Am I alone in wondering why we in this state are commemorating the soldiers of WW1.
Every time I read how they suffered I always think that they inflicted equal suffering on others.
I also question why they joined up. There was never conscription in Ireland. Some no doubt needed the money, but poverty is not accepted as an excuse for killing in any other circumstance.
Some no doubt wanted to serve King and Country, which is fair enough for those who thought that way. But this state came into being precisely to deny that George was our king or Britain our country.
Many joined up no doubt simply because that was what other men were doing. The blood of those they killed is no doubt on their hands, but why they have any claim to our memory defeats me.
Many no doubt joined up for the adventure, I hope it turned out well for them, but that is not accepted as an excuse for killing in any other circumstance either.
Every time I read how they suffered I always think that they inflicted equal suffering on others.
I also question why they joined up. There was never conscription in Ireland. Some no doubt needed the money, but poverty is not accepted as an excuse for killing in any other circumstance.
Some no doubt wanted to serve King and Country, which is fair enough for those who thought that way. But this state came into being precisely to deny that George was our king or Britain our country.
Many joined up no doubt simply because that was what other men were doing. The blood of those they killed is no doubt on their hands, but why they have any claim to our memory defeats me.
Many no doubt joined up for the adventure, I hope it turned out well for them, but that is not accepted as an excuse for killing in any other circumstance either.