bigoted neighbors
Regan grew up in Northern Ireland during the ‘troubles’ and left for London in December 1992 only to confront more bigoted Irish bombers and now thinks she has found a peaceful community in the counties where neighbors don’t care what religion you follow.
"Actually, we're atheists - not that it should matter - and we became so in our teens because of the religious bigotry around us," says Regan. "Imagine what it was like living with a raving Protestant on one side of us and a raving Catholic on the other side. Both of our neighbors hated each other and hated us even more because we were atheist!"
"Two months after confronting more bigotry in London my husband's request for a transfer to the counties came through and we moved to a nice quiet area," says Regan. "We're the only Irish family in the town and none of our neighbors care whether you're Protestant or Catholic -- what a welcome difference from our former life in Northern Ireland -- all that matters around here is that you fit in and get involved in community activities. And we do, with pleasure."
"I feel so sorry for friends who remain in Northern Ireland,” says Regan. “How can anyone live a normal peaceful life when 5,000 soldiers remain part of the community?”
"The British Army justifies a continuing presence by saying that you can’t simply walk away from 38 years of ‘troubles’ and expect an immediate change,” explains Regan, “but as I see it change will never happen as long as the British Army remains and allows the religious bigots to carry on."
"It was hell on earth growing up in a neighborhood with the British army patrolling the streets to keep the peace," says Regan. "The Afghans and Iraqis are now suffering a similar fate with the American soldiers, and may their god help them if that military campaign lasts 38 years, too."
Read more by Regan:
Irish troubles
cementing global ties
the right to live in peace
time to return to ireland?
catholics vs. protestants
Irish sectarian conflict
"Actually, we're atheists - not that it should matter - and we became so in our teens because of the religious bigotry around us," says Regan. "Imagine what it was like living with a raving Protestant on one side of us and a raving Catholic on the other side. Both of our neighbors hated each other and hated us even more because we were atheist!"
"Two months after confronting more bigotry in London my husband's request for a transfer to the counties came through and we moved to a nice quiet area," says Regan. "We're the only Irish family in the town and none of our neighbors care whether you're Protestant or Catholic -- what a welcome difference from our former life in Northern Ireland -- all that matters around here is that you fit in and get involved in community activities. And we do, with pleasure."
"I feel so sorry for friends who remain in Northern Ireland,” says Regan. “How can anyone live a normal peaceful life when 5,000 soldiers remain part of the community?”
"The British Army justifies a continuing presence by saying that you can’t simply walk away from 38 years of ‘troubles’ and expect an immediate change,” explains Regan, “but as I see it change will never happen as long as the British Army remains and allows the religious bigots to carry on."
"It was hell on earth growing up in a neighborhood with the British army patrolling the streets to keep the peace," says Regan. "The Afghans and Iraqis are now suffering a similar fate with the American soldiers, and may their god help them if that military campaign lasts 38 years, too."
Read more by Regan:
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