Comments on The Pensive Quill: An Invaluable Insight

2010-07-19T23:50:39.168+01:00

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Anthony My mistake as I misread the Pinochet para...

2010-07-19T00:25:53.415+01:00

Anthony

My mistake as I misread the Pinochet parallel I was caught up in my comparison between Che and Brendan and not the Adams, Castro point so I was a little confused with Pinochet again my mistake, thanks for clarifying.

Nula
It has been a few years since I have read about Che so I could be relying on faulty memory.

Tain Bo, wish I knew enough about Che to comment. ...

2010-07-18T14:40:32.622+01:00

Tain Bo, wish I knew enough about Che to comment.

What I do know though is, he held true to his principles.

Would have loved to know what he would have thought of Mr Adams and co.

Cannot figure out why the Basque and Palestinian people still come here and listen to their claptrap.

Mackers, read 'The Ghosts of the road' ver...

2010-07-18T12:51:06.986+01:00

Mackers, read 'The Ghosts of the road' very good, very intuitive.

Must admit I was never any good at poems could never even understand most of them.

Like Seamus Heaney's stuff though and liked that one of Carrie's.

Mackers it would take an extremely shrewd person to confuse you.

I know what Tain Bo is saying though.

So thanks to Saint?Mary for that one.

Saint?MaryHedgehog, Carrie wrote another one abou...

2010-07-18T12:13:38.626+01:00

Saint?MaryHedgehog,

Carrie wrote another one about Brendan, ‘Before The Dark’.
They were close. He walked her up the aisle to me!!

Nuala,

ultimately, the right to speak out is what it amounts to. The censors - who themselves once railed against censorship so fervently - will never smother thought expressing itself in their urge to have the line parrot itself.

Tain Bo,

I was aware of the points - there was no confusion. I spotted an opportunity to make a point and took it. I don't think I misinterpreted anything you or Nuala said. Nor was I disagreeing with it. Enjoying the contributions you make. There is always plenty to think about.

Anthony I made the comparison between Brendan and ...

2010-07-17T05:53:42.221+01:00

Anthony
I made the comparison between Brendan and Che, and the one I think you are confusing is Adams and Castro although I see your point about Pinochet.

Nula my apology on the long delay in responding re...

2010-07-17T05:01:01.735+01:00

Nula my apology on the long delay in responding regarding Che and my own comparisons between Adams and Castro, Brendan and Che, mainly the latter I just don’t see Brendan having the fanatical quality Che held.
That is just my own opinion and I am sure others well versed in Ernesto’s revolutions would say different.

Anthony
I agree with the nightmare aspect of the reformed PSF writings I think I was saying the repetitive party lines tend to cause boredom.

An Invaluable Insight Nuala, you made your point v...

2010-07-15T21:45:08.242+01:00

An Invaluable Insight
Nuala, you made your point very well – crystal clear in fact. It was your comment about Che being re- interred and the Shinners being at it that allowed me draw a contrast between them and Che. Your opening was something for me to hang a different point on. Sorry for the confusion.

Mackers, I actually meant that there were similari...

2010-07-14T12:13:56.980+01:00

Mackers, I actually meant that there were similarities between Brendan and Che, more than likely I did not clarify it very well.

I believe the only difference between Pinochet and people like Adams is, Pinochet could not conceal his vile side.

Nuala, there are just some who extol Che - may e...

2010-07-14T09:37:12.950+01:00

Nuala,

there are just some who extol Che - may even have been at the reinterment - and who would claim to resemble him when in fact they more resemble Pinochet in both actions and politics.

Mackers, really confused about the Pinochet commen...

2010-07-13T23:03:39.725+01:00

Mackers, really confused about the Pinochet comment?

Tain Bo I would have thoughts nightmares are the ...

2010-07-13T14:29:38.870+01:00

Tain Bo

I would have thoughts nightmares are the end result from reading PSF books!! They are to be read not because we believe what is in them but for the purposes of reading the line and having as a matter of record what their stated position was on a given issue at a particular point in time.

Saint?MaryHedgehog

Unfortunately cults can develop in any country and not only Ireland. There are just situations where people are prepared to abandon all reason and invest faith in some figure or belief system which is true to the term because it relies on believing and not thinking. Sounds like a description of religion!

