We’re biting the hand that fed us
Much to the disappointment of many Americans living in Ireland today, it would seem that all too many Irish have either never heard this adage, or they have simply forgotten it.
With George Bush's visit just around the corner, groups like the Irish Anti-War Movement (IAWM) are promoting their "Stop Bush" campaigns when the president arrives on Friday.
Events like the 'When Bush Comes to Shove' gig at Vicar Street last weekend were described by Richard Boyd Barrett, gig organiser, as opportunities "to call again on our Government to cease its support for Bush by allowing US troops to travel through Shannon airport en route to Iraq".
I have just one thing to say to Mr Boyd Barrett, the IAWM, groups like them and any Irish who share their views "Oh, how quickly you forget!"
Mr Boyd Barrett says: "A world order different from that of Bush is possible."
That may well be the case, but may I remind Bush dissenters that an Ireland very different to that which we have now become accustomed might not have been possible without the US.
Now before you go throwing your eyes up to heaven, this isn't about the opportunities provided to Irish emigrants, victims of famine and hardship throughout history. This is about the very real impact that US inward investment played in our recent economic success. In fact, it would be most interesting to see how widespread anti-American sentiment would be if suddenly US companies ceased to invest into Ireland.
What disappoints me most is that when Ireland was a more disadvantaged nation, it was better at hospitality, humility and gratitude.
But now in the aftermath of the Celtic Tiger, it seems we're all too quick to forget "that from which we came," and some of the factors that helped put us right where we are today.
It's fine to disagree with George Bush and his policies on the US-Iraq war, but I believe the US, and George Bush as the current embodiment of that nation and what it (and presumably its allies) stand for, is entitled to some show of support. It's as if we're now willing to accept cutting off the hand that fed our Tiger for so long. With allies like this, who needs enemies!
Remember, too, that Americans supported Ireland economically and otherwise throughout history, regardless of whether they agreed with its policies. Perhaps now it's Ireland's turn.
Katherine Fitzpatrick,
13, Millbrook,
Quartertown,
Mallow,
Co Cork.
