Sacred Heart University DigitalCommons@SHU

American Irish Newsletter The rI ish American Community Collections

3-1988 American Irish Newsletter - February - March 1988 American Ireland Education Foundation - PEC

Follow this and additional works at: http://digitalcommons.sacredheart.edu/irish_ainews Part of the European Languages and Societies Commons, Other American Studies Commons, and the Political Science Commons

Recommended Citation American Ireland Education Foundation - PEC, "American Irish Newsletter - February - March 1988" (1988). American Irish Newsletter. Paper 148. http://digitalcommons.sacredheart.edu/irish_ainews/148

This Newsletter is brought to you for free and open access by the The rI ish American Community Collections at DigitalCommons@SHU. It has been accepted for inclusion in American Irish Newsletter by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@SHU. For more information, please contact [email protected]. THE AMERICAN IRISH NEWSLETTER The Newsletter of the Action Irish

Vol. 13, No. 1 FEBRUARY/MARCH, 1988

U.S. Congress Be Aware Attention News Media ... that Senator Frank Lautenberg funds. “I am deeply disappointed,” he said, A leading Northern Ireland advocate months, will be testifying before (D-NJ) recently visited Northern Ireland “that the allocation of funds from the Inter­ of the MacBride Principles will be tour­ legislative bodies in several states and and the Republic of Ireland to investigate national Fund has not taken cognizance of ing the United States until February 16, participating in public forums. For inter­ the use of $120 million US aid voted by enormous areas of socio-economic blight 1988. Mr. Oliver Kearney, executive views with Mr. Kearney please contact Congress to the International Fund for and unemployment. Some of the funds secretary of the Northern Ireland Fair John Finucane (914) 947-2726 (9:30 AM Ireland after the signing of the Anglo-Irish allocated seem to be a cosmetic exercise.” Employment Trust, on his third tour in 10 - 1:30 PM EST). Agreement. According to the Star Ledger, Dr. Joe Hendron of the SDLP has com­ Senator Lautenberg was shocked by the plained that money given to poor areas I treatment afforded Catholics. He stated, “pales into insignificance compared to the ‘The Catholic community gets the short end 50 million placed in the coffers of the Fund Oliver Kearney to Speak In The Brdnx of the stick in almost all cases. They ...” Instead, money is being distributed to desperately need help.” Lautenberg, an eye­ areas like Antrim which have a relatively high MacBride Principles Campaign Meeting witness, now supports the MacBride Prin­ rate of employment and to the lucrative ciples, according to the Ledger. tourist trade which already is heavily sub­ In honor of the late Sean MacBride, the ing promptly at 8 pm. The meeting which is Concern over possible misuse of the Fund , sidized by government funds. A Councillor American Irish Political Education Commit­ open to the public, will be held at Manhat­ monies is now widespread. Complaints have in the Republic has asked that some of the tee, will kick-off a major educational tan College (Bronx, N.Y.), Room #100 in the been voiced by the Prime Minister of the Irish money be allocated to his area because, “he campaign to promote the Principles on a Hayden Science Building. Oliver Kearney, Republic. Deep dissatisfaction stemmed understood that already some golf clubs had national level. We have joined with the Fair executive secretary of the Trust, will be the from the fact that money is being directed benefited from the Fund in the north of Employment Trust in declaring 1988, “The guest speaker. We urge all to attend this most away from poor areas and into areas and Ireland.” Year Of The MacBride Principles”. A meeting important function. For further information projects already well provided for. This Self-help groups in industrially to commence this enormous grassroots call (212) 365-0213 or (914) 947-2726. means, from the point of view of the Dublin impoverished West Belfast, have invited effort, will take place on February 15, start­ and London governments, that the money European and American as well as British will not strengthen the Anglo-Irish Agree­ government representatives to visit the area ment by recreating industry and reducing to reveal how money from the Fund is being poverty in the most deprived areas of spent. One representative has compared Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland is the this allocation of money to “that made to the Don’t Blame The People second most impoverished area of the Third World much of which ends up in private by Rev. Des Wilson — PEC Belfast correspondent, the director of Conway Mills European Community. pockets.” Another describes the allocation Dr. Cahal Daly, Catholic Bishop of the of money, especially from the United States, “If you start up a self-help enterprise in reason that need be given for such destruc­ most heavily populated area in the north has as “a major scandal in which some Irish West Belfast the government will not help tiveness is that it is in the interests of national complained about the unjust allocation of politicians are deeply involved.” you, it woni direct industry towards you, it security. Very few people, and certainly not the wiii push job-makers away from you, you wiii “respectable” supporters of the British govern­ get nothing on loan and nothing to help ment, ask why Britain’s excuse for destroying Bride. As we mourn his passing and in final capitalize whatever work you are trying to what poor people do to better themselves, is NEWS BITS tribute to Ireland’s greatest statesman of the create, even if the unempioyment level remarkably like the excuse given by military dic­ 20th century, we proclaim 1988 ‘The Year of should rise above 80% - and in the end, if tators elsewhere — national security. by Kathy Regan the MacBride Principles.” The PEC has you should happen to survive, they wiii send In West Belfast alone the British government Sean MacBride, patron of the MacBride called upon all concerned Americans to in the troops.” has caused or presided over the destruction Principles, passed away on January 15, rededicate themselves to the success of the This was the advice we got from our lawyer or attempted destruction of more than thirty 1988. Ireland’s greatest statesman, he was MacBride Principles campaign ... State­ when we asked his guidance before opening self-help enterprises. In other impoverished the recipient of many awards including the ment by the Northern Ireland Fair Employ­ yet another self-help program in West Belfast. areas the story has been the same. Not only Nobel Peace Prize.-As a life-long advocate ment Trust, January-15,. 