Re: The Spectre of Civil War

["Xxx Xxxx" <xxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi,
I think there is no doubt that much of the recent rioting, etc. in the
north, south and east is definitely orchestrated and organsied by loyalist
paramilitaries. Of course, this seems to show that at least sections of the
local prod populations here are receptive to this sort of action. A few cars
burnt out, a few petrol bombs lobbed at police, and a few pipe bombs thrown
at the homes of ordinary neighbourhoods seem to be the sport of choice for
w/c prods these days.
The only reason I mention catholics having to rely on PSNI, is that I saw on
the news the other day an old woman from the short strand who had been pipe
bombed by loyal thugs complaing that it was a security issue and what was
needed was stronger police presence. Now, this is far from being the
standard response to loyalist violence of course. But more cops on the
street is the last thing we need (as your story illustrates), and the last
thing I think most people want, with the exception of people on the Malone
road, Stranmillis, Cherryvalley, etc.- the more cops the better for these
people.
I don't know about the PUP. One minute Ervine comes across as a reasonable
man, nearly a (albeit misguided) socialist, the next he comes across as a
reactionary idiot. There is no doubt, it seems, that the PUP seem to profer
a certain brand of class politics. However, how would you say this is
affected in terms of the issue of nationalism? How is the dynamics of
British Nationalism related to questions of class in Northern Ireland? Is it
the case that prods in the north were beneficiaries of British Imperialism,
but that now the Brits could not care if the protestant working classes all
rotted in hell? Or, is it the case, that prods will remain politically
priveleged by the British State?
The issue of communal separation and mistrust is key. Is there any attempts
by UVF and IRA or UVF and INLA to talk to each other? Has there been? I
think there can be no doubt the UDA/UFF are simply fascists with no
political credibility or responsibility whatever.
Anyway, I hope things don't get too hairy round your way over the summer.
I'm just going to try and keep my head down up here.
all the best,
 Zak





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