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Stand Up For Real Journalism

From Sean Matthews: Cheers Tomas for the feedback...

2012-07-18T07:48:44.326+01:00

From Sean Matthews:

Cheers Tomas for the feedback.

'In relation to your response, I think you have mistaken my argument if you believe I equate left republicanism with loyalism because I dont.

Most anarchists (myself included) believe and work with left republicans in common campaigns, struggles and in our unions. I think on paper republicanism is progressive but the reality in the North, on the ground is that republicanism(not necessarilly republicans) is firmly entrenched in one section of the sectarian divide which seriously hinders any revolutionary potential never mind removing partition and imperialism.

I also dont share the general viewpoint by much of the left that both sides are as bad as each - such nonsense and sometimes a spade must be called a spade.

There in nothing natural about ethnic culture or nationalism in our modern society. In fact quite the opposite as it is a modern day phenomeon growing out of the development of print capitalism etc. I would like to refer you to Bendict Anderson's book on 'imagined communities' as a reference point for this.

Lastly, I dont know if we share the same common objective as i have no interest in building 'an archaic utopian society'. There is a merit in a libertarian communist society but notions of culture, ethics, 'nationality' should not be confused with the reactive political ideology of various forms of nationalism.

"A people is the natural result of social union, a mutual association of men brought about by a certain similarity of external conditions of living, a common language, and special characteristics due to climate and geographic environment. In this manner arise certain common traits, alive in every member of the union, and forming a most important part of its social existence. This inner relationship can as little be artificially bred as artificially destroyed. The nation, on the other hand, is the artificial result of the struggle for political power, just as nationalism has never been anything but the political religion of the modern state. Belonging to a nation is never determined, as is belonging to a people, by profound natural causes; it is always subject to political considerations and based on those reasons of state behind which the interests of privileged minorities always hide."- Rudolf Rocker

TRANSCRIPT: RTE Prime Time looks at the controversy over the Boston College interviews

Sean, As always a well thought out and provocativ...

2012-07-17T08:29:51.334+01:00

Sean,

As always a well thought out and provocative piece. Your value judgement on ethnic nationalism ad being equally as negative lets you down in my view. Ethnicity and nationalism fused as an exclusive and discriminating concoction had proved to be a devastatingly reactionary force but the concept of civic nationalism seems to be a phenomenon that Irish anarchists skirt; unless of course you happen to be a member of the northern 'organise' wherein loyalist nationalism is the preferred flavour.

Ethnic culture is a natural result of human relations. The utopia of anarchic society that we both envisage will result in its own ethnic identity. So why can't anarchists allow themselves to take an openly favourable stance towards actually existing ethnic identities more inclined to participative democracy.

From an anarchist standpoint, the loyalist tradition is anathema but left republicanism is surely a natural ally but you seem to treat both with an equal contempt.

Odd...

BC decision should lead others to amend oral-history pacts

AM. I just read that piece from your link in the ...

2012-07-17T00:44:32.983+01:00

AM.

I just read that piece from your link in the Belfast Telegraph.

Was just thinking to myself, the number of times Newspapers, TV companies have stated Adams was COS (Chief Of Staff) P.I.R.A., He has never sued anyone for making those allegations. I wonder why?, On a no win situation i would say. But, then again, we know what the smooth talking EX-Barman is like, Maybe those who made accusations against him (On Tape) or to the media ,will end up with senile dementia, except those who have passed on, The Dark's (R.I.P) brother should have told Adams to Go plus Fuck himself at his funeral, Because that was his final wish ,when your generals are treated like shite, working for corrupt building companies for pittance, that must have been demoralising for Brendan,Watching all the arse hole lickers getting the creme de la creme Jobs . It reminds me of Eamon dev Alera, maybe adams thinks like him. To be honest, I don't think they can touch him.

Terrorist tapes may come back to haunt Adams

Cracoi, I chose the title. It came through to me ...

2012-07-16T23:31:57.256+01:00

Cracoi,

I chose the title. It came through to me without any title. Had the author have sent it through with one it is what we would have used.

Who changed the title from the original "
2012-07-16T22:36:51.079+01:00
Who changed the title from the original "Does the handshake with the British Queen spell the demise of Republicanism as a radical alternative in Ireland?"

Grappling with a troubling memoir of Ulster’s bitter past

if u recognise that a "political solution can...

2012-07-16T15:29:26.270+01:00

if u recognise that a "political solution can only be based on winning over a majority 2 a common struggle" then u recognise that a majority has a right in the 1st place 2 decide its own destiny. in that instance if, as is seemingly the situation at present, a majority of people are happy enough wit the status quo then those who seek change hav no choice but 2 accept this until such times as the will of the majority should change. this is in essence the very strategy promulgated by SF, a strategy that u seem so strongly opposed 2. confusing.