1988 . , . -We are. ■)«4'his time-iLwaS-a-gODd'Orie, a stylish one. is government development refused, the of justice he was co-founder of Amnesty deeply saddened by the death of our Ninety thousand square feet of industrial space citizens own work is destroyed. International. The following message of con­ esteemed and honored patron Mr. Sean lying vacant, and we would build up a network A number of these projects were created in dolence was transmitted to the MacBride MacBride. Just a few days before his final of small enterprises, we would have theater, order to give opportunities to unemployed residence in Ireland by the American Irish illness Mr. MacBride presided personally at lecture rooms, day care centers, leisure people to make their own work. In many cases Political Education Committee (PEC): “We a private meeting with members of the Trust’s facilities, management courses for people set­ they were designed also to bring together are deeply saddened by the death of our ting up small businesses, all on one site. The people of different religious backgrounds esteemed and honored friend Dr. Sean Mac­ (Continued on Page 2) site was the old linen mill and the ownership and poiiticai opinions. They were allowed to was to be vested in the local community. do neither; after a brief period of independence Within two years we were impoverished, and invention they bowed under vicious attack. insulted, accused of fraud, labelled para­ This kind of attack did not come only from the militaries and cheats in danger of someone British government directly. It also came from The New Irish blowing up the whole place. the left-wing Workers’ Party, the right of center The British government’s brand of Social Democratic Labor Party (SDLP), the by Pete Foley, PEC liason to Irish Immigration Reform Movement democracy has a nasty way of making sure that conservative newspaper the IRISH TIMES, some extreme loyalist groups, and the Northern In the 1840’s, tens of thousands of Irish hours a week for $65. She was helped out no industrialization will take place in areas emigrated to America to escape starvation where people vote against the government or Ireland Civil Service. Some of whose recently of her predicament by another Irish immi­ promoted Catholic members vied with their and poverty. They came for the economic grant girl who worked for the same family. against its policies. opportunities denied them in their own land. The lawyer was right. They did nearly Protestant colleagues to put self-help schemes In America most immigrants found more In the past many Irish became citizens by everything he predicted. They have not yet sent in Catholic areas out of business. poverty, discrimination, and exploitation. “No serving with the US Armed Forces. They in the troops to occupy the premise and keep That so many of the initiaties survived or rose Irish Need Apply" signs were found in many took the oath of citizenship in boot camp. us without jobs or the education to go with again in another form is due to the resilience places. But there were job opportunities Many fought forthe United States, especially them. But they just might. The lawyer knew, of poor people under attack. In face of this available to them. The new immigrants took during World War II, and then went back to because he had gone through it all before. resilience and ability to survive — and even at the most dangerous jobs building canals, Ireland. That option is no longer available Our factory was closed for purely political times to thrive in a mild way — the SDLP and railroads, and mining. In the process, they and their children or grandchildren can’t reasons throwing 400 men out of work; four the IRISH TIMES began to backtrack and say helped build America to what it is today. To legally stay in the US. There is the case of factories were entered one day by British it was not their policy after all to attack self-help counter the discrimination the Irish played a young Irish girl who is the youngest troops, and workers and management told at groups. The extreme loyalists, having had afew, a major part in every war fought by America. daughter of a disabled American veteran. gunpo/nf they had fourteen days to get out. This but not many, similar experiences, began to They entered politics and the educational She is here working illegally even though her is the industrial reality of West Belfast under look with a more favorable eye on what their system and started much of the American father died at a very young age because of British “democratic” rule. Catholic fellow citizens were doing. The labor movement. his wounds. The father joined the US Army Indeed in areas of poverty in the north of Catholic civil servants remained adamant: only during the Korean War and became a US ventures promoted by the British government, Today there are many more New Irish Ireland it is government policy to destroy citizen. He was seriously wounded and the SDLP or the Churches were to be trusted, immigrants coming to America. These New people’s efforts to help themselves and cynical­ returned to the states where he was unable helped or encouraged. Irish, who are generally well-educated, are ly to refuse to help the people thus made to find work because of his wounds. We realized with a shock that the pattern of again emigrating because of a lack of helpless. Community centers have been raid­ Because he could not survive on the small oppression had been changed and that some economic opportunity in Ireland. America ed, smashed and closed. Advice centers have of the one-time oppressed were rapidly becom­ has always been held as the land of oppor­ disability pension he received, he returned been labelled subversive and closed through ing part of the system of oppression. tunity for the Irish, but present US immigra­ to Ireland where he died 5 years later. economic strangulation. Day care centers for It is hard to be resilient against that! tion policy has put the “No Irish Need Apply” Because he did not live in America for 10 children dubbed subversive and a danger to years, his daughter cannot even get a legal signs up again. security. Mothers and children in one of the (Ed. Note: The above self-help programs have not work permit. There is a US Veterans of poorest areas in Europe, left with one less im­ The undocumented Irish are back to the received any financial support from the fund Foreign Wars in Killarney, Ireland. poverished facility. In such a state as Britain created by the Anglo-Irish Agreement. Applications exploitation faced by the earlier immigrants. has created in north-east Ireland, the only for funding have been filed but have been ignored). Twenty-two asbestos removal firms in New Irish immigrants have made major con­ York and New Jersey are charged with tributions to this great nation. They are tradi­ bribing a federal inspector to ignore safety tionally hardworking, law-abiding citizens. violations. Asbestos fiber is believed to These facts should not be forgotten by our cause cancer and requires special safety legislators. Presidential Candidates Forum equipment for the workers removing the fiber The Sons of Italy and the Polish American from old buildings. The bribes were paid so National Congress have joined forces with On American Irish Issues the companies could save millions of dollars the Irish Immigration Reform Movement to by not having to comply with safety regula­ try to change the immigration laws as their A Presidential Candidates Forum on candidates. This event is sponsored by all tions. Many of these workers are undocu­ members face the same restriction. The American Irish issues has been set for major American Irish organizations. mented aliens including many Irish. Another Kennedy-Donnelly Bill (S1611) will soon go March 16, 1988. This major event will take example of exploitation concerns an 18 year- before the Senate. Please write your US place at Fordham University in the Bronx, Admission will be by invitation only. Tickets old answered an ad to be a nanny for a Senators and urge “that they support and NY starting at 1 PM. Presidential candidates will be available free of charge and can be wealthy Michigan family. Her employer took promote this bill and any legislation that from both parties will be invited. Issues to obtained by writing to the PEC or calling her passport and return airline ticket upon expands or extends the current Amnesty be discussed will include: the MacBride (914) 947-2726. We ask that each person or arrival and was told she would be turned over program.” US Senate address is: Hon. Principles, how US funds are sent to Ireland, organization requesting tickets represent a to immigration authorities if she didn’t do as ______, US Senate, Washington, DC and immigration reform. Staff members will firm commitment to attend. A large turnout she was told. She was forced to work 90 20510. not be accepted as representatives of the is most important. Page 2 — American Irish Newsletter — February/March 1988

