Northern Ireland

[Elfin]

With the backdrop of events and levels of poverty in other parts of the world, does the recent rioting in Belfast etc seem inappropriate? Can it be justified?

[El D]

I don't think it was ever justified. What has it ever achieved?

[Elfin]

Well after a lifetime of watching what goes on, it does wonders for Atheism.  It's a stark reminder of the futility of religion.  Such a dysfunctional community is worthy of a giant Jerry Springer Show.  This all kicked off because a parade by a religious organisation wasn't allowed to proceed up a certain road, right?

[bobtheduck]

is spending a fortune going to iraq and seeing soldiers getting blown to bits justified? until you have lived in ni you wont understand it

[El D]

Having spoken to people from the province I understand that it is almost impossible to avoid getting dragged into the us v them mentality, but please bob enlighten us and explain how shooting at the police was justified and what exactly it achieved . . .

[Chessman]

These events were reported because it IS N.I. it was repoted as rioting, but was actually youths going out, getting drunk and causing a bit of trouble in the way they've always done, it wasn't really a riot, just the way it was reported, although, I was over there recently, and even though there is a kind of peace, you could cut the tensions with a knife.

[El D]

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/11092005/140/police-chief-conde mns-belfast-rioting.html

'Thirty-two police officers were injured as violence flared during a disputed Orange Order march in the west of the city. Seven hand guns and a bomb factory were also discovered, Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde said.

Paramilitary gunmen fired at least 50 shots at security lines as mobs launched a barrage of petrol and blast bomb attacks during ferocious street violence in the city.

Police and soldiers discharged 430 baton rounds and used water canons in a bid to drive back thugs. They also returned live fire.'

Youthful hijinx . . . lil' scamps

[Dom Tuk]

Does the backdrop of events around the world or poverty elsewhere stop you from going 'dawn the pub for a nice pint'? Does it stop the ashes and all the football games....no.....so why should it affect the rioters of Belfast?

[Chapel]

Why should these cretins be treated any differently to anyone else in the UK? Track them down, and imprison the lot of them.

Why do they insist on being called 'Loyalist', when, by attacking Her Majesty's forces, they are loyal to nothing but their own twisted bigoted outlook? Treasonists more like.

[Elfin]

Dom Tuk, the point is that these malcontents enjoy a reasonable standard of living in comparison, so it's hard to sympathise with any of them persistently complaining about their lot. Their behaviour is sick.

I have been rerouted daily for months now due to roadworks but I am yet to firebomb the council or shoot the contractors...

[Chessman]

I'd like to apologise for my out of touch answer, had'nt seen the news, I thought you were referring to events about a week ago,

[Ward-Minter]

The problems I have it is Loyalists who seem to be the aggressors here.

 

For years I have sympathised with Loyalist politics and those adhering to the Crown. But when I see these "supporters" throwing petrol bombs at our Police (for whatever reason) I find it hard to agree with them.

 

I am not saying they are as bad as the IRA scum that have been omnipresent throughout the years, but they are getting there!!!!

[Elfin]

No prob Chessman - without your answer we'd never have got to chuckle at El D's response...!

[DumBlonde]

i think ward-minter needs a history lesson.