London calling...
- Thread starter Euphod
- Start date
Before anyone starts accusing me of justifying terrorism, I condone no murder, regardless of the supposed cause! All I wish to do is highlight some facts which won't resolve any argument but may open eyes.
The army sent to "stop the wholesale bloodshed" managed to kill 299 civilians in the process. The RUC killed a further 56. While a small number of these deaths were confirmed members of the IRA or other terrorist organisations, the majority were unarmed civilians.
All other murders were committed by Loyalist and Republican terrorists. Of those, there were 125 murders in England as a result of Republican terrorism. Over 3300 people were murdered on the island of Ireland by both sides, the biggest single group consisting of members of the security forces. It's interesting to note that the first death was that of an RUC man shot by Loyalists in Belfast.
Sadly, despite people not living here believing this has all gone away, you are sadly mistaken. The national (British) news rarely reports on any of the 'incidents' that occur here regularly unless a death or serious injury is involved. Offensive flags fly from lampposts, there's a bomb alert ever week or so (often elaborate hoaxes) and divisions are still rife. There are more so-called peace walls now than there have ever been. Orange parades cause disruption throughout the summer by marching more or less wherever and whenever they like. The politicians make those in the other legislatures look like world class statesmen, ours carrying on like children squabbling over who got the most. Take for instance the Minister for Social Development, who believes the world is 6000 years old and criticised the local museum for having a display on evolution!
I paint a grim picture but like any society, this is generally confined to small areas. On the positive side, enough progress has been made that Belfast is no longer a ghost town out-with normal opening hours, there are great places to eat, to stay, to visit and I enjoy living here.
The question that does and will always divide is that of unification. There will never be an answer to please all and I would like to think that we can all agree to disagree (at least on this forum) and return to the discussion of the Olympics. Otherwise, this thread is good for nothing other than being locked.
amigacooke
Well-known member
Here you go, olympic and rail related.
The Olympic site in 1945 (thanks Google Earth).
The Olympic site in 1945 (thanks Google Earth).
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amigacooke
Well-known member
amigacooke
Well-known member
Stratford MPD was legendary, so it's great the Games have been based there. In fact the whole regeneration of the Stratford area has been a wonder.
Another golden night tonight in the Stadium - Fly Mo!
And another great night in the boxing with Luke Campbell for GB beating John Joe Nevin of Ireland - the first time the two nations have been drawn in the boxing competition I believe (just don't mention it to Dominic!)
Tomorrow last day (sob).
Paul
Another golden night tonight in the Stadium - Fly Mo!
And another great night in the boxing with Luke Campbell for GB beating John Joe Nevin of Ireland - the first time the two nations have been drawn in the boxing competition I believe (just don't mention it to Dominic!)
Tomorrow last day (sob).
Paul
I think again that you have had a very wrong assumption from whatever angle you are coming from domsarto and in fact that gripe is a basic untruth and borders on a vague insult! We "Brits" don't assume Southern Ireland is still part of Gt Britain. In fact we respect it just as much as many Irish folk respect us hence the 2 countries are closer than ever as is North and South on the island. I would remind we were concerned enough to loan your country 7 billion as a friend and much of your trade depends on us too so you are coming from a slightly out of kilter sentiment that is past tense not the majority in Ireland. Modern Ireland is a far better and more progressive place than a few short decades ago and thanks to the EEC. It is modern and a more open society and that is good and progressive direction. Fortunately it has also included railway matters with a modern and expanding system to it's credit.
AlanBradbury
New member
Yup, 1641 was a long time ago, so if that was the last time you visited or heard reports from the British mainland, you might be surprised to learn that we are not all still sat here in new model army uniforms with matchlocks and pikes awaiting mobilisation orders from Oliver Cromwell.
Al
Al
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AlanBradbury
New member
Yup, whether you were pro or anti the London 2012 Olympics, you have to admit it was a good show from the opening ceremony all the way through to the closing ceremony. Of course there is still the Paralympics to go as well, so good luck to all the competitors in that, who are no less, if not more, of an inspiration than their able-bodied counterparts.
Al
Al
