[grania]

I thought that most Irish came here as indentured servants. Their lives were brutal. Many died because of horrific work conditions in factories. The distinction is that their children weren't born into slavery, but most often into poverty.

The whole reparations thing is bizarre pandering. Most folks except for blacks recognize the sacrifices their ancestors made or were forced to make for them, and moved on with hard work, education, and leading decent lives to achieve better lives.

[SMARTY]

As bad as conditions were for immigrants at the beginning of the 20th century it was for most, STILL better than what they left behind.

In the case of my grandparents, they left behind MORE than poverty. They left oppression and hopelessness behind as well.

In America, their work secured their place for them and there were NO impediments to them, so long as they persevered. Of course, there was hardship and sacrifice, but who ever gained anything worth having without hardship and sacrifice? Also, they assimilated with eagerness, knowing that their children would have the best chance of success that way! Whining, pouting and grumbling were unthinkable! Laziness, crime and surly conduct were anathema!

[JimRed]

Most folks except for blacks recognize the sacrifices their ancestors made or were forced to make for them, and moved on with hard work, education, and leading decent lives to achieve better lives.

"Thank God my granddaddy got on that boat." - Muhammad Ali