One day, somebody in authority is going to talk about right and wrong
There was lots of talk about gardaí, sanctions, shocking new lows, amnesties for gun owners, etc but not a word about morality.
At a philosophy lecture in Trinity College in the early 1970s, the lecturer asked us if we really wanted an open society. Almost unanimously we answered, "yes". Then he asked, "but are you prepared to pay the price?"
A little less enthusiastically we answered "yes" again. Would we still do so if we had the choice?
To catch a glimpse of ourselves and to see where western 21st century society is at, I recall the last few sentences of William Golding's novel, Lord of the Flies. Like Áine Lawlor, the white-clad naval lieutenant deplores the barbaric behaviour of the boys on the island whom he has come to rescue. But behind him out in the bay, a destroyer rides at anchor.
Behind Áine we have the invasion and rendition planes landing and taking off at Shannon.
Some day, somebody in authority in Ireland is going to give in and use the word "wrong". Until then we continue downhill with gay abandon.
Brian Flanagan
Buncrana
Co Donegal
