Re: INLA and drugs

[<jbm7@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I think that the INLA are trying to emulate the Provos as anti drug
campaigners. The problem is the militarism which manifestes itself as a
"Protectors of the People" where the people are spectators rather than
participants.The Provo base in Dublin is because of its anti drug
campaign. eg if drug pushers defy community pressure they can look beyond
the picket lines of community activists and see people who are much
tougher than them.

 This is the problem with republican militarism. Bernadett McAlisakey
withdrew from the IRSP because of its militarism.
The INLA history is a tragedy. In spite of the undoubted abilities of the
murdered Seamus Costello and other founders it suffered with feuding and
some terrible things occured.

Allegations that Republicans all hews are involved in drugs have been
around for years. The reality is that drugs are not a problem in the
Northern ghettoes due to Republicans and that their support would wither
if they did get involved. This does not exclude the possibility of ex
members getting involved.

I gather that the IRSP are rethinking their policies, perhaps they will
evolve.

Jim Monaghan