Comments on The Pensive Quill: Fianna Eireann was a success

frankie- You say cannabis "doesn't do any...

2013-06-08T10:22:06.805+01:00

frankie- You say cannabis "doesn't do anyone anymore harm than cigararettes" but although not physically addictive, it is psychologically addictive, recent studies show it is more cancerous than tobacco and a consultant psychiatrist at the City Hospital told me one of the main reasons it is banned is because it carries a significant risk of psychosis.

Psychosis from Cannabis

Lung Cancer 20 times more likely with cannabis

I know Cannabis isn't a gateway drug as many people claim but because of the reasons above I can understand why it's banned.

I would favour decriminalisation of all drugs provided it is done with the necessary precaution. Education about the risks and pitfalls, heavy regulation and the drugs themselves would need to be supplied in the right manner.

In Switzerland clean Heroin was available to addicts but in a clinical environment: a white, sterilized room. As people are more likely to take Heroin if it is clean, people stopped using the street version and because people preferred not to take it in a hospital environment people didn't take it at all so Heroin use plummeted.

Legalise Heroin?

The big danger with illegal drugs is the accompanying criminality.

It'sjust, painting Fcuk the PIRA etc on walls ...

2013-06-08T00:15:32.247+01:00

It'sjust, painting Fcuk the PIRA etc on walls is nothing new. Just after the split in 1969 the provisionals painted the same type of 'slogans' towards the officials...Who is to say it's kids doing it. it could be members of ONH or some other PFR group voicing thier opinion.

As for a drug culture. Personally I've a very different attitude towards drugs. I think cannabis should be legal (doesn't do anyone anymore harm than cigararettes <--nicotine is one of the most adictive drugs known to man and it's sold legally over the counter) . Take alochol (again a legally available drug sold over the counter) , how many men or women once they've had drink go on to abuse their partener or kids..because they consummed alochol? And if they didn't they are the 'greastest' person in the universe. Should alcohol be banned?

It's not drugs per say that are making kids unruly. The biggest reason why there are so many kids on street coners is, up until 1997 (give or take) it was to dangerous to hang about street coners once the sun set. As everyone knows because of a complete failure of the GFA there is no where for them go once they spill out onto the streets.

I agree whole hearted with re-educating but going to university for 3 yrs+, my jury is out. How many ex prisioners todays have degrees and didn't go to uni ? Richard 'beardy' Branson didn't go to uni, Wayne Rooney, Elvis Presley, Robert de Niro..... Helping people to develope their skills and potential (or learn new ones) is probably more beneficial in the long run. Not everyone is cut out or even likes school. Making sure everyone can read, write and do basic maths is a must.

You're absolutely right- " Moral crusades...

2013-06-07T19:17:28.314+01:00

You're absolutely right- " Moral crusades are not always the best way" not only "because they create the problem of the crusader becoming empowered" but because many innocents inevitably fall victim to the cosh of the crusader. Maybe leading the way by showing the right example?

Simon, we all would like mum and apple pie but wh...

2013-06-07T18:57:31.121+01:00

Simon,

we all would like mum and apple pie but when the pie gets divvied up we always find the bigger snouts pushing the smaller snouts aside.

I think there is much to be said about the dangers that are to be found in the desire to impose perfection on society.

The key point you raise lies in the issue of harm. How to avoid increasing that is worthy of further discussion. Moral crusades are not always the best way because they create the problem of the crusader becoming empowered.

AM- Moral influences on a new Fianna? I know I am...

2013-06-07T18:44:56.558+01:00

AM- Moral influences on a new Fianna? I know I am a little predictable but the 1916 Proclamation has a lot of worthy points against greed and rapine and in favour of nourishment in every sense, to treat and care for people without bias.

I would like to see a caring, selfless youth which looks upon all people with favour regardless of things they can't control like nationality, race, ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion to some extent etc.

I would like to see a benelovent youth.

I would like to see a little pride in Republicanism and a change in mindsets towards a United Ireland with revolutionary change throughout society in a 32 county Republic.

Less greed, criminality and abusiveness although this is found in all ages of society and in all parts of it and perhaps the youth is less affected by these negative behaviours than the older generations? Personally, I think so. (the big gangs of hoods are the exception to the rule).

I think they should be steered away from any form of criminality but particularly those which cause great harm to others as well as themselves like drugs, brothels, people trafficking, laissez-faire capitalism etc. We need a wholesome Fianna, one which won't degenerate into chaos, nepotism and criminality when they get older.

I am unfamiliar with any specifics of today's Fianna but perhaps they don't need much adjustment.

I would adjust the Proclamation with a pro-environmental and sustainability clause and also I would change to "cherish the children of the planet" rather than nation as we are a smaller place today and even the most intelligent of documents sometimes need updating.

Simon, I enjoyed Soldiers of Folly. Reviewed it f...

2013-06-07T18:01:39.267+01:00

Simon,

I enjoyed Soldiers of Folly. Reviewed it for Fortnight. The Church was indeed an influence on republicans, a bad influence. What sort of moral influences would be brought to bear on a new Fianna?

That description of Sean South's activities wa...

2013-06-07T17:20:46.470+01:00

That description of Sean South's activities was detailed in the excellent "Soldiers of Folly" by Barry Flynn.

We have to remember though that the Church was an important influence on many a Republican in the 1940s and early 50s. As such Sean South was a child of his time although I have to admit not everyone was a member of the right-wing religious group "Maria Duce".

He was involved in a number of activities which would be frowned upon now if Barry Flynn's book is as accurate as it appears.

Padraig. The sad fact is , the unruly and drug ab...

2013-06-07T00:29:46.546+01:00

Padraig.

The sad fact is , the unruly and drug abusing youths of today is world wide. I have always maintained that our youth need something to look forward to, "RE-EDUCATED" , proper goals In further education , College , then , University, with the aim of getting employment. Fianna Eirean has been left on the rubbish dump by those who sought their on political agenda to work with and for a British Government to maintain the status quo , the 6c still under British/MI5 rule. You bring up some good points though.

"There is a certain level of detachment from Irish identity existing within Irish youth today. Republicans need to address this and fast, because the next generation of Irish Republicans are to be found among them. So we must ask ourselves once more, has na Fianna Eireann served its purpose?".

Most of The youth of today have nothing to look forward to, No work, no money., A minority just want to rob , hijack , joyride.
They paint graffiti like, "Fuck the Pira" , they feel they have been left behind , and, some of them are children of some top PIRA volunteers, uncontrollable and think they cant be touched. But Some are on specialist Courses after a selection process test, college then University, they will be our future and they will keep the flame burning.

Anthony:

I never heard that one about Sean South, I would think he didn't have a green book with him at that time , Probably a black book with the word "Holy Bible" on it , But, then again , Its the first time I have heard of it.

Padraig, thanks for the piece. I guess it would...

2013-06-06T10:55:26.811+01:00

Padraig,

thanks for the piece.

I guess it would be viewed through the prism of what type of morality it would protect. And the dangers of it becoming a moral crusade that would demonise youth culture seem self evident., It is said that Sean South would go around cinemas in Limerick breaking up courting couples in a bid to protect morality. If true, a Fianna should have been protecting cinema goers from him.