More rioting in Belfast last night, probably the worst to date. Loyalist youths hijacked and burnt a bus while police were attacked with petrol bombs and other missiles. Again, the majority of the rioters were youths while the ringleaders lurked in the shadows. The violence is being orchestrated by loyalist paramilitaries intent on creating social and political instability.
This morning the Northern Ireland Assembly has been recalled from its Easter break to discuss the violence. They will, no doubt, all condemn it but that’s where the consensus will unfortunately end. Our First Minister has called for the resignation of the Chief Constable while nationalist politicians blame the First Minister and her party for creating the conditions whereby the disorder has been allowed to flourish.
It’s a muddle, a mess that would take me all day to explain so I will refer you to Google if it’s a rabbit hole you want to venture down. Thankfully none of the trouble is near us and I’m working from home this week so will be nowhere near the city. It’s depressing viewing, though. Our politicians should be united and focused in leading us out of the current lockdown as opposed to squabbling over age-old sectarian divisions.
I don’t like writing about the riots. I feel there are more constructive topics I could be concentrating on. But this is my country at a the moment and I believe it’s important to accurately represent what is going on here. I like to portray Northern Ireland in a positive light and it’s a great place to live or visit. But it has its dark side as all societies do. So here it is, warts and all. Welcome to my country.
Black Thoughts 
It seems to be happening in all over the world. These are tough times we live in, my friend.
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Most definitely. Stay safe.
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I believe it to be very sad that we are seeing things like this in so many places. So much rioting, so much disagreement on cause. So much harm to society and the people individually who make it up.
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I agree. Thank you for understanding 😊
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I’ve visited Northern Ireland (I live in Indiana, USA) and it is indeed a beautiful country with good people. I’m sorry that you’re seeing so much violence right now.
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Thank you Jim. Much appreciated 👍🏻
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I appreciate this post since it is a situation that is unfamiliar to me. I am glad your family is safe.
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Thank you 😊
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This brings back bad memories. I’m praying that this ends before it takes hold for a long time.
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Thank you very much 😊
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I read about it this morning, and so glad you are safe!! ❤️
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Thank you 😊
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I’m glad you’re safe. It must be surreal. The things we see in films aren’t supposed to happen in our day-to-day. Stay safe. Blessings to your family and you.
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Thank you. Yes, thankfully none of the violence is near us.
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May God keep you and your family safe. So sorry to hear this is happening; it seems like the world is falling apart. Stay safe.
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Thank you very much Jenny 😊
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As a British woman born in England who grew up in the ‘80’s and has lived more than half my life in Ireland, I think ‘the struggles and troubles in Belfast’ has allowed me to question the world and my place in it more deeply. It may also be a reason why I empathise and care so deeply for displaced people and have great interests in human geography and migration.
Everyone I have ever met on both sides of the border (the invisible line that separates) have been nothing but kind, welcoming and genuinely interested in why I chose their island to live on. My Father is Jamaican and they’ve had their troubles, my Mother Indian, theirs too which continues on even still today.
The world is a beautiful place and we are it’s beautiful people. Standing so vehemently for beliefs, religions and values yet forgetting our neighbour is our shame.
Belfast has blossomed into a beautiful, thriving city so I pray for safety and understanding; opportunity too. 🕊
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Stay safe.
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Thank you for your honesty and speaking what is on your heart. I pray for peace, and constructive discussion where it’s needed. I am also glad you have an outlet, even if it’s not always for the uplifting things you offer just as well.
Kia kaha, my friend.
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