THIS IS THE day when the whole country tries to turn Irish at once.
Everywhere you go, it’s quite easy being green. People wear green shirts, or sport green buttons, or even drink green beer. Oh, yes, there’s a vague memory of some man named Patrick who threw the snakes out of Ireland (would he mind visiting Washington?) but the holiday’s really gotten away from him. It’s more about being Irish, or wanting to be Irish, or celebrating the Irish in every way possible.
And when you look at our nation’s history, that’s something of a miracle.
For a long time, the Irish were one of the most despised minorities in America. The enmity really came after 1845, when the Great Potato Famine pushed nearly a million Irish immigrants to try their luck in the United States, only to find how unwelcome they were.
They were mostly poor, mostly uneducated. Many Americans in the mainstream mocked their accents, distrusted their religion and warned that “those people” were really just drunken, violent troublemakers. “No dogs or Irishmen” was a common sign in many windows and work could be impossible to find.
What changed things? Partly familiarity. Partly the fact that Irishmen showed such conspicuous patriotism during the Civil War, particularly the 69th New York, known as the “Irish Brigade.” But mostly it was the fact that the Irish began to realize their numbers and to organize. Over time, they became a core of political life in America. By the end of the 20th century, two of America’s most popular presidents were of Irish descent — John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan.
It’s an inspiring story. And it’s one that other groups can take to heart. Today’s hated minority can be tomorrow’s indispensable voter. But only by working together.
It won’t be easy. But with persistence, it can create a force that will leave the rest of the nation green with envy.
Phil_Dillon (anonymous) says...
It's been said of the Irish that we often start in the boiler room and make our way to the board room.
I'm proud to trace my ancestry to County Meath in central Ireland. There it's know as "Dillon's Country."
Another interesting fact. The Irish were the ones who helped Lincon win his first presidential term. In return for votes he promised the Irish a parochial school system. We can see the results today in schools like Bishop Miege in Kansas City. It can also be seen in great universities like Notre Dame or Boston College.
The Irish themselves have overcome many obstacles to achive the success they now enjoy. A generation ago Ireland was mired in poverty and political division. Today, thanks to the highly educated workforce and a move toward reconciliation, there is an economic and cultural revival going on all across the Emerald Isle.
And, to think all it took was driving a few snakes out. Seems like a good model for Washington D.C. or Emporia, Kansas, for that matter.
Happy St Patrick's Day, Rochat. Hoist a glass of green beer and enjoy being Irish today!
March 17, 2007 at 12:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )