An American Hero Speaks

THIS is a response to letter writer Robert O’Sullivan’s praise of “freedom fighter” Muqtada al-Sadr.

Mr. O’Sullivan, you obviously have a strange notion of freedom and justice if you prefer a fundamentalist Islamic state to govern the people of Iraq. The road to democracy is not a smooth one, and those who bear the burden willingly do so knowing that future generations will benefit from their sacrifice. I believe the United States, with all of her attributes and flaws, is a prime example of democracy at its finest.

As for your “cowardly Americans” remark, I’d like to include an excerpt of an e-mail from my brother who is serving in the Persian Gulf —

My name is Noel Buckley and I’m writing on behalf of all the men and women I serve with in this part of the world representing all branches of the United States military. I was born and raised in the Bronx, New York to parents who came to the States from Cork and Donegal respectively.

My parents raised me not only to love and respect the land they came from, but the also the land that they came to, the United States. Not too long ago I, like many thousands before me, walked into the Navy recruiting office on Fordham Road. Before too long, I was on a plane to boot camp.

Now I’m serving in a region of the world that is all too familiar with terror and bloodshed. All those over here with me signed on the dotted line knowing full well the possible consequences.

On that note I would challenge Mr. O’Sullivan’s description of “cowardly.” Our job over here is difficult no matter whether it’s on the seas or in the field.

Yet, we focus on the simple goal that in doing what we are asked to do here, we are preventing further September 11s as well as giving the people of this region a chance to be able to experience freedom and justice — the meanings of which Mr. O’Sullivan should double-check on in a modern Webster’s Dictionary.

I’d like to make something especially clear to Mr. O’Sullivan. The fact that he was able to write what he wrote, and the Irish Voice to publish what it published, is a simple, yet wonderful example of a freedom (he takes for granted it seems) that the men and women serving with me fight and die to preserve.

I do my job the best I can and serve my country with pride. I will do all I can to make sure that America preserves the opportunities it gave my parents, and the opportunities such a free society can give to those who have been denied the experience.

Jennifer Buckley
Bronx, New York
Noel Buckley
United States Navy

Seeking Returning Families

ARE you and your family considering returning to Ireland? Maybe within the next year or so? Do you have two or three children?

Midas Productions is based in Dublin and the moment, we are producing a show based on the experiences of families returning to Ireland after spending time abroad.

If you and your family might be interested in taking part in the series, contact us on caitriona@midasproductions.ie.

Caitríona Ní Choinn
Dublin, Ireland

Irish Anti-Americanism

MUCH has been written in the Irish Voice recently on Irish anti-Americanism, and the debate goes on as to whether or not it really exists.

The latest “spin” by Irish politicians and columnists alike seems to be that it is not that the Irish are really anti-American but instead are anti-Bush and, in particular, current American foreign policy.

If one were to go back to the days and weeks after September 11 and read the opinions and comments expressed in Irish newspapers by Irish citizens they reeked of anti-Americanism. This was before the war on terror began.

The remarks expressed were vehemently opposed to America defending itself in going after those who brought so much death and destruction to so many innocent people. The theme was pretty much, “How dare America go after the al-Qaeda sponsored Taliban regime?” Strange that was, coming from Irish citizens who espouse their championing of human rights around the world.

This brings up a couple of interesting questions. First, has the war on terrorism become a convenient forum for the expression of anti-Americanism that existed long before President Bush took office, and the attacks of September 11?

And second, is it possible that expressing anti-Bushism as opposed to anti-Americanism is more self-serving for Irish politicians, Irish business leaders, Irish newspaper editors and others?

Anti-American snippets, sometimes in the disguise of “being just anti-Bush” continue to appear in the Irish Voice and other Irish American publications. For example, Robert O’Sullivan’s letter “American, British Killers” in the August 11-17 issue, and the article on Malachy McCourt’s new book in the same issue.

While Mr. O’Sullivan is entitled to his opinion, it should be noted that Muqtada Al-Sadr offers nothing but terror and death to the citizens of Iraq, much as Irish freedom fighters offered death and destruction to the people of Omagh.

Mr. McCourt’s anti-Bush remarks will help sell his new anti-American book, but other than that will not offer very much.

In the meantime, America, God bless her, will continue to do the “heavy lifting” around the world, both militarily and economically.

Just ask the freedom loving people of Europe after Hitler, the free people of South Korea, the Philippines after Marcos, East Germany after the Wall (thank you President Reagan) etc., etc., and in the years ahead the freedom loving people of Iraq and Afghanistan.

Hopefully, under the continued courageous leadership of President Bush to stand up to the goons and despots of the world, this tradition will continue.

Those in the world who criticize America for the way they pursue freedom for the oppressed will continue to do that. That is their right in a free society. Fortunately, for the rest of us, all they can offer is criticism.

M. Dolan.
Hoffman Estates, Illinois

Leave Gov Alone

WITH regard to Dennis Mangless’ letter in last week’s issue about New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey’s trip to Ireland in 2002 at taxpayer’s expense. The governor paid every cent back.

Don’t kick the man when he is down.

Karen Kelly
Rockaway, New York

Support for McGreevey

WHAT was the point of Dennis Mangless’ letter last week about Governor James McGreevey? I have attended some McGreevey fundraisers in the past and am fully supportive of the governor as he enters this new phase of his life. I pray he and his family will be able to get through it.

The man made a mistake and he’s acknowledged it. He’s paying a dear price both personally and politically. Where’s the joy in that for anyone?

I am proud of McGreevey’s record on Irish issues during his time in office. His successor won’t be half as interested, I can guarantee you that.

Aren’t readers of Irish newspapers supposed to want their elected officials to take an interest in Ireland? Why knock him now? As an Irish American, he did everything we could have wanted, including hosting Sinn Fein leaders at his official residence on several occasions.

He’d still get my vote if he ran again. And I know many people who feel the same way. We go to the polls to elect effective political representatives, not saints.

Sean F. Fallon
Trenton, New Jersey