In Northern Ireland, the twelth of July has been a long standing day of celebration for the protestant/unionist/loyalist community. However, this is a celebration that is not without contention. In a country where political and ideological differences have resulted in a self segregated population, any celebration that promotes the pride of one community over the other is sadly sure to result in violence.
This year was no different. Despite efforts over the past few years to turn the 12th of July celebrations into a 'cross-community' affair, local parades have continued to result in violent outburst from both sides of the community.
I blame religious ideology, a sectarian political establishment and unreason. If any of these time wasters, who undoubtedly identify with one community or the other along christian lines (Roman catholic or protestant), took stock in the true meaning of the 'Golden rule' (AKA "do unto others as you would have them do unto you"), then maybe we would have a much more progressive, prosperous and peaceful society.
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On a related note of how religion and unreason make things sh*tty for the rest of us, the New Giants Causeway visitors centre includes an exhibit which "provides visitors with a fair and balanced view of how the causeway was formed". In other words, because Northern Ireland political heavyweights, such as the IDiot, Nelson McCausland believe in creationist rubbish, we'll intentionally take one of our best tourist attraction and make it a laughing stock for the rest of the world to see.
Just another reason why "I don't want to live in this country anymore".