Comments on The Pensive Quill: Smashing H-Block

From Helen McClafferty: Irish -Americans Urge Con...

2012-04-30T08:50:00.514+01:00

From Helen McClafferty:

Irish -Americans Urge Congress to Co-Sign Rep. Smith's Letter
to President Obama

Capitol Hill. Wednesday, April 25, 2012 --- Irish-Americans and all Irish organizations are urging Members of Congress to co- sign a letter that Congressman Smith ( R_NJ) is sending to President Obama.

The Dear Colleague letter requests the President to, " vigorously urge the British government to conduct a public judicial inquiry into government collusion in the 1989 murder of human rights attorney Patrick Finucane, as it undertook to do in the 2001 Weston Park Agreement. "

" This is neither a Democratic nor a Republican issue," explained Fr. Sean Mc Manus, President of the Capitol Hill-based Irish National Caucus. " It is, however, an issue of profound importance to Irish-Americans. We are urging all Members of Congress to show they are supporters of justice and peace in Ireland by co- signing this letter. We also anxiously wait to see what President Obama is going to do."

Fr Mc Manus continued: " In this election year, Irish-Americans are watching the white House and Congress very carefully. We expect elected officials to ACT not just talk about Irish justice and human rights. The Pat Finucane case is perfect case for them to take a stand on. They must hold the British Government to account."

Members of Congress who wish to co-sign this Dear Colleague-letter should contact Bill Hand in Congressman Smith's office: Bob.Hand@mail.house.gov
END

Fr. Sean Mc Manus

President

Irish National Caucus

P.O. BOX 15128

Capitol Hill

Washington, DC 20003-0849

Tel. 202-544-0568

Fax. 202-488-7537

sean@irishnationalcaucus.org

From Helen McClafferty: Strong Irish Views at St...

2012-04-30T08:48:17.820+01:00

From Helen McClafferty:

Strong Irish Views at State Department

Capitol Hill . April 24, 2012 --- Irish-Americans today voiced strong concerns at a State Department Briefing.

The Briefing was “ off the record,” which means the State Department officials cannot be quoted.
...
“ However,” explained Fr. Sean Mc Manus – President of the Capitol Hill-based Irish National Caucus – “ it can be said that Irish –American leaders from across the country expressed strong concerns.”

He continued : “ When the meeting was thrown open for discussion, I was first to speak and I immediately raised the cases of both Marian Price and Gerry Mc Geough.

Sean Pender, National Chairman of the Freedom of All Ireland Committee, followed up with the issue of collusion and the continued stonewalling of the British Government on many killings.

Peter Kissel, leader of the Washington Chapter of the Irish American Unity Conference , weighed in on the Boston College tapes and cases like the Ballymurphy Massacre.

Other issues raised were : immigration, the case of the deportees, the peace walls, the need not to ignore the plight of working-class or deprived Loyalists who feel left out of the political dialogue.

Fr. Mc Manus explained : “ I also had intended to raise later in the discussion the need for a Northern Ireland Bill of Rights, but time did not permit. However, all of us were very pleased with the meeting. Our issues were listened to with attention and respect. We are very grateful and hope the State Department will continue these Briefings. I -- and several others -- expressed great confidence in, and respect for, Hillary and we hope she can help with these issues.”
END

Fr. Sean Mc Manus

President

Irish National Caucus

Sandy, thanks for a thoughtful review which has ...

2012-04-29T08:00:08.003+01:00

Sandy,

thanks for a thoughtful review which has relevance for today. It is a book I have had on the horizon, never letting it slip out of view but at the same time never having made it to the point of reading it. I will in time but this certainy is a great appetizer