Ronald Reagan was honored with a
week long memorial of his life, culminating with a
State funeral in Washington D.C. Thousands of Americans
walked by his draped coffin and foreign leaders around
the world paid their respects. Reagan's many achievements
were brought to life with television and newspapers
continuing to fuel the media blitz.
However, with all his sucesses in
the arena of world politick, Reagan`s failure to grasp
the Irish troubles and stand up for Ireland and Irish
interests was a complete and total debacle and stands
out for failure, as he had no Irish policy. Reagan
exploited his Irish roots by wrapping himself in the
flag of Erin during elections and downing a few green
beers on St. Patrick's Day.
Ever the actor, when votes were needed
he was glad to don the brogue of the Irish and never
missed the good photo op. But reality was, Reagan
turned a blind eye to the Irish troubles and swallowed
hook line and sinker the Irish policy spoon fed to
him by “Lady” Thatcher in her continuing
the murderous colonial occupation of Ireland. Reagan
and Thatcher, the dynamic duo for world freedom made
sure the chains that bind Ireland were tightened link
by link. Reagan loved the pomp and royalty and was
enamored with the grandisment of his friendship with
Maggie the Butcher.
In Reagan`s first year in office,
1981, Irish Republicans knew they had no friend in
Reagan. While I was a college student back in 1981,
I watched with disbelief and anger, as Reagan did
not lift a finger to stave off the deaths of the 10
Irish Freedom Fighters during the Hunger Strikes at
Long Kesh. One by one the H-Block Martyrs gave their
lives for the recognition of being classified as political
prisoners in the fight for Irish freedom and National
Liberation.
The Brits were the masters at double-dealing
and tried every dirty trick they could to spread misinformation
as to what was happening during the death fasts. Reagan
championed for freedom around the globe and the spread
of American style Capitalist/Democracy (explotation
of the working class), but would not use his power
and the full weight of the U.S. government to end
the murderous policy of the Brits towards the Hunger
Strikers.
When pressed, Reagan gave the standard
Brit pat answers concerning the ongoing Hunger Strikes.
A total do nothing attitude! Maggie with the “
Butchers Apron” (Brit flag) wrapped around her
waist continued the murdering of Irish citizens as
Reagan stood idly by.
So, as we remember the Reagan legacy,
both good and bad, this Irish Republican will never
forget the days of 81 when the Reagan administration
turned its back on the Irish Freedom Fighters. The
shame remains. To see the figure of weak Thatcher
walk up to the Reagan coffin was ironic in that now
old and weak her policies on Ireland has only strengthened
Irish Republican resolve to break the chains of Brit
bondage. The Reagan hypocrisy was exposed later as
he sold guns to Iran to gain hostages's freedom and
used the profits to fund Freedom Fighters in Central
America. Yet, there would be no freedom for the Irish.
