GAY PRIDE PARADE DUBLIN 2017
Something in the air perhaps, certainly there has been a flow of positivity in the airwaves today, a refreshing surge of inspiration has been delivered to us by three men. Three men of independent thought and belief, each encouraging us to stand up and help to make necessary changes to our world for the right reasons.
The Taoiseach Leo Varadkar at the Dublin Pride Parade today, said
“ I pledge as Taoiseach to use my office, for as long as I hold it, to advance the cause of LGBT rights, to press for marriage equality across Ireland, to speak up for LGBT rights around the world where they are under attack, and to push for the implementation of the sexual health strategy here at home at a time when it is more important than ever.”
He continued, "So, I don’t really ask anyone to celebrate the fact that we have a Taoiseach who is a gay man. But rather we should celebrate the fact that we live in a free country, in a democracy where we have a Taoiseach who happens to be gay.”
- We are able to support or criticise him, based on our own beliefs and principles which, to me, is true freedom.
President of Sinn Féin Gerry Adams
Gerry Adams in Belfast, at a Sinn Féin conference, predicted a successful vote to end partition could come within a "few short years".
"We need a new approach, one which unlocks unionist opposition to a new Ireland by reminding them of their historic place here and of the positive contribution they have made to society on this island.
Instead of concentrating on the negative aspects of our four centuries of shared history I suggest that we embrace the areas of agreement and of co-operation; of good neighbourliness and the common good. A truly united Ireland will emerge from the reconciliation of the people of this island based on equality."
In England Jeremy Corbyn on The Pyramid Stage at the Glastonbury Music Festival gave his audience wise words.
Yay for hope!
ReplyDeleteYes Mitch, I had an idea that you would appreciate this blog post :-)
DeleteHi Mel - I sure hope we can stop criticising everyone and work together for a peaceful existence and understanding that we all need different views for our own lives, yet can be positive together ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteExactly Hilary ! For in recognising and accepting our differences will bring us closer together.
DeleteCouldn't agree more Heron. The sun is shining - things are really looking up - wise words are flowing - the old order is dying (thank goodness) - some cause to celebrate.
ReplyDeleteThank you Pat :-)
DeleteWise thoughts and words indeed. Greetings and best wishes!
ReplyDeleteLikewise to you Blogo :-)
Delete... not knowing is poison ... hmmm, friend Heron ... But what do you make of knowing? Just saying ... just saying ... Love, cat
ReplyDeleteHello Cat, As you are aware "knowing" is not the total answer unless that also involves making changes to our outlook and attitudes towards others.
DeleteAm surprised at your answer, friend H ... congrats ... not ... i know my daughter is gay/ queer/ trans/ whatever ... ok, a rainbow child(doesn't that sound lovely) ... She seems happy, but i am not happy with this "culture" and i will not be bullied into something i do not believe in ... all it's leaving me here as a mother is feeling guilty on what i might have done wrong with her ... i feel very strongly about this my baby girl ... I would go through fire for her if she would change into my baby girl ... ya ... anyway ... Love, cat.
DeleteOkay Cat I hear you.
DeleteTo be honest I do not believe that you have done anything wrong. Your daughters sexuality is hers, people are born to be who they are just as your sexual preferences belong to you. I think it is great that your daughter is happy in her own skin.
The people who are described today as LGBT have always been in existence and they have contributed
greatly to our history and modern world by broadening our understanding; they suffered much over the centuries in many different ways and unfortunately in parts of the world some still suffer.
On the morning after the people in Ireland voted for Marriage Equality, there was palpable feeling of freedom in the air as if a great weight had been cast aside. The realisation that all of our citizens and foreign residents were totally free to love the person of their choice.
P.S. If there are two things that I have learnt during my life that are very destructive to Love, then fear and hate are equal partners.
Delete... i do not hate and do not fear ... on the contrary, friend H ... anyway, i thank you for your time. Love, cat.
DeleteI wish that I shared your optimism.
ReplyDeleteHello Graham, thank you for the comment. Taking the first step towards change is often the hardest - I think.
DeleteYes, knowing eachother better always helps, and if you go along in a good and wise fashion, there will be no more reasons for scorn and malice. We are different, think different and we can strive to understand better, there are worse things to handle and we must work together for peace, as Hilary says. Good post, Melvyn!
ReplyDeleteThank you Solveig. I once met a very wise and learned Hindu scholar who named on his finger tips the various religions/philosophies and then pointed to the centre of his hand saying this is where they all join together (meaning the core is the same).That was a lesson that I have never forgotten even though I have forgotten his name :-(
DeleteIn the midst of chaos are the greatest opportunities.
ReplyDeleteI recognise your quote Ita, for it is accredited to Sun Tzu a Chinese General and Military Philosopher of 4th to 5th century. He used it when discussing the tactics of war. Am not sure that it is really applicable to this blog post which is about accepting the individual differences to attain Peace with Understanding.
DeleteThelma says: Amongst the bad news is the good, and we should highlight this. Corbyn and the hundreds of thousands at Glastonbury listening to him was a real boost to those who want change amongst the dreadful happenings of this week.
ReplyDeleteThank you Thelma.
DeleteThis sea of change is very exciting and has given millions hope for the first time in a long time. I really hope they keep the momentum going xxx
ReplyDeleteThe 21st century version of the Three Wise Men
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