raymond McCord
The father of a loyalist murder victim has been appointed to the board of an international peace group.The South Korea-based World Peace Prize organisation has members across the globe.
The latest is Belfast man Raymond McCord whose son Raymond junior was killed by the UVF in 1997.
Mr. McCord joins US priest Fr. Sean McManus on a 14-strong panel of judges for the peace prize.
He’s been speaking with Q Radio…
The group has issued the following statement:
The World Peace Prize was initiated in Seoul, South Korea in 1989 by the Reverend Dr. Han Min Su, a Presbyterian Minister, who has dedicated his life to promoting world peace by bringing together East and West and representatives of all the major world religions: Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Catholicism, Protestantism, Russian Orthodox and Zoroastrianism.
Dr. Han said:” We are most pleased that Raymond McCord is joining our International- Interfaith Board as a Judge and as a UK representative. Mr. McCord has demonstrated what one person can accomplish through dedication to justice and peace. He has been honoured by being invited to testify before the United States Congress, where he has received strong support, and where his views are regularly disseminated. And now, he honours the World Peace Prize Awarding Council by joining us in our mission of world peace.”
Mr. McCord said: “This is a huge honour and I am humbled and very grateful. It is powerful encouragement to me and my work for justice. I will strongly support the wonderful work of Reverend Dr. Han, liaising with the Headquarters in Seoul through its Washington office, headed up by Chief Judge, Fr. Sean McManus, President, Irish National Caucus and Barbara Flaherty, Executive Vice President, Irish Nation Caucus, who is also a Judge and Corporate Manager of the World Peace Prize Awarding Council.”
Fr. McManus said: ” It is well known that I am a strong supporter of Raymond’s long campaign for justice. I deeply believe that reconciliation, ecuminism and religious cooperation are at their truest and best when different religions come together not just to talk about reconciliation but especially when they come together to work for justice. So, for example, in this case, I am proud, as a Fermanagh Catholic, to work on Capitol Hill with Raymond, a Belfast Anglican/Protestant.”
Posted by Jim on
Seamus McKinney
18 June, 2018 01:00
The day before the Caledon sit-in protest, the Goodfellow family were dragged from the home they had been living in for eight months.
In occupying a house in Caledon in 1968 for a few brief hours, former Stormont MP Austin Currie believes he helped change history.
While Dungannon GP, Con McCloskey and his wife, Patricia had been pioneering the civil rights’ campaign for a number of years, most accept the Caledon Protest on June 20 1968 moved the campaign onto a new level. The protest was in some ways the birth proper of the civil rights movement.
Housing was one of the key means of control used by the unionist state. By controlling housing, unionist leaders were able to ensure Catholic and nationalist votes were limited. By ensuring new housing was confined to certain wards, they were also able to gerrymander whole authorities.
Against that background, many Catholic families across Northern Ireland were forced to live in slums and abject poverty.
Nichola Mallon: Even half a century after Caledon inequality in housing is glaring
In October 1967, at her wits end, Mary Teresa Goodfellow, her husband Fran and children, Dawn and Brian, took possession of number 11 Kinnard Park in Caledon. They had hoped that Dungannon council would allocate one of the new houses to them as they were living in cramped conditions with her parents and six brothers at Brantry near Dungannon. But nearly all of the 15 new homes were allocated to Protestants.
A court fined the family for squatting but ordered they could remain in the house for six months in the hope that a new house would be allocated. However, on June 19 1968, bailiffs arrived to evict the family.
Mrs Goodfellow’s sister-in-law, Geraldine Gildernew – mother of Sinn Féin MP, Michelle, Sinn Féin MLA, Colum and wife of Sinn Féin councillor, Phelim – was with her on the day of the eviction. Mrs Gildernew recalled Mrs Goodfellow’s mother was also in the house on the morning of the eviction.
“We’d gone to Currie (Austin) and asked him and he said we were right to move into the house in October and if they evicted us, he said he would squat in the house,” she told the Irish News.
On the day of the eviction, Mrs Gildernew recalled bailiffs using hatchets to break down the door.
“We were told that if we sat on the floor and let ourselves go loose, it would be hard to move us but they trailed me out by the feet onto the street and Teresa out the back door,” she recalled.
To make matters worse, the house next door, number 9, was let to a single 19-year-old Protestant woman, Emily Beatty.
Mrs Gildernew said that, with other family members, she went to the home of her local Stormont MP, Austin Currie and reminded him of his October promise.
The following day, Mr Currie was joined by Mrs Gildernew’s brother-in-law, Patsy and local farmer, Joe Campbell in what was to become the Caledon protest. A Nationalist Party MP and one of the young Turks of the civil rights’ movement, Mr Currie (78) told the Irish News he had pledged to support the Goodfellows.
“It seemed to me to be the most blatant of injustices; they were just thrown out on the street.”
With the aid of a poker, entry was gained to Number 11 Kinnard Park and Mr Currie, Mr Gildernew and Mr Campbell awaited their fate.
The former MP said: “The police arrived, a sergeant that I knew, but he said it was a civil matter and he would not get involved unless there was a breach of the law and so he left.
“But then after a few hours, a brother of Emily Beatty who was a policeman as well but was in plain clothes arrived and told us to get out. We told him it was a non-violent protest so he went off and got a sledge hammer and broke down the door.
“He tried to throw us out physically but we walked out to the waiting cameras and reporters. It was big news because an MP had taken part in the protest and WD Flecks from the television was there.”
Mr Currie said that through his efforts to bring about change at Stormont, he was aware that unionists would not change and the British government would ignore the injustices being visited on the Catholic population.
“I believed the only way to change things was to get the British government to put pressure on the unionists to change and that meant the media,” he said.
After the protest, Mr Currie said he worked with Doctor Mr McCloskey and his wife, Patricia – whom he described as his “political parents” – to build on the momentum created by the Caledon protest.
“We went to a meeting of the civil rights’ executive in Maghera and asked them to organise a march.”
That march, the first of the civil rights’ movement since partition, took place on August 24 from Coalisland to Dungannon. While it passed off without incident – despite a loyalist counter demonstration – two months later, on October 5, a similar civil rights march in Derry was beaten off the streets by police, a moment that most regard as the start of the Troubles.
Both Mr Currie and Mrs Gildernew are proud of what was achieved by the Caledon squat and protest.
Mrs Gildernew said: “I think there has come a lot of good things out of it. It is not perfect but it is better than it was. I am proud of my role in it.”
Her husband, Phelim is now the councillor for the seat once held by the unionist who allocated Number 11 Kinnard Park to Emily Beatty.
Mr Currie has no regrets over his role.
“It was the beginning of the civil rights campaign proper. In a very, very short time, we managed to have a successful resolution to many of the abuses. The Housing Executive was set up; gerrymandering was stopped with the introduction of PR voting and the B Specials were abolished.
“I believe it was a beginning and I believe I helped change history,” he said.
Mr Currie returned to Dungannon on Friday last to take part in a conference on housing organised by the SDLP to mark the 50th anniversary of his protest. He was joined by retired Ulster University professor, Paddy Gray, the university’s Professor Duncan Morrow and other leading experts in the field of housing.
Today, an exhibition focusing on the Caledon squat and protest will be held at the former courthouse in Caledon (1pm to 4.30pm).