URGENT...... URGENT THE AMERICAN IRISH MacBride Principles Update Soon you will receive a financial appeal NEWSLETTER by Pat Doherty, Administrative Associate to from the American Irish Political Educa­ founded 1976 Harrison Goldin, Comptroller, City of New York tion Committee (PEC). It will be a self- explanatory package promoting the A publication of the American Irish Politicai This fall British Secretary of State, Tom taking a different position on this issue. MacBride Principles campaign in the Education Committee with the support of the Emeraid Society, Fire Department, City King, worried over recent successes scored The Republic of Ireland has also made two United States. You will be asked to give of New York. Address: Malloy Building, by the MacBride campaign, embarked on recent protests to the U.S. government over a donation, write letters, send pre­ Stony Point, NY 10980 - (914) 947-2726. a major anti-MacBride lobbying trip to the the Reagan Administration’s position on the addressed post cards to your federal US. King’s coast-to-coast itinerary included MacBride Principles. The first, in September legislators, and to become active in Editor...... John J. Finucane meetings with US government officials, was a formal protest made to Ambassador Assistant Editor...... Kathy Regan promoting the Principles. major business leaders and media Margaret Heckler by Foreign Minister Assistant Editor...... Aibert Doyie We have commenced a mailing cam­ representatives. His message was that the Lenihan on behalf of the Irish Cabinet. The paign designed to reach a minimum o f. NATIONAL INFORMATION CENTERS British government was now ready to begin Irish, responding to an anti-MacBride Belfast one million Americans of all ethnic, ' WESTERN REGIONAL DIRECTOR: Dr. Roger a major effort to end employment discrimina­ press conference by the U.S. Ambassador political and religious persuasions during ^ McGrath, 30806 Catarina Drive, Westlake Village, tion in the North, and that the governmerit to Great Britain, Charles Price, complained CA 91362 - (818) 707-1270; WASHINGTON, D.C.: should be trusted to follow through on their that the U.S. was taking Britain’s side against this critical election year. They will receive Jack O’Brien, 1119 Belton Street, Upper Marlboro, new-found commitment. Pro-MacBride offi­ Ireland on an issue over which the two coun­ a mailing similar to your package. This MD. 20772 - (301) 336-5167; MINNESOTA: Leah cials, lead by Boston Mayor Ray Flynn and tries disagreed. campaign is the most extensive educa­ Curtin, Hibernian Life, 790 Cleveland Avenue, Suite Congressman Joe Kennedy (D-Mass) tional efforiof its kind ever undertaken by 221, St. Paul, MN. 55116- (612) 690-3888; NEW responded, by pointing out that the British The second protest, in October, concern­ the American Irish community. With your JERSEY; Thomas P. Dougherty, 3812 New York Minister was engaging in a “slick public rela­ ed the U.S. State Department distortions of support, it will be a success. Avenue, Pennsauken, NJ 08110 — (609) tions exercise” and not offering anything Haughey’s MacBride position which were We urge each and everyone of you to 663-4323; CONNECTICUT: Frank O’Day, 21 Pierce communicated to the Pennsylvania State Lane, Madison, CT. 06443 - (203) 245-4739; substantial in the way of reform. King’s visit support this most urgent appeal. It is your legislature. OHIO: John McLaughlin, 10917 Bernard #3, received wide media coverage in Britain and donation and the donations of the people Cleveland, OH 44111 - (216) 941-6431; MASSA­ Ireland. The London Independent reported The British Labour Party’s Committee on we contact that will keep this campaign Ireland sponsored a major conference in CHUSETTS: Kevin P. Murphy, 29 Zolla Circle, at the end of the tour that King had “failed alive and successful. No donation wifi be London on the MacBride Principles on Revere, MA. 02151 - (617) 284-0723; ILLINOIS: to stop the (MacBride) bandwagon” and the to small. Please respond as soon as you Bob West, 683 Walnut Road, Wauconda, IL 60084 November 28th. Irish Times pointed out that the trip had receive your request. Thank you. - (312) 526-6520; MAINE: Shannon Eaton, 26 actually helped the MacBride campaign. Ludlow Street, Portland, ME. 04103 - (207) Three hundred delegates, representing 773-3205; CALIFORNIA: Maidie Forster, 5 Quail These views were seemingly confirmed major British unions and local Labour Party Ridge Drive, Atascadero, CA. 93422 — (805) when, shortly after King’s return to Belfast, constituency organizatioris, heard speakers ______Sample Lette f______-461-3146H^t0RIDA;-KevinWlwph^685-6unny- Frudential-Bache Securities, a major US ■"ificludin'golR^rKSarne^lDrSeaM MacBride* Dear Mr. Moe: Isle Cir., Boca Raton, FL 33428 - (305) 488-1526. investment house, issued a report detailing and Kevin McNamara, Labour’s chief LABOR LIASON: Kevin Garvey, lUOE Local 891, the MacBride campaign’s rapid legislative parliamentary spokesman on Northern I urge early hearings on the Northern 560 West 169 Street, New York, NY10032-(212) progress. The new report entitled “MacBride irolonz-l Qtta/'U tho Thatrhpr nnuprnmflnt’s? Ireland Investment Bill #SF722 (MacBride 927-4492. Principles Legislation Mushrooms” said that policies on equal employment opportunity. Principles). This bill ask only for equal there is now “strong momentum” for further employment opportunities for all citizens of A major new British government- Northern Ireland. I look forward to your victories. sponsored investigative survey on response on this urgent matter. discrimination in the North was recently Recent developments bear out this published by the Standing Advisory Com­ Sincerely yours. From the Editor analysis, fn November, the Cleveland city mission on Human Rights. Their report council called on the Ohio State legislature acknowledged that the MacBride Principles to pass that state’s MacBride bill. New have played a constructive part in putting It is clear that the Irish Republic does not legislation has also been introduced in New MacBride Principles enjoy real sovereignty. The current Prime equality of opportunity on the political Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, Maryland and agenda, and called for reforms going far Promotion Items Available Minister, Charies Haughey, purports to be the District of Columbia. A number of states beyond the Government’s present position. • A 30 minute VHS on the Prin­ the most nationalistic of ireland's recent and cities are expected to join the list in the ciples by Oliver Kearney of the Prime Ministers, in fact, he does not con­ new year. LETTERS ARE NEEDED Northern Ireland Fair Employment trol the decisions concerning Ireland’s Trust; includes his talk, an explana­ foreign poiicy with respect to Northern Ireland’s Prime Minister, Charles Haughey MINNESOTA — It is urgent that you write tion of the Principles, and sugges­ Ireland and Britain. Perhaps he would like reaffirmed his government’s backing for the and call Senator Donald Moe, Democrat, tions as to how one can help to do so, but he lacks the ability because Principles this fall in a controversial interview Chairman of the Senate Governmental promote them. Included are quality of the “reality” of British .economic and which appeared in Irish America magazine. Operations Committee, ^Dhone # 612 brochures on the Principles $19.95. political pressure. In the interview which received front-page 296-4264. His committee is scheduled to • “Say Yes To MacBride Prin­ Mr. Haughey originally opposed both the coverage in Ireland, Haughey said that hold hearings on the MacBride Principles ciples” bumper stickers. Cost $1.00 Anglo-Irish Agreement and the recently although