I am not in favor of pushing any dictators B.S. - Cromwell was to the Irish and Catholics what Hitler was to the Jews, not someone to praise or quote
I am descendant of both Irish Catholics and Puritans from Connecticut. Also, some French Canadian and Eastern European Jews.
In other words, I am an American-Mongrel and proud of it.
The sins of the fathers do not reside in their sons. The mores of the past have changed for the better in many cases, and I am glad. Some have gotten worse, and I am saddened.
Cromwell did indeed do the things you say, but Richard Harris, Irishman that he was, played him in the classic movie.
Quote:
“Harris was perhaps the least likely candidate for the role of the Puritan leader who, according to many historians, carried out near genocide in Ireland. Although a fierce Irish nationalist, Harris saw past the historical circumstances and became intrigued with Cromwell as “a symbol of integrity, anxious to reform society.” Harris insisted it wasn’t necessary for an actor to strictly believe in the character he was playing. Instead, he drew inspiration from Cromwell’s idealistic nature, his goal to take the country out of aristocratic hands, and his “rigorous self-discipline”, a trait Harris admired.”