Old blog deleted. Here's the story behind the old title, "The Irish Car Bomb."
Once upon a time, I wanted to join a roller derby team. John told me that I should call myself "The Irish Car Bomb." Sounded funny and clever at the time. Then, just the other day, I watched U2's "Rattle & Hum" for the (wait for it) first time. During a low instrumental part of "Sunday Bloody Sunday" (which happens to be my favorite U2 song) Bono talks about dying for "The Revolution" and killing for "The Revolution." As a 4th generation Irish-American, it occurred to me that I have no right to raise my fist for "The Revolution." I am an American with plenty of food on my plate and the freedom to practice my religion. I don't have any business "hating" the English and lamenting over "The Troubles." Yes, the famine drove my family out of Ireland. A famine for which the British government did nothing to put food in the mouths of children and watched as people died from starvation. Over 100 years later, it's time for me to move on from the anger that isn't relevant anymore. An anger that never was relevant in my lifetime.
After "Sunday Bloody Sunday" Kelsey asked me if I hated the British. I said, "No. There is no room in my heart for hate. I hate what the British government did to the Irish, but I don't hate the British." Then the beautiful, unmistakable chords to "Pride (In the Name of Love)" rang out and she and I enjoyed the last few minutes of "Rattle & Hum."
I went to bed last night bothered by what I had originally named this blog. Clever, yes, but I can't justify it.
Coexist.
