THIS is what makes me Irish. So you see, I have a difficult time not raising an eyebrow at the throngs of folks who are going to "Be Irish for the Day!" simply because.... ohhhhh yes! they wear green, make a boiled dinner, quote some Irish verse or sing Danny Boy, paint their face perhaps, and most importantly! go to some "pub" to drink some Irish beer or whiskey and inevitably act like a douchebag. Because???? They are Irish for a day of course!!!! And the next day? Hungover and rambling of what they'll do next year.
That is what the DAY is for them. Never mind that fella St. Patrick - nor the spiritual celebration and feast day in his honor. I know you see pictures of him as a glorified snake charmer, however he actually was British born, forced into slavery in Ireland at the age of 16, escaped, and would go on to spend the rest of his life spreading the faith he found in his heart and for the people of Ireland. Often putting himself in danger with those that mistrusted or opposed him and his outrageous views. He is a symbol not only of Christianity but also for Ireland. But don't worry over that, and certainly do not honor the people themselves!It's about You and your Holiday, Not for the Irishman who fled a famine, for the shores of a better chance...that is if they were not first forced into slavery. Or Killed. Be sure to read about the "act for Settlement of Ireland" passed by Parliament in 1652 to fix us good. Here let me save you the trouble, read the preamble:
"Whereas the Parliament of England, after the expense of much blood and treasure for suppression of the horrid rebellion in Ireland, have by the good hand of God upon their undertakings, brought that affair to such an issue, as that a total reducement and settlement of that nation may, with God's blessing, be speedily effected..."
How nice right? Their God somehow gave them the grace and power to try to wipe us right off the map. And they did a good job, If you had ever participated in the rebellion, you were hanged & killed; and when they came for our land they also took Us and shipped us to the "colonies" for a life of servitude. Such a lovely place to settle back then, don't ya think? We Irish folk also pay homage to those before us who were lucky enough
to have survived famine (a few times over for some) and fled here through Canada in the early 1850's. Their road was
no less difficult, and the death toll no less a travesty. 
And despite all of that, you have but only glance out your window to see how they overcame. Who can't wait to run & ride down the Erie Canal??? Guess who had a large role in building it? They built your railroads, your cities, worked the coal mines. Our women were tethered in sweat shops, washer women, and literally dieing in sewing factories. We were mocked, ridiculed, beaten and we Remained. As did many many diverse people, all trying to make their way. And eventually, we did. The Irish began to assimilate into the culture - writers, actors, comedians, business owners, builders, and beyond. 2nd & 3rd generation Irishman went on to be police, fireman, teachers, doctors, high ranked public officials, and Yes. even Presidents :)
See this is who I think about when I think of all that is Ireland, and more importantly how thankful I am actually to be living it up in America. When you really know the history, it's safe to say Some of my family did not make it out alive and for those who did, even in the atrocious way they came here, their sacrifice and Fight, allows me to put on my "Kiss Me I'm Irish" shirt with true Pride. A Pride shared by ALL of us with a tale to tell. As far back as you can trace civilization, you can find those that seek to oppress and control it. And those that fought and escaped it.
We all came to be here somehow, from different heritages and different plights. I have respect for them all. And that is all I am suggesting, a little respect if you will. Along the lines of there is more to Cinco de Mayo then drinking a Margarita, or in the same way Memorial Day is not really about BBQ's., My sincere hope is that going forward when you say "WE are ALL Irish for a Day", it is not because of the color of our clothing or drink in our hand, but in sharing the Pride of being fighters. survivors! But only if you are Irish can you say the also the Best at everything you do wink wink wink....(boastful little things we are too, but you should have already known that.)
ERIN GO BRAGH
