Rhapsodizing in a Dundalk pub over a distant relative who had played for Ireland against New Zealand, President Joe Biden declared: “He was a hell of a rugby player. He beat the hell out of the All Blacks.”
That, at least, was how the White House reported his remarks. What the president actually said was, “He beat the hell out of the Black and Tans.” The Black and Tans were not a rugby team but an auxiliary police force, largely made up of demobilized soldiers, many of them brutalized by their experience in the trenches. The Black and Tans fought an ugly war against Irish republican militiamen after 1920.Biden’s Irish hosts went along with the gaffe.
Part of American Irishness is an exaggerated grievance against Britain. When Biden was first elected, a BBC journalist asked him for a comment. “I’m Irish,” replied the president-elect, as though this were reason enough not to talk to the British broadcaster. I honestly can’t think of anyone in Ireland who would say that, seriously or in jest. The BBC is widely watched on both sides of the border, and Irish politicians, including those from Sinn Fein, appear on it regularly.
What makes Irish America different? The obvious answer is that many Irish people settled in the United States after 1845, refugees from the Famine. That catastrophe also drove many to emigrate to England and Scotland, but those who were most hostile to the Crown were prepared to make the longer journey — partly, according to historians, because they were more likely to owe back taxes.
Victimhood means defining Ireland as a former British colony. But it is striking that almost no theorists of colonialism at the time, including Vladimir Lenin, put it in that category. During the heyday of the British Empire, Ireland was part of the United Kingdom, with representation at Westminster.
Deutschland Neuesten Nachrichten, Deutschland Schlagzeilen
Similar News:Sie können auch ähnliche Nachrichten wie diese lesen, die wir aus anderen Nachrichtenquellen gesammelt haben.
Hunter Biden and Associates Sought Irish Investments in 2011Hunter Biden and his family’s business associates sought to invest in Irish businesses while President Joe Biden was vice president in 2011.
Weiterlesen »
President Biden Tells Irish Crowd to 'Lick the World' During Int'l TripJoe Biden told the people of Ireland to 'lick the world,' but he clearly misspoke ... even though his remarks made it into the White House transcript.
Weiterlesen »
Mark Sheehan, guitarist of Irish band The Script, dies at 46In a statement, The Script called him a 'much loved husband, father, brother, band mate and friend.'
Weiterlesen »
Mark Sheehan, guitarist for Irish rock band The Script, dies at 46The Script called Sheehan a “much loved husband, father, brother, band mate and friend.'
Weiterlesen »
Mark Sheehan, guitarist of Irish band The Script, dies at 46In a statement, The Script called him a 'much loved husband, father, brother, band mate and friend.'
Weiterlesen »
Guitarist Mark Sheehan of Irish band The Script dies at 46Ireland’s president has led tributes to Mark Sheehan of Irish rock band The Script after the guitarist's death at age 46.
Weiterlesen »