replying to Nestor was Re: on israelian attack

[Gary MacLennan <g.maclennan@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

  Nestor actually wrote:

What is the material reality behind "religious" strife in Lebanon? I think
that
>Gary can understand this question because, as a "North" Irishman
>(hah, Gary, we're so far away you cannot beat me for this almost
>insult!), he does positively know of the relationships between
>religion, politics and social structure in a way little people can.


You *are* being cheeky Nestor, but I did owe you an apology for neglecting
to mention the progressive working class Jewish culture in Argentina which
you had referred to in a previous post.


As to what is lost in assimilation I cannot say. But I feel that of the
contrasts of unity and diversity, the latter is also important.  We need
unity but always mediated through diversity.  That is why on my recent trip
home I dug out of the garden shed my old Irish school books, bought an
Irish dictionary and promised myself I would re-learn Irish.

Perhaps I was inspired to do this by the insistence of Sinn Fein on using
the Irish language at press conferences.  It drives the Ulster pro-British
mob absolutely mad. As colonists and pied-noirs they cannot stand any
evidence that the indigenous culture has survived their attempts to wipe it
out. Good enough reason for me to re-learn Irish I think.

fond regards

Gary