Irish diplomats in the US may have legislation. We are informed that he is not each (5 or more $.50 ea.). approved Anglo-Irish Extradition Treaty. lobbied against MacBride in the past, now supportive. “the diplomatic corps have no authority or Yet, in the final hour, he reneged and did To order send your check or brief to interfere in any way. This government Address: Hon. Donald Moe, Chairman, exactly what the British government money order to AlPEC, Malloy finds nothing wrong with the MacBride Prin­ Senate Governmental Operations Commit­ Building, Stony Point, NY 10980. wanted. ciples.” He also criticized John Hume for tee, 309 Capitol, St. Paul, MN 55155. We can criticize Haughey, but what good win it do? He has already demon­ strated that he does not have the will nor power to stand up to the British govern­ NEW S B ITS passing of the Offenses Against the State of the principles conducts very detailed hear­ ment. Someone or something else will amendment Bill.” (Irish Post, 11/14/87) Imple­ ings into the situation in Northern Ireland under British rule. This is partly the reason have to win justice for the Irish nation, (Continued from Page 1) mentation of the Extradition Treaty was being why the British government is so worried by perhaps the American peopie. in America met with considerable doubt and opposition (Fair Employment Trust) Executive and other until the Enniskillen bombing. Then it sail­ the amount of support for the Principles in we can develop the necessary clout simply interested groups to discuss future strategy ed through easily... The Campaign Group the U.S.” He believes that much of the by working together and reaching out to for the promotion of human rights in of Labour MP’s is calling for the first time for animosity that exists in Northern Ireland Americans of all ethnic, political and Northern Ireland. He maintained a close British withdrawal from Northern Ireland and could be reduced if job discrimination religious persuasions. personal interest in the promotion of the for Irish reunification. It is the first time it has against Catholics is tackled. (Irish Post, Many of the active American Irish MacBride Principles throughout the United adopted a policy statement on Ireland say- 12/5/87) -organizations, Tneiuding the PEC,~bave- States, The-final-peFsonaf4i0nefaee0Fde4 been reaching out to the Haughey govern­ to him in his last days was a testimonial from thern Ireland stem primarily from the ment. We interpreted Mr. Haughey as the the state legislature of Maine where a bill longstanding British occupation” (Irish Post, “leader” who would move the tiny Irish enshrining the principles in law is at present 12/5/87)... Belfast Sinn Fein councillor Alex FOR NEW SUBSCRIPTIONS nation to take a stand against the notorious under consideration. (AIN-PEC 1/16/88). Maskey was detained at Heathrow under the British coloniaiism and oppression in Boston’s first St. Patrick’s Day parade will Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA)... (he was) OR GIFT SUBSCRIPTIONS OF ireiand. We offered friendship and a wili- take place on March 17 at the Boston Com­ strip-searched, photographed and finger­ ingness to work with him and his govern­ mon. Organized by the St. Patrick’s Day printed. “I was not asked about any violent AMERICAN IRISH NEWSLEHER ment. Things have changed. Recent Committee, its purpose is to raise the con­ incident in Britain. Most of the time was events make it clear that the Irish govern­ sciousness of the American public regarding spent asking me about my family, the school Reguiariy $10.00 ment has different priorities concerning the Northern Ireland and to enhance the image I attended and my work in Belfast City Coun­ NOW ONLY $8.00 American Irish. They seek to control our of the Irish tri-color. This event is generating cil. They even offered to fix me up with a much interest and controversy. For informa­ activities and positions — yet they have salary and a pension if I worked for them tion on this major St. Patrick’s Day event call when I returned home. When I refused their To subscribe send name and address on the nothing to offer in return because of their coupon below and a check or money order for Tom Kyd (617) 868-5601 (AIN-PEC 1/88)... offer, I was served with a three-year exclu­ inability to do so. We, on our part, will con­ $8.00 to: AlPEC, Two North Liberty Drive, Stony Maine’s senator John Kerry and former sion order.” (Irish Post, 12/12/87)... From an tinue to seek a cordial relationship with Mr. Point, N.Y. 10980. governor, U.S. Congressman Joseph editorial in the Irish Times — “The truth of, Haughey and his government. We are Brennan are sponsors of a resolution security cooperation is that Britain needs the Americans — not tools of any foreign urging the State of Maine to adopt the help of the Republic more than the other way YES, please enroll Dm e □ the following name Government, nor solely the objects of fund­ MacBride Principles. Senator Kerry led a around ... There is no reason for the Anglo person for a one year subscription of the raising or tourist promotion campaigns. delegation to meet with local political Irish Agreement to threaten the constitu­ bi-monthly AMERICAN IRISH NEWSLEHER. Mr. Haughey does support the Mac- parties and business interests in tional position of Unionists in the future ... Enclosed, please find my check for $______Bride Principles and we are grateful for Northern ireiand, among them represen­ The Agreement is designed to help reduce Date ______that. But we wonder — will the British and tatives of Sinn Fein and Northern ireiand support for the IRA inside the minority com­ American governments get him to back off Secretary Tom King. (Irish Post, 1/9/88) munity.” (Irish Post, 12/12/87). Signature______on the Principles? Accompanying Senator Kerry was Shan­ Name (print) ______“The Ontario Federation of Labour Our emphasis must remain on exposing non Eaton, Maine State Director of the American Irish PEC and organizer of the adopted a resolution supporting the ‘appli­ Address ______the evil of British colonialism. We must con­ cation of the MacBride Principles to tinue to unite and move forward through Maine MacBride Campaign; and David Kerry, Congressional aide to Con­ guarantee equal access to employment for the American democratic process to all Northern Ireland workers’ Speakers for gressman Brennan. Date ______peacefully resolve “the British problem” in the resolution said it was not a sectarian Ireland. W e must concentrate our educa­ It appears that history repeats itself. “In issue, but a matter of rights to which the Signature______tional efforts on the American people. This December 1972, the Dail, with Jack Lynch then in charge, was debating the Offenses Canadian labour movement was already is where effective support for justice lies. Name (print) ______Against the State Amendment Bill — new committed. A similar resolution may be con­ The American people will be the decisive legislation aimed at curbing the IRA. Fine sidered by the Quebec Federation of Laboutf Address ______. factor on this issue. You can help us in Gael was opposing it and there was con­ (Irish News, 11/26/87) this effort by supporting our current siderable doubt as to the wisdom of it. Then Sean MacBride (recently deceased) W . 13, No. 1 mass mailing campaign promoting the some bombs exploded in the city. The stated that the MacBride Principles have Gift by:______MacBride Principles (see Urgent ... perpetrators were never identified but the gained widespread support in the U.S. ... Urgent on this page). effect was unity in the Dail and the prompt Each state that considers a Bill in support American Irish Newsletter — February/March 1988 — Page 3

