Damien, this is one of the best pieces of writing I've ever read. I received an email from a FF politician asking for a number 1 vote this evening. I copied and pasted your list and sent it back to him. I hope you don't mind. I could never have written anything so comprehensive myself.
I doubt it. It was Cathal Crowe in Clare who messaged me to say that because his office helped me in the past, would I please give him my number one vote tomorrow? This was clearly sent by a secretary who has no idea who I am as Cathal Crowe never helped me. I contacted Cathal in 2021 after my cancer diagnosis had been delayed by 11 months due to covid restrictions. He replied to say that although I'd had a tough time, I should surely appreciate how many lives they had saved with lockdowns and vaccines and he would advise to get vaccinated as soon as possible. I told him that I was appalled by his insensitivity and he took great offence to that. He will probably never read your wonderful list as he does not like criticism but I will contact you if he responds. I sent my email on to friends crediting you of course, and it has received an incredible response with everyone saying that the list alone should be posted and shared on every media platform there is.
I'm doing well. No evidence of disease at the moment but because of the delay, I lost a third of my tongue, the floor of my mouth (which was replaced by tissue from my arm meaning I lost a lot of control and power from my arm), part of my jaw, a salivary gland and all the lymph nodes from my neck. I also have a lot of side effects from radiation. Had I been seen and examined properky when I went to the doctor with a tiny lump in my mouth, I would have only lost one salivary gland. It's hard not to be bitter but I'm delighted to still be here and healthy other than side effects from treatment.
The Irish government, and its counterparts in other countries, seem to have imagined (or been convinced) that they could wage war against their own people without having to face any consequences.
This kind of hubris is not unknown among elites who like to think they are 'protected' in some way. Perhaps in the past they were actually 'safe' from repercussions. But I don't think that is any longer the case.
If I were in government duing the last 4 or 5 years I'd be heading for my escape pod pronto!
These changes were attempted worldwide. Many countries are moving in the wrong direction. We dodged an authoritarian bullet (literally) in the U.S., and we will wait to see what happens here. Promises are easily forgotten… Unless people (like you) don’t keep reminding folks that rights are not a privilege. They are God-given and immutable. Thank you.
Damien, this is one of the best pieces of writing I've ever read. I received an email from a FF politician asking for a number 1 vote this evening. I copied and pasted your list and sent it back to him. I hope you don't mind. I could never have written anything so comprehensive myself.
Well I'm honoured, thank you. I wonder if they'll reply.
I doubt it. It was Cathal Crowe in Clare who messaged me to say that because his office helped me in the past, would I please give him my number one vote tomorrow? This was clearly sent by a secretary who has no idea who I am as Cathal Crowe never helped me. I contacted Cathal in 2021 after my cancer diagnosis had been delayed by 11 months due to covid restrictions. He replied to say that although I'd had a tough time, I should surely appreciate how many lives they had saved with lockdowns and vaccines and he would advise to get vaccinated as soon as possible. I told him that I was appalled by his insensitivity and he took great offence to that. He will probably never read your wonderful list as he does not like criticism but I will contact you if he responds. I sent my email on to friends crediting you of course, and it has received an incredible response with everyone saying that the list alone should be posted and shared on every media platform there is.
Good grief, he asked a cancer patient whose treatment they delayed to appreciate the mythical impacts of their measures?
And how are you doing now?
I'm doing well. No evidence of disease at the moment but because of the delay, I lost a third of my tongue, the floor of my mouth (which was replaced by tissue from my arm meaning I lost a lot of control and power from my arm), part of my jaw, a salivary gland and all the lymph nodes from my neck. I also have a lot of side effects from radiation. Had I been seen and examined properky when I went to the doctor with a tiny lump in my mouth, I would have only lost one salivary gland. It's hard not to be bitter but I'm delighted to still be here and healthy other than side effects from treatment.
Yes, great that you're here. Sorry for your hard time but well done for enduring it and surviving. I wish you the best best Rachael.
I didn't get any email from Cathal Crowe 🤷
The Irish government, and its counterparts in other countries, seem to have imagined (or been convinced) that they could wage war against their own people without having to face any consequences.
This kind of hubris is not unknown among elites who like to think they are 'protected' in some way. Perhaps in the past they were actually 'safe' from repercussions. But I don't think that is any longer the case.
If I were in government duing the last 4 or 5 years I'd be heading for my escape pod pronto!
Maybe. Although right now the 34th Dail looks like being very similar to the 33rd Dàil.
Great article Damian, nobody is really examining the effects of civil war since the two became a 'combine'.
Something made to detour to Shanaglish to visit the Loughnane brothers' grave on election day and a drink in the local pub after 🙏
More productive than the voting booth no doubt!
These changes were attempted worldwide. Many countries are moving in the wrong direction. We dodged an authoritarian bullet (literally) in the U.S., and we will wait to see what happens here. Promises are easily forgotten… Unless people (like you) don’t keep reminding folks that rights are not a privilege. They are God-given and immutable. Thank you.
Thanks man.
Well said. Thanks for this.
Hear hear, Damian!