When Ireland joined the EEC in the early 1970s, we were as economically weak as any of the new EU members. 20 years later, EU grants had helped build the famous "Celtic Tiger" economy. In that time, we also went from being an insular, overtly religious people to being rather more modern.
There was a time when the Catholic church had massive power here - it could topple governments, kill draft legislation it didn't like, get away with covering up child molestation and it had near total control over the schools.
At the same time, we had substantial political corruption. We're still holding tribunals to try to shed some light on some of that. To put it bluntly, roughly 1/3 of the 1990 cabinate are in jail, were in jail or should have been in jail.
Being in the EU has brought Ireland into the 21st century. I think we can do the same with many more eastern European countries. You say there's no benefit to other Europeans to have them in - you're wrong. Right now, they're a drain on EU funding. In 20 years' time though... ?
Thank you, that's quite enlightening. Yes, I meant the practice of forbidding pictures of the prophet. I've read that there are groups of Muslims who don't practice that, though they're in the minority. Do you know anything about that?
I understand and I can certainly agree for the most part. A question: what reaction do you think there would have been if the cartoons had only portrayed Mohammed in a neutral manner? (e.g. this is one of the Danish cartoons, which just shows a man with a donkey http://www.retecool.com/mirrordir/Mohammed Image Archive_files/Mohammed-drawings.jpg)
If it's no bother, that would be nice.
There was a time when the Catholic church had massive power here - it could topple governments, kill draft legislation it didn't like, get away with covering up child molestation and it had near total control over the schools.
At the same time, we had substantial political corruption. We're still holding tribunals to try to shed some light on some of that. To put it bluntly, roughly 1/3 of the 1990 cabinate are in jail, were in jail or should have been in jail.
Being in the EU has brought Ireland into the 21st century. I think we can do the same with many more eastern European countries. You say there's no benefit to other Europeans to have them in - you're wrong. Right now, they're a drain on EU funding. In 20 years' time though... ?
Thank you, that's quite enlightening. Yes, I meant the practice of forbidding pictures of the prophet. I've read that there are groups of Muslims who don't practice that, though they're in the minority. Do you know anything about that?
I understand and I can certainly agree for the most part. A question: what reaction do you think there would have been if the cartoons had only portrayed Mohammed in a neutral manner? (e.g. this is one of the Danish cartoons, which just shows a man with a donkey http://www.retecool.com/mirrordir/Mohammed Image Archive_files/Mohammed-drawings.jpg)
I could go on and on telling you stories about Mohammed that show you how great he is. If you are interested just ask and I will compile something for ya
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