“Father of American Presbyterianism” woman claimed to be the widow of The Irish in Colonial Maryland traveled in other colonies and founded other Almericus, while Gerald claimed his cousin presbyteries, but Makemie was first called had never married; and second, Gerald’s to and associated with Maryland. own father had been outlawed for being a by Margaret E. Fitzgerald, Ph.D. The Doyne family of Wexford was Member for Kingsale in James M’s Irish transported to Maryland in 1680, worked out Parliament. Gerald convinced the House to The first connection between Ireland and taking the Oaths and avoided embarrassing their freedom, and returned to Ireland. Con­ seat him as 24th Baron DeCourcy, but he Maryland appears in 1624 when English- the colony’s royal proprietor. ditions in Wexford must have been no better advanced in years with no surviving son, born George Calvert was created Baron When the ships put in at Barbados for sup­ than when they had been involuntarily brother, or uncle with male heirs. He did have Baltimore, a new Irish peerage. Having plies and repairs, some Irish, according to exiled, for, in 1680, they came again to three daughters, who, though they could not bought a North American land patent two tradition, joined the settlers. However or from Maryland as immigrants. inherit the title, hoped to break the entail for years earlier, Calvert had sent colonists to , wherever the Irish came, Maryland had Irish lack of a male heir and inherit the extensive Avalon in Newfoundland, with provisions for ’ from its foundation. The first Irish settiment A family that turned down an offer to return estates. religious freedom. appearing on extant land records was that to Ireland was that of the Courseys from For reasons more understandable to men After converting to Catholicism in 1625, of Brian Kelly in St. Mary’s County in 1635. Cork. In 1658, newly arrived siblings Henry, than women, the Baron went hunting for a Calvert and his family visited Avalon. The Kelly’s name appears a few years later in a John, William, and Catherine Coursey were male heir. Going back to the descendants problems that he saw sent him south toward court case with fellow Irishmen Baltasar granted 800 acres on the Wye River on of his great-grandfather, he found a possibi­ Jamestown in search of a more favorable Codd and Cornelius O’Sullivant. Maryland’s Eastern Shore. This estate, and lity in a second cousin . Miles, who was said climate. The Virginians wanted no part of Easily identifiable as Irish on 17th century those of several other Coursey kinsmen to have emigrated to Rhode Island fifty years newly-lrish and newly-Catholic Lord land grants, wills and judicial papers, are arriving before and after them, increased to before. He was delighted when his agents Baltimore. Although the King had exempted names like John Kelly, Richard Darcy, Hugh thousands of acres. They and most of their produced John DeCourcy, son of the his friend from the Oaths of Supremacy and O’Neile, David O’Doughorty, William Ryley, descendants spelled the name Coursey, but deceased Miles, and he invited him to Papal Abjuration, the Virginia authorities and Phillip Conner. Less identifiable by one Captain Henry spelled it Courcy. In his Ireland to be his heir. will, he asked his sons to resume DeCourcy, insisted that he take them or leave. Calvert name, but proven Irish by their own claim, Gerald’s daughters were not delighted. left. were men such as Peter Bathe, Hugh Conn, as his family had spelled it in Ireland They were dissatisfied with the agents all- because “from the respectable and public Back in England, Calvert redrew his plans Nicholas Keyn, Nicholas Keating, Samuel too-easy discovery of the distant heir; with for a colony in which Catholics and Lane, Robert Lee, Stephen Marty, John manner in which my ancestors emigrated the inaccuracies in some of the.depositions Protestants could live in peace. Both James Minnhane, Marke Pheype, Michael from Ireland, it cannot be believed that any tracing John’s lineage to the 18th Baron; with I and his son Charles I understood that the Rochford, John Walker, and George Yeedon. necessity of concealment induced them to their father’s ready acceptance of the Ports­ alter the original spelling.” Calverts were seeking a refuge for The Encrease in 1678 brought a shipload of mouth sailor; and with the failure of their persecuted Catholics, but would expect from Irish servants from Youghal, Co. Cork. The Courcys were descendants of the parent to look for other and nearer claimants. colonists. Catholics or Protestants, Irjsh or Anglo-Norman knight, John DeCourcy, who They were suspicious of one of the heroes English, the same loyalty to the crown that There were 17th century plans for a New conquered northeast Ulster in 1177 and was of the heir-search, Gerald Gibbon, their they themselves had. On this basis Ireland in Maryland, with the Northeast River made Earl of Ulster in 1181. Through father’s illegitimate son. They believed he Maryland was founded. being renamed the Shannon. A tract of 6000 marriage he aquired a large tract of land in Had plotted to set up a claimant who would The official lists of 50 passengers sailing acres was granted to Edmund O’Dwyre and southwest Cork. His son became baron of repay him after his succession. The with Leonard Calverton the Ark and the Dove 15 other Irishmen. O’Dwyre and 34 fellow- both DeCourcy and adjoining Kingsale daughters began their own search. in 1633 indicate English whenever nation­ countrymen had been transported earlier to (Kinsale). The DeCourcys soon became as After Gerald DeCourcy’s death in 1759, ality was noted. Later documents show far serve Philip Lynes. That O’Dwyre came from hibernicized as the Irish in law, marriage, John the Boatman won his case in the courts more than 50 people, the usually accepted Tipperary seems confirmed by his calling his and custom. and was seated as 25th Baron, Lord King- figure being 128, and suggest some Irish. first home plantation Fethard. Adjacent to In 1763, the daughters of the late Gerald sale, in 1762. Meantime, the daughters When Leonard Calvert applied for 5000 New Munster was New Connaught, the DeCourcy, declared that William DeCourcy received results of their search and found acres on the basis of his paying for transport 100,000 acre grant of George Talbot of of Wye River, Maryland, was the rightful heir William DeCourcy (Coursey) of Wye, of 25 able men to the province, he included Roscommon, and New Leinster, the similar to the Earldom of Kingsale and the Barony Maryland, and invited him to prove that his “Daniel an Irishman.” Others seem to be Irish grant of Brian O’Daly of Wicklow. Land of DeCourcy. Correspondence crossed the claim was superior. William would have had but surnames, when given, were frequently patentees in and around New Ireland gave ocean and William was invited to take up the to fight the already accepted successor. If poor clues to Celtic blood in the earliest the names of their native places to their plan­ claim. This was a surprise for William’s he won, he would have had to conform to the settlement of Maryland. tations: Darby Nolan at Bandon, John Lane ancestors had been far down in line and conditions that accompanied the title, one The Calverts’ plans would have met at Charleville, Robert Lynch at Dublin, Alex­ ineligible because of religion when they had being abjuration of any allegiance to the formidable opposition if they had ander Mullaney at Sligo. left Cork. However, the DeCourcys had not Catholic faith. announced that Irish would be taken either Francis Makemie, born in Donegal and been producing direct male heirs and some William declined and chose to remain in as adventurers, freemen, or servants. As it licensed as a Presbyterian minister at difficulty had arisen regarding forefeiture of Maryland, which would soon abjure all royal was, all passengers were required to take the Lagan, answered the request of Col. William the title around 1691. titles in favor of a new republic. Protestant Oaths, which most Catholics Stevens of Rehobeth, Maryland, for a In the next issue, we will look at the sons would have refused. Some Catholics minister. In 1683, Rev. Makemie founded When the 23rd Baron Almericus died in and daughters of Ireland who helped 18th awaited the Ark and the Dove at the Isle of what is credited with being the oldest conti- 1719, his cousin Gerald claimed the title. century Maryland movejoward llberty.^^ Wight and boarded therei-Thus they avoided Heret.wece.moce..difficulties,“Since,-first, a BOOKS

