Maybe it's because Ireland has suffered so much itself from foreign occupation and oppression that it is sensitive to issues of peace and justice. Maybe it's also part of the Irish character. The Irish are famously inimical to authority, especially when the authority is ill-used, as is usually the case. Ireland is one of the few European countries never to colonize nor occupy another.
This weekend in Ithaca, St. Patrick's Day becomes a rallying point for mass efforts for peace.
On Thursday and Friday, Cornell Cinema is showing a documentary on the Camden 28, the anti-Vietnam War activists who were acquited of criminal charges for destroying draft records in 1971. Ed McGowan, one of the defendants (and an Ithaca resident, and fiddler for the local Irish band, Traonach) will speak at the Thursday showing.
On Saturday, Karan Casey, the great Irish singer, performs a benefit concert at the State Theater for local peace groups. (See prior postings on Ithaca Blog for background and many details.) Tickets will be available at the door for $17, and in advance for $15 at Small World Music. Small World Music also has tickets available for senior and youth rates. Call 256-0428 for details.
Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog
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