Jude Collins

Monday 7 January 2013

A brief chat about tit-for-tatters






Q: You actually seen some of these flag demonstrators/rioters in action?

A: No, but I’ve read reports about their actions - and the response of politicians. And of course there are the telly reports. 

Q: So the media are keeping you posted on what’s happening?

A: Yep.

Q: And what to make of it.

A: Yep.

Q: Example, please.

A: Well, last night on RTÉ News there were clips of rioters pelting the cops and Tommie Gorman came on at the end with a sum-up commentary.

Q: That’s interesting. What’d he say?

A: Well I don’t recall the exact wording but I think he talked about ‘two tribes’ and about how there was a lack of sensitivity on either side. 

Q: Is that a fact. And what was your response?

A: How d’you mean?

Q: Did you accept the report in its entirety?

A: But of course. Why? Are  you suggesting someone in RTÉ is telling lies?

Q: No, no, no. It’s just I'm a bit uneasy with that part about the two tribes and the lack of sensitivity on both sides.

A:  Sure isn’t he right? One side’s as bad as the other.

Q: So assuming the two sides you refer to are the unionists/loyalists and the republicans/nationalists, they’re equally guilty of creating this particular mess?

A: Well yes. The republicans/nationalist (plus Alliance, of course) tore the flag down and the unionists/loyalists responded.

Q: So a democratic decision by Belfast City Council to fly the flag on 17 specific occasions each year, including the queen’s birthday,  is equivalent to burning cars, stoning police, issuing death threats?

A: Well, no, but...

Q: But what?

A: But -  Oh my God,  I’ve just realised I’m late for an appointment at my local Brain salon.

Q: Are you getting much done?

A: Ah no - just a brain wash and blow dry.

Q: Sounds fun. 

A: It is. And it’s so much easier than hurting your head thinking for yourself. 

9 comments:

  1. Now, now, don't be letting the facts and reality spoil the perfectly good 2 tribes sectarian patter that covers every and any occasion...

    ...or journos might actually have to start working for a living and explaining the nuances and intricacies of Norn Iron on a case by case basis - God Forbid!!!

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  2. Spot on! When will the truth be told? Even people down here are brainwashed by media (sitting on the fence) coverage and they swallow it wholesale.
    Or have we turned a page with the usually Unionist, anti-public service Indo producing a very unusual and untypical piece which will not be welcomed by some of the sheep that will read it!
    MPG .....

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  3. Thought I was the only one that had noticed = should have known better. It was a totally biased report. Shame on RTE and Tommie Gorman.

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  4. Jude
    What he actually said was that our politicians tend to look out for the interests of their own tribe first and foremost.
    Hardly controversial I would have thought.
    On the rioting the report seemed pretty unequivocal to me.

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  5. RTE is tabloid TV posing as heavyweight journalism and,as Jude's article infers, not for those with any sense of independent thought. D

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  6. I think the two tibes comments related to the fact that the loyalist protestors were attacked by republican/nationalist youths on their way home from the protest outside city hall last night.
    Never let the truth get in the way of a good rant though, eh Jude ?

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    Replies
    1. This sh*te is entirely about Unionism, their lack of leadership, their lack of vision and their insecurities - the only way they can see out is by sucking in the other side, once it evolves into a two tribes scenario, that'll be grand -no loss of face...

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  7. "I think the two tibes comments related to the fact that the loyalist protestors were attacked by republican/nationalist youths on their way home from the protest outside city hall last night.
    Never let the truth get in the way of a good rant though, eh Jude ?"

    Yeah look at when Jude posted this.. 07/01/13.. at 11.58am .
    You my friend are the one letting the truth get in the way of a good rant by refering to events that happened after this blog was posted.
    Ah but sure nothing beats a bit of whataboutery.

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  8. A broken clock is right twice a day.... Or in the case with the north every second hour...

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