I live in Ireland - we have extremely close links with the US and have a lot to thank them for in terms of their contribution (Bill Clinton in particular) to our own peace process. We were all shocked and saddend by the terrorist attacks last week - we held a natioal day of mourning - all businesses closed and people reflected on the events. I went to the american embassy along with thousands of other people to pay our respects. Our fire fighters - my boyfriend among them - marched to the embassy to make a special presentation to the NYFD. It was a very emotional day.

But there are things we need to remember.

One of the things that feeds terrorism is rhetoric - rhetoric from both sides - it keeps people from looking at the issues and concentrates their mind on each sides "moral high ground", and it prevents inclusive dialogue. One thing we should never forget is that one man's terrorist is another's freedom fighter. If it weren't for the actions of terrorists in Ireland at the turn of the century we would not have a free state now and if the IRA didn't scare the UK into talking we wouldn't have a devolved government in the north now.

I think America is a wonderful country and as M45's post says a wonderful idea. However it is important to look beyond that sort of rhetoric and look at the actual actions and implications of the US foreign policy in the middle last in the last few years and I'll say no more than that. He who is without sin and all that.....

Anyway - we're all in this together. Long live America - but long live the rest of us too - fair is fair.