WHAT'S THE POINT?

Over the years I have read and compiled a plethora of material about parts of North Roscommon, South Sligo and North Mayo, all areas that my ancestors come from.

What fascinates me about social history is how small this island is and how our greatest export for centuries has been our people.

Each of my children have asked me why am I so interested in the past and common place things in my daily life.  My answer is not very profound; sometimes you have to take several steps back to enable you to make a great leap forward.

Given the state of our economy at present, I am frustrated that people rant and rave about the situation but fail to recognise that we have been here before.  Irish people for centuries have blamed the Vikings, Normans, and English races for the state of our country.  We fail to acknowledge that Irish people made alliances with 'The Invaders', mostly to subdue or obliterate their neighbours in petty wars.

Our economy was driven to the ground by 'our own' politicans.  We elected 'Shoneens and Gombeens' who promoted themselves and their supportors without looking at the big picture.  Our present 'Invaders' The Troika were, as in the past, invited to take control of our destiny.  Until we accept responsibility and ownership of these issues, we will in my opinion, never be a nation.

As far as I can tell, some of our  greatest achivements have been in the music, artistic and creative arenas.  These abilities cannot be harnessed or assessed by a business plan but the benefits are legion,  These skills fulfill emotional needs, engage our senses both positively and negatively and challenge our thought processes.
To the Shoneen and Gombeen, those with the ability to raise our conciousness are a threat.  The Shoneen and Gombeen promote tribal loyalties and engage in scaremongering.

Ireland is full of angst.  We have dispirate and highly emotive issues relayed minute by minute. Abortion, property tax, a health service unfit for purpose........  Each of these ajendas have protestors, promotors and dissenters busy with rebuttals and all the while, The Shoneens and Gombeens continue to sell out to 'The Troika' unchallenged.  This is exactly the strategy utilised by the British when they organised the composition of Munster and the remaining provinces.  So, here I am taking a few steps backwards and eying up the future.

Laura