BoysofMelody, I've obviously hit a nerve. Your family history shows that you too have ishoos with the establishment.
In Irish terms, when I talk about the sins of the father, I mean the decision makers, the land owners, the gentry, the politicians and the monarchy. Those with the clout to cause irreparable damage and devestation to the little man. And I'm under no illusion that these fat cats got their own hands dirty. No, it was little man fucking over the other little man, neither of whom had choice, or indeed saw any personal benefit from the raping of a country. Actually, from your description, the little man in your country was being fucked over too. But then, I'm aware of some of your history as I find it interesting and am happy to learn.
So, while I accept I've hit a nerve, I feel you've directed something at me that doesn't belong to me. I'm with you.
None of us get to choose our nationality or our 'positions' in life. We do, however, for the most part, get to choose our opinions. However, opinion cannot be formed without education. I feel that it is very important that generations of English people be educated on the full extent of their history. Not just the good parts. Consider it a lesson learned perhaps?
As an Irish woman, I'm not immune. Ireland's history is blood soaked. Granted, most of this is a reaction to what those English 'fathers' did. However, I'm not proud of a lot of it. In fact, I'm ashamed at some of it. In saying that, I'd rather be educated and ashamed than ignorant and proud.