THE AMERICAN IRISH “Become A Part Of The Magic!” BELFAST DIARY "A Unique And Enchanting Legacy Of Irish By Various Authors DUBLINERS LIVE War As a Way of Life Culture.. A compilation of short writi ngs from the American with Paddy Reilly & Jim McCann By John Conroy STORIES FROM IRELAND Come Irish Newsletter on the exploits of the Irish in Recorded live at the National Concert Hall in For many months over the course of three years, America. This seventy page “pride-building” Alive On Video! Dublin, this video captures an evening of magic John Conroy, a Chicago journalist, lived on the booklet is filled with stories of peopie and events By Eamon Kelly and excitement with Ireland’s most celebrated folk front lines of the Northern Ireland conflict. Stay­ that for the most part, have never before been told. group (who are currently celebrating their 25th ing in a boarding house in West Belfast, Conroy Before the time of history books and photographs, It exemplifies their adventurism, courage and Anniversary together), as they are joined by two learned from his neighbors how to adjust to the throughout the Irish countryside, the traditional determination . . . it portrays the character of the of the country’s most popular ballad singers, Pad­ paranoia, claustrophobia, and everyday violence storyteller was known as THE SEANACHIE. Many average American Irish person beginning prior dy Reilly and Jim McCann. of life in the Catholic ghetto. He came to learn how of his stories were handed down from father to son, to the American revolution on up to the early 20th a brutal order was maintai ned by the IRA and the others were based on the happenings around him. century — the people who did not become Now you can experience the unique character state. In the long winter evenings he sat by the peat fire famous, but who contributed significantly to the and charisma of these talented performers all on and told his stories to those who came to hear him. BelfastDiery is a sensitive account of the private development of this great nation. one video cassette! Enjoy the subjie humor of He was a one-man theatre who embellished the motivations and personal struggles behind the The American Irish, published by the American Ronny Drew’s “McAlpine’s Fusiliers” and “Dicey old stories with tricks of speech and gesture, an Reilly” . . . the splendid heart-warming classics headlines, a book for both the novice and the Irish Awareness Committee, is unique and well artistry that captured and fired the imagination of by Paddy Reilly in “The Fields of Athenry,” “The veteran observer of Irish affairs. It offers vivid worth reading. It gets to the nitty gritty of what it his audience. Lovely Rose of Clare” and his unique rendition of portraits of the sometimes colorful, often brave means to be an American of Irish heritage and the personal “Come Back Paddy Reilly.” You’ll also people of West Belfast. explains why we share a strong sense of pride. Eamon Kelly is one of Ireland’s most respected hear Jim McCann performing the classic, “Moily Through interviews with private citizens, Recommended reading for all, it is an excellent actors and master Seanachie ... and can Malone,” “Carrickfergus,” “Four Green Fields” . . . members of paramilitary groups, and government opportunity for the young to have what we did not frequently be seen at the historic Abbey Theatre and MANY MORE! officials on both sides of the conflict, Conroy traces have as youngsters — a knowledge of what it really in Dublin. This unique entertainer can hold a the roots of the current “troubles” from their most means to be an American of Irish heritage. After 19 songs in alii . . . Become a part of the au­ modern audience as surely as did the Seanachie recent outbreak in 1969 back through centuries reading this booklet, we are certain you will ask dience and join in this special performance featur­ of old, relishes the turn of phrase and shows that of hostility. for more. ing over 1 hour 15 minutes of Ireland’s best! it is not long since the English language replaced Conroy gives his own eyewitness account of the Order # CC9 ...... $4.95 Order # CC5 (75 minutes) VHS or BETA $29.95 Irish as common speech! tensions, bitterness, and street violence that accompanied the agonizing deaths of the IRA hunger strikers in 1981. This video, filmed entirely in an authentic Irish kitchen in the farmlands of Country Kildare, John Conroy’s work has appeared in the New TO ORDER: send a check/money order and coupon below to American Irish features traditional set dancing to the music of York Times, Washington Post, Boston Globe, some of the Emerald Isle’s top musicians, Awareness Committee, Inc., Malloy Building, Stony Point, N.Y. 10980. Toronto Globe and Mail, Village Voice, and other including Tony McMahon, Kevin Glackin and Paul major newspapers and magazines in the United Quantity Order # Unit Price Amount McG rattan. States, Canada, Italy, the Netherlands, and Australia. Conroy is a staff writer for the Chicago Reader and a former Aiicia Patterson Foundation Keep the tradition of Ireland alive with Eamon fellow. Clothbound, 218 pages. Kelly on video! Order # C C 8...... $18.95 Order # CC7 (60 minutes) VHS or BETA $29.95

“Unique And Enchanting Entertainment.. A SONG FOR IRELAND .‘?uh Total Presented by Bryan Murray

N|Y Tav if Halivarad in NY.S This premier video cassette showcasing the streets of Derry. The scenes that inspired him to very best in Irish entertainment and filmed entirely write Ireland’s nationalistic anthem “The Town I Shipping $2.00 on location around the breathtaking Emerald Isle, Love So Well”. Enjoy The Fureys rendition of the is a light-hearted, informative musical journey of popuiar love song “Sweet Sixteen” ... and Mary TOTAL discovery, featuring noted artists: Phil Coulter, Black’s unforgetable interpretation of the theme Mary Black with De Danann, Foster & Allen, ‘A Song For Ireland” — as breathtaking as the The Fureysand Irish Mist. You’ll be moved both scenic cliffs where this was filmed. by these talented artists performing in beautiful Hosted by Bryan Murray, whom many will Name scenic locations around Ireland, and by the recognize as the incorrigible rogue character from Address haunting pictorial dramatizations accompanying the PBS TV series ‘T h e Irish RM” .. . the words to each song ... in a style that is now “A Song For Ireland” Is An Hour Of Music And Town St. Zip. familiar to ali as the mu&ic video. Magic You Will Treasure Forever!! Join Phil Coulter as he takes you through the Order #CC6 (52 minutes) VHS or BETA $29.95 Page 4 — American Irish Newsletter — February/March 1988

{95^^w^^^M^wXv^Xw^Xw^Xw.VAV.%v.v.VAV.^v^X^w.v.^v.v.^v.^w.^^•;v.v.^v.■Xw.^^v.vA^w.v.^^v.v.v.w.vA•^X❖ ^^^W•^W•^^^^^^^>X^^ REPRODUCE Oliver Kearney and the Price of Free Speech AND DISTRIBUTE i by Carol DeHaan, PEC, New Jersey

Before his second trip to the United States Defense ana worKed ten years, both at dismissed as “politically unacceptable.” Employed as the representative for the on behaif of the MacBride Principies of Fair Aldergrove and in London. Often promoted, For the next year, Oliver obtained nothing Northern Ireland Vintners’ Federation since Employment, Oliver Kearney’s wife asked, he rose to Personnel Managerof a large Air­ but an occasional consultant job, although 1986, Oliver learned of remarks made by "Does it have to be you?” And he replied, craft Maintenance and Engineering Unit. he applied for 120 positions. Constantly senior civil servants in the Northern Ireland “B rigid,... it has to be someone.” Needing stability of job location because informed that he was over-qualified, Oliver Office to businessmen and newsmen With just such determination, during May of a wife and new baby, Oliver served for concluded he had been blacklisted. depicting him as the “prawn cocktail prove,” 1987, Oliver Kearney, Executive Secretary of several years as Personnel Manager of the Meanwhile, the MacBride Principles were and an “armchair terrorist.” Although he has the Northern Ireland Fair Employment Trust, Northern Ireland Industrial Training Board. promulgated in 1984, because fourteen no connection with any political party, Oliver departed his home in Antrim for America to He did the same for a chemical manufactur­ years of British direct rule had failed to could see what was coming. The letter of testify about the long-term, systematic and ing company. remedy Catholic unemployment, which was dismissal, incredible to an American, state sponsored discrimination against In response to early 1970’s social unrest more than double the rate of Protestant declares that Oliver was fired because he Catholics in Northern Ireland. i in the six counties, the British government unemployment. Named for Nobel Laureate “appeared on the Spotlight Programme Such is the intensity of the man, and such formed the Housing Executive to remove Dr. Sean MacBride and also sponsored by making comments,” and “testimony... in the the force of his data, that Oliver Kearney this function from local authorities. Believ­ Protestants Dr. John Robb and Inez McCor­ Californfa legislature in regard to the triumphed over England’s finest lobbyists ing that the state was reformable, Oliver mack and Roman Catholic Father Brian MacBride Principles.” He was then refused •1 and brought the New Jersey bill to victory on became the Personnel Director of the Brady, these nine standards advocate the not only a hearing about this dismissal, but also the opportunity to appeal an un­ the first vote, the Connecticut bill to victory Housing Executive, with a staff of 45 to 50 kind of affirmative action widely accepted in after two previous defeats, and had the people. Much publicity depicted the Execu­ America. Following the 1985 visit to Belfast favorable decision. For fear of public con­ California bill retained for consideration tive as “affirmative action at work,” and Oliver by New York City Comptroller Harrison troversy, officials of the Licensed Vintners’ when its opponents thought it had been instituted modest practices of equal Goldin, who was exceedingly sympathetic Federation postponed dealing with Oliver’s killed. opportunity. to the goal of fair employment, Oliver began grievances until after they had secured passage in the British Parliament of a much And such was their rage that these oppo­ In this same period, many professionals to think that the MacBride Principles might desired Sunday opening law. The Guinness nents then conspired with his employers, the demonstrated for civil rights. Knowing first be the instrument peacefully to end oppres­ Corporation, which heavily subsidizes the Northern Ireland Vintner’s Federation, to hand the realities of discrimination, and sion in the six counties. Federation itself, owns a chain of bars within deny him a livelihood. Not satisfied with one believing that he had the right to free speech, Accordingly, he and nine others the Federation, and also exercises a controll­ massive injustice, the authorities then Oliver wrote to newspapers and to Members incorporated the Northern Ireland Fair fabricated an excuse to deprive him of the .fif Par|iamPDt- WhprL»ir»lfin1-rQpri3S.QiQti. ing interest in more than 50% of the remain- llTg fuuu privafeiy owned oars ih me hede’ra- L "uri9mpioymentT3ert6Tit>mat aft^Tiis t-ignt ' became the state response to the people’s Principles and hopefully to remedy the tion, publicly denies any complicity in these after twenty-five years’ contribution to the demands, and when internment snatched economic suffering of Catholics. After a year events. fund. Brigid and Oliver have four sons and up friends and neighbors, Oliver assisted of research, meetings and published a daughter, all students. Of this appalling human rights groups such as the Belfast reports, the Trust convinced American offi­ situation, Oliver says only that his affairs are Ironically, Oliver’s only recourse now is to Citizens’ Defense Committee to document cials of the routine discrimination against complain to the Fair Employment Agency, “in disarray,” and fails to mention that his life British Army and Royal Ulster Constabulary Catholics at British government-owned whose ineffectiveness gave rise to the has been threatened and that his home violence against civilians, especially during Shorts Brothers in Belfast, resulting in the address was published in the monthly jour­ MacBride Principles in the first place. the flight of 8,000 Nationalists from their U.S. Air Force decision to cancel contract Denied unemployment compensation and nal of the terrorist Ulster Defense Regiment. I homes. The Kearney family joined options that might have produced revenues facing an uncertain future, the Kearney What abuses would suffice to provoke one thousands of demonstrators protesting the of 300 million pounds. family continues faithfully to support Oliver’s lone man into a head-on confrontation with atrocities in Magilligan Prison and were When MacBride bills were introduced in work. a debauched system and the government violently assaulted by heavily armed British several state legislatures, Oliver willingly that supports it? troops on a beach near Derry. testified. Three trips during 1987 brought him Oliver’s first experience with bias occur­ During Oliver’s eleventh year with the to eleven states and to Washington D.C. He red when, as a young man, he was hired by Housing Executive, he began to hear com­ has been such an effective and greatly (For further information on the MacBride a Belfast clothing company. As he left the plaints from Loyalist M.R Harold McCusker admired witness to the truth of England’s Principies For Northern ireland Campaign interview, his new employer called out,” ... of hiring “too many Catholics and too many sordid record in Northern Ireland, that the write to: American Irish Political Education by the way, what is your religion?” Republigan sympathizers.” Refusing to fire British now fund an office with lobbyists Committee, Mailoy Building, Stony Point, Stung by this rejection, Oliver sought Catholics, who had been hired in proportion trying to halt the rapid advance of MacBride NY 10980 or call (914) 947-2726.) employment with the British Ministry of to the population, Oliver himself was bills.

