Nothing clear about fundamentalism

Apparently, Irish citizens aren’t afforded the same rights as the general population if they have a different religious or ethnic background.

Mr Moriarty, in his letter (Aug 20), seems to thinks that protesting is a foolish offence. He thinks that people should want to be sensible, rather than to be free.

He’s right in that Egypt has fundamentalists abounding at the moment. Christian fundamentalists, Islamic fundamentalists, but most of all fundamentalists whose only motive is power. He seems to be buying into the sectarian propaganda which would have the world believe that Muslims would love to burn the Christians out of Egypt at the quickest opportunity. Unfortunately, it is not a clear issue. Maybe the army is burning mosques and churches, maybe unruly crowds. What we need to do as observers is remain rational and impartial.

Mr Moriarty is afraid of the dangers of fundamentalism and violence in Ireland. Never fear. If people weren’t drawn to the streets when €80bn was taken from under their noses, I don’t see what would. Besides, fundamentalism (or at least the State-sponsored variety) is gone in our communities and schools today. Nowadays, people hold their own views, and most people (clearly not Mr Moriarty) respect the beliefs held by others. That is a democracy. That is what people in Egypt, and the students from Dublin, are struggling for.

Surely, if the Irish Government can concern itself with the (lawful) arrest of drug smugglers, then they can protect citizens who (unlawfully) are arrested and accused of campaigning for justice?

Jack Desmond

Bandon

Co Cork