Nuala,

The Messianic complex I can comprehend given that it is ego driven but those taken in by it deny their own self worth. It is more like some flagellation of the ego – yes oh great one, we unworthy creatures need you to redeem us.

As for the Che resemblance it is easier to make the case that it is Pinochet rather than Che.

Marty,

on the principle of winning, the quip Robert provided us with is most fitting. Tomas an Chaca.

Mackers, this will be Marty on red alert, he alway...

2010-07-07T23:38:11.618+01:00

Mackers, this will be Marty on red alert, he always believes that, there is someone in diffs when a comment is deleted.

Tain Bo, I know a lot of people hold very different view points on Che. However, irrespective of what those view points are, I have always believed him to have been an incredibly principled person.

There is absolutely no doubt that there are a lot of similarities between both men.
I cannot pretend to know that much about Che, my son would be the expert when it comes to the revolutionary left.

What I have learnt from him, however is, like Brendan Che had no attachment to money or the flair and prestige that fame can bring.
Both men were essentially socialist and both were totally dedicated to their cause.

A few years ago I remember being quite taken back, when I was told a Sinn Fein delegation had attended Che's re-internment.
I wondered what the great man would have thought of that lot gathered around his grave? I can only hazard a guess, not very much!

2010-07-07T22:45:20.069+01:00

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Aye Tain Bo I remember during the abstenious bebat...

2010-07-07T13:18:43.109+01:00

Aye Tain Bo I remember during the abstenious bebate in the 80,s tombestone Tom Hartley proudly boasting that the only principle he had was the principle to win!

“Then we go to Brendan and his plans to take th...

2010-07-07T11:04:11.556+01:00
“Then we go to Brendan and his plans to take the war to England, it was not to be, his own words, but others took the war to England, the culmination of which were the two 1 tonne bombs that exploded for peace in 1996,”

“Others” I assume you mean the Provisional Irish republican Army? But we shall call them “others” in this time of peace after all if that leaked out it was the Ra it could prove embarrassing for the reformed Provisional leadership.

A perfect oxymoronic statement wrapped up nicely with disassociation “bombs for peace” and the mysterious “others.”

So perhaps with those words Provisional Sinn Fein did not negotiate a peace treaty instead they bombed their way into it? Albeit by the help of the mysterious “others” who for the sake of your integrity shall remain anonymous, your words are you implying that Mr. Adams would be denied credit for attaining a deal instead it goes to the “others.” Odd you would discredit your idol and give praise to the bombers.

“i heard brendan hughs once when he spoke at a march, years ago, the brit army, the r.u.c was around him, he was a hero, that is how i always remember him.”

Once I heard the sound of one hand clapping.

You heard Brendan Hughes speak once and like Northern Ireland he was surrounded by the British military machine that is how you shall remember him your putrid attempt at sarcasm would suggest different obviously you did not post a comment to discuss the book instead picked a few lines and made a pathetic attempt to discredit the subject.

Feeble at best having a go at a man whose shadow shall forever walk in front of you every time you see a shadow you will think of the “Dark.”

I am sure there are those within PSF, who would feel embarrassed having you as a supporter.

You should enlighten the readers with a review I know a few excellent PSF writers who would assist you.

Try reading a fitting homage to a fallen republican “Another Spartan Down.”

Michael Highly entertaining as usual for some rea...

2010-07-07T10:59:28.007+01:00
Michael

Highly entertaining as usual for some reason the wee doggie in Brain Mor’s cartoon peeing on the PSF building comes to mind reading your comment.
I assume Fionnula’s comment rattled your cage?

If anything it is a backhanded compliment as it shows Adams relying on his faith and Hughes escaping captivity as in “still trying to get out of Belfast” which he speaks off in the book?

“Every view point should be read, even Ed Maloney’s voices from the grave, this book has made no difference to the way republicans think, like the recent elections have shown, some of the dark minds”( May the farce be with you)

Bold statement with a hint of maybe that old film Star Wars considering you confidently boast “this book has made no difference to the way republicans think” I assume with those words you are not equal to Adams but greater?

Referring back to the Rosary and Che would suggest republicans think different?

Interesting that you would mention Fidel and Ernesto perhaps an accidental attempt to improve your already derelict thought the mysterious region being Guantanamo Bay. Which is a naval base not an army base then that is a moot point?