are quaint social misfits who really are silly Jon Meyers, Kansas Offensive Situations — not to be taken seriously. No other U.S. Donald E. Lukens, Ohio ethnic group would tolerate this racism and Action Letter Doug Bereuter, Nebraska by Kevin R Murphy, PEC Massachusetts Christopher H. Smith, N.J. neither should we. by Albert Doyle Beer commercials such as “Irish I had a Although most of the recent legislative (Your address and date) (ED. NOTE: Thank you letter writers for another Schlitz,” or Budweiser’s ad that claims, success. In our last issue we informed you that in success we have had in connection with the Hon. Lee Hamilton “There is a little Irish in all of us” compound MacBride Principles has been at the state Pompano Beach, FI. the city Parks Commissioner, anti-Irish stereotypes in this nation. We Chairman, Subcommittee on Timothy Taff, when asked to permit a St. Patrick’s and local level, we should not forget that Europe and the Middle East American Irish are a proud people who have federal legislation is also pending. Our first Day Festival, responded "that one day of the year contributed far beyond our numbers to the House Foreign Affairs Committee that everyone is to become inebriated". We are aim should be to seek hearings on these pro­ greatness of America. It is high time that St. U.S. House of Representatives advised that Mr. Taff, in response to hundreds of posals - hence, this month’s Action Letter Washington, D.C. 20515 letters, has made a public apoiogy.) Patrick’s Day be respected by corporate to Congressman Lee Hamilton, head of the America. 1840’s anti-Irish stereotyping Subcommittee of the House Foreign Affairs Dear Sir: Despite being credited with winning should be relegated to history and not pro­ Committee which has jurisdiction over the As an American who wants our govern­ America’s freedom in the Revolutionary War moted by greedy greeting card manufac­ bill. It is also most helpful if residents of the and contributing in huge numbers to turers and brewers. ment to promote fair employment practices Districts of the Subcommittee members by U.S. businesses in Northern Ireland, 1 America’s defense, and social, political and We urge all of you to be careful not to pur­ write directly to their own Congressman. The cultural aspects we American Irish are still urge you to conduct hearings on H.R. 722, chase the products of those companies that members are as follows: depicted as social misfits by some sectors the Northern Ireland Fair Employment Prac- degrade our proud American Irish heritage. Lee H. Hamilton, Indiana society. In_recent weeks I received J^emembeciAUhej'equestsOtthaAmetican. ticesAct. Enactment of this legislation would k — iSTTrtfarilosrCatrfornia— ~ ------— ^ a steplrTthe direction of inding the cycle articles from readers of The American Irish Irish Political Education Committee, Robert G. Torricelli, N.J. of deprivation for the minority community in Newsletter of clearcut examples of anti-l rish American Greeting Cards discontinued Lawrence J. Smith, Florida Northern Ireland. The existing economic stereotyping. A reader from Brooklyn, NY producing offensive St. Patrick’s Day cards. Mel Levine, California sent me a copy of an editorial cartoon that We owe it to them to purchase their greeting Edward F. Feighan, Ohio apartheid there has been a feature of depicted the American Irish as violent and cards and other products for all occasions. Gary L. Ackerman, N.Y. Britain’s colonial regime for too long. Wayne Owens, Utah evil. The editorial cartoon was published by Let us support those producers who respect Sincerely, Brooklyn Papers Inc. who print several us. Please pass this information on to your Benjamin A. Gilman, N.Y. neighborhood papers in that N.Y.C. borough. family, relatives, friends, etc. One day your A reader from California sent me a copy message will stick. of a news articlq describing a rock video by SEND ALL INFORMATION ON OFFEN­ PEC OFFICE HOURS 10 AM - 2 PM E.S.T. (Monday thru Friday) the Irish band “THE POGUES” that was SIVE SITUATIONS TO KEVIN P. MURPHY, recently filmed. The video which was filmed PO BOX 8895 - KENNEDY STATION, Phone Number (914) 947-2726 for MTV (MUSIC TELEVISION) had a very BOSTON, MA 02114 Irish theme to it, but was heavily l stereotypical in depicting the Irish characters as drunks. THE POGUES are a very popular Belfast based band and have made some AMERICAN IRISH very good statements opposing British POLITICAL EDUCATION COMMITTEE FIRST-CLASS MAIL misrule in Ireland. That is why we at the Malloy Building, Suite 201 U.S. POSTAGE PAID American Irish Newsletter are surprised at Two North Liberty Drive Garnervllle, N.Y. the tone of their video. Stony Point, N.Y. 10980 Now with St. Patrick’s Day fast Permit No. 13 approaching we will again be subjected to greeting cards and commercials that depict Irish cultural attributes as consisting only of drinking and misbehavior. No other ethnic group in the United States endures this insulting stereotype. St. Patrick’s Day is meant to honor the Patron Saint of Ireland as well as the social and other cultural attri­ butes of Irish people here in America as well as elsewhere in the world. Though com­ panies like HALLMARK GREETING CARD Co. have improved thleir St. Patrick’s Day cards, much more has to be done to end this unjust stereotyping of the American Irish. Some people look at these cards and stereotypes as fun or humorous, but in reality these cards plant into the minds of many Americans that Americans of Irish heritage FIRST-CLASS MAIL