54 Comments

• olovely | May 20, 2011, 04:49 PM EDT

  edmicca, you thundering oaf, gay couples were around during every age of this planet and let's just say your understanding is impaired.

• edmicca | Apr 25, 2011, 09:17 AM EDT

  So-called gay couples ought to be glad they weren't around during the first years of this nation. Let's just say such an arrangement wouldn't have flown with the colonists. In the USA there are more women than men, something like 52% to 48%. I guess that qualifies men as a minority group.

• edmicca | Apr 25, 2011, 09:11 AM EDT

  Allentown, I'll ask you again - let's hear all about Christian brutality during the Inquisition.

• hancock | Apr 23, 2011, 07:03 PM EDT

  No.

• allentown | Apr 21, 2011, 10:33 PM EDT

  Edmicca, either I write poorly, or reading comprehension wasn't one of your better courses.

• hollabackgurl | Apr 21, 2011, 03:42 PM EDT

  The best way to argue your point of view is to be as condescending as possible. It demonstrates that you have a superior grasp of the issue at hand and it dazzles your supporters and opponents. The whole world wide web loves drive by anonymous abuse. Telling a person they're stupid is a much better way to defend your views than - you know - debating them.

• edmicca | Apr 21, 2011, 03:41 PM EDT

  allentown... let's hear you pontificate on the Inquisition. Odds are very good that anyone who trots out the Inquisition in order to mock the Church doesn't know what the hell he is talking about. I bet off the top of your head you can't talk more than 11 seconds on the Inquisition, and the one or two statements you manage to squeak out will be false.

• elektros | Apr 21, 2011, 02:46 PM EDT

  Open immigration to the US ended in 1840, so the inscription ceased to be true at that point, no matter whatever else anyone says. It is also true that the 1st amendment separates church and state, period. It does appear that the GOP have spread a false narrative to the contrary. Is any of that anti-American? No, because last time I checked the Democrats were Americans too.

• DanCinTX | Apr 21, 2011, 02:19 PM EDT

  FYI O'D - "