In December 1903, the United States leased the 45 square miles of land and water for use as a coaling station. A treaty reaffirmed the lease in 1934 granting Cuba and her trading partner’s free access through the bay, payment of $2,000 in gold per year, equating to $4,085 today, and a requirement that both the U.S. and Cuba must mutually consent to terminate the lease.

Again rather than an insult on the late Brendan Hughes a compliment and ironically a comparative insult to Mr. Adams, considering he displays the same qualities as Fidel Castro with his totalitarian reign as dictator of republicanism.

It is strange that Fidel considered Ernesto a threat sounds very familiar? I am sure there are those who would equate Brendan with similar qualities of Che and those who would draw the same conclusion with Adams and Castro.

Personally I am not a fan of Ernesto as I would say he displayed sociopathic tendencies (I know I just pissed off the entire left) whereas Brendan comes across as more reasonable with an understanding of his limits.

Perhaps you should ask Mr. Adams to boycott America and maybe petition the British government to close down the prisons they built on Irish land?

I forgot we are now part of our own occupation my mistake.

“This was just put in to make it look that Brendan was more hardline than GERRY.”

Sounds like someone has a serious crush on a certain politician where do you come up with these lines?

Oh I remember you now from former comments the confused seethe that is never sure if he is reading The Dandy or The Beano. Oh and I am still on the 9 county Ulster side.

I have this image of you sitting in Paradise Lost with your 12 trained monkeys churning out pointless insults admittedly annoying but I confess to the belly laughs I get reading your inane rants.
With your non linear rage and my laughter I am confusing myself.

Continued…

Tain Bo, appreciate your comment, to be honest it ...

2010-07-06T11:22:30.541+01:00
Tain Bo, appreciate your comment, to be honest it was a pleasure to write about him.

Saint?MaryHegdehog, I honestly believe that in his own warped way, Adams perceives himself as some sort of modern day Messiah.

There is absolutely no doubt, Adams is an accomplished liar.
I don't think of him as a Judas more a Brutus.
Judas could not live with his betrayal, Adams spends every waking hour justifying his.

For a few days after I received a copy of the book...

2010-07-05T04:12:50.247+01:00
For a few days after I received a copy of the book the hype and anticipation was replaced with dread I left it sitting on the table knowing it was an emotional time bomb waiting to reignite a past some would prefer to remain forgotten.
For two days I would occasionally glance at the cover the small picture of Brendan would be my focus as I believe that was the photo used in the poster of him in the first hunger strike.(I could be wrong)
I dropped the notion of waiting on Moses coming down from Mount Sinai and revealing something new. Instead I picked up the book and decided not to look for anything abandoning prior conversations regarding the content.
I had explained to my friend that reading the book for the first time would not be objective on my part as I projected past memories would takeover and I would drift away from the account.
I struggled through the book for two days with pauses that seemed longer as this would remind me of that and that would become something else.
Happily depressed I did manage to read the book with a smirk and a ponder I had to wonder why there was even an utterance of controversy surrounding the project.
Today I picked up the book again taking a break after 90 pages I found it more enlightening and uplifting as I was no longer pensive following the narrative intently.
Hopefully the debate shall continue and not fade away quietly.

Thanks Nula I enjoyed reading your review.

Marty
PSF buried their principles along with the disappeared

Anthony I have to disagree with you as I use PSF books as an aide for my insomnia.

Gerry is in the process of rewriting the Bible... ...

2010-07-05T01:34:08.503+01:00
Gerry is in the process of rewriting the Bible... spurred on by his success with rabid ramblings and hoards of devotees blinkered eyed. Gerry drunk on Messianic delusions with his catchcry peace. Gerry's new Bible will simply be titled Judas. Written in Orish of course. Nothing appeases the people more than a promotion of Gaeilge and patriotism beautifully wrapped up in rosary beads, suppressed crimes and liberal sprinklings of the word Peace. Let the healing begin... Laying on of hands by Gerry Adams Never mind the blood on them. Believe believe just believe. Hail the new Messiah. Irelands' own. Only in Ireland and only in Ireland...

every view point should be read, even ed baloneys ...

