The Irish have always gotten a pass from Americans. Nearly every image we've seen in books and in lore is of a benign and mis-treated folk set upon by a nearby enemy ruled by unfeeling lords and bestial armies.
We still see the friendly cop, friendly priest, and besotted poet - rarely the IRA Nazi sympathiser and terrorist facilitator that also represents that island.
There are still 'charities' in the US that channel money to build bombs for the IRA, just as there are those that fund Bin Laden and his brand of terror.
We just are not very good at recognizing that the 'little guy' is often at least as distasteful as the 'oppressor' he claims to be resisting.
There are still 'charities' in the US that channel money to build bombs for the IRA, just as there are those that fund Bin Laden and his brand of terror. YOU think the Irish populice aren't pissed off at idiot Americans funding Sinn Fein?
HELL YES we are!!!
Not only that, but the Irish Republic population are revolted that Sinn Fein are trying to gain credibility by standing in every single election SOUTH of the border.
The GOOD, ordinary, decent people of Ireland have NO TIME for terrorists. Whether they are nationalists (Sinn Fein, Real IRA, etc)..or unionists (PUP, Red Hand Defenders et al). I am blessed to live in this beautiful country (aside from the horrible taxation)..and I will tell you NOW...not one person I know (and I know many) supports terrorism financial. I can't vouch for the bar-rooms of Boston, where people are more uninformed.