2010-07-04T23:59:18.001+01:00
every view point should be read, even ed baloneys voices from the grave, this book has made no difference to the way republicans think, like the recent elections have shown, some of the dark minds wants GERRY ADAMS to say that he was in the RA, so that GERRY will spent more time behind prison bars, and afterwards he would be restricted from world travel, specially to gaza or america, does those who want GERRY ADAMS to admit membership also want those in the dissidents to also admit membership, its the argument of the fool,there are plenty of smart comments being made, with no questions then asked, for example, whilst GERRY ADAMS is on his knees in cage 11 at long kesh saying the rosary the bold brendan read CHE GUEVARA and CASTRO, neither baloney or finnuala perry asked why brenden hughs, who opposed compromise would support these two cuban leaders who let the american army stay in cuba, and who are still there along with an american prison on cuban soil, this was just put in to make it look that brendan was more hardline than GERRY, then we go to brendan and his plans to take the war to england, it was not to be, his own words, but others took the war to england, the culmination of which were the two 1 tonne bombs that exploded for peace in 1996, others took on the england jobs, like others had to take over his command of the hunger stikes, others kept going when brenden stopped, his own admission, GERRY ADAMS knew that brendan hughs was a fighter, once, i am sure he was proud to help carry brendans coffin, like he helped carry many comrades over the years, one day it will be GERRYS turn, but i hope that day is a long way off, i heard brendan hughs once when he spoke at a march, years ago, the brit army, the r.u.c was around him, he was a hero, that is how i always remember him.

Nuala, no one book explains everything although ...

2010-07-04T20:57:10.671+01:00
Nuala,

no one book explains everything although if left to the SF leadership the only books we would be able to read are those by Gerry Adams. A multiplicity of accounts is more beneficial to historical understanding than the singular approved narrative.

Mackers, there is no doubt the book has had a mass...

2010-07-04T20:20:03.312+01:00
Mackers, there is no doubt the book has had a massive impact on how people view Sinn Fein and 'Mainstream' republicanism as a whole.

'Mainstream republicans' initial reaction to the book, was attack.
They tried to dismantle Brendan Hughes's integrity and judgement.
They also tried to discredit people like yourself and the author.

They still plod on after the great liar, believing that a few crumbs are better than nothing.

Adams, may continue to deny and deny, the book however, has made a lot of people pause for thought.

Nuala, There is a major anomaly there. They don’...

2010-07-04T18:01:33.078+01:00
Nuala,

There is a major anomaly there. They don’t like speaking out, they claim, because it is anathema to the tradition they hail from. That would be fine were it not for the whole raft of traditional buttresses that have been kicked to the side or dismantled in some other, usually devious, way. Many of them accuse others of committing the crime of speaking out yet failed to consider that they in fact my have committed the crime of silence while republicanism was destroyed in front of their eyes.

Gerry Adams a couple of years ago said during one of his numerous IRA membership denials that if he had been a member people had a right to know. Yet anybody who says he was a member is hounded or accused of being anti-peace.

In any event the whole ground on which that argument for silence has collapsed. The root of its collapse lies in the leadership strategy of touting to the British.

There is no IRA code. It was hacked to pieces until it became nothing more than a device for keeping people in line. Just take a look at the ridiculous writings emanating from the quarter most fond of making the charge of code violation. You will search long and far and hard before you come across more convoluted outpourings.

Mackers, Some republicans have very entrenched opi...

2010-07-04T16:36:40.101+01:00
Mackers, Some republicans have very entrenched opinions about speaking out.
For some reason, many of those same republicans do not seem to mind, their bosses encouraging them to inform to the PSNI.

My friend, who refuses to read the book, claims she would not read it because of what Brendan said in relation to Paddy Joe Crawford and the 'Disappeared'.

She argues that, she believes he broke an IRA code in doing so.

I told her that, personally I believed he exposed a lot of truths and a whole lot of myths.

For example, many many people within the movement knew that in the early eighties, the IRA security in Belfast was rotten to the core.
No-one and I mean absolutely no-one
dared do or say anything about them.

Once the 'Dark' was released from prison, he acted immediately to stop the rot, dumping two top 'nutters' literally.

He exposed the crime and corruption that had taken such a hold on the movement while he was in prison.
He spoke to Adams, who dismissed the thieving and pocket lining as just a bit of 'pilfering'

He exposed Gerry Adams because he believed, Adams was prepared to look the other way while an entire struggle was tarnished and tactlessly diminished.

He also exposed Adams as a liar who was prepared to let other people take the blame for his actions. Which was very much the case with the Mc Conville family.

As republicans I think we are quite within our jurisdication to know all these things.

Really look forward to reading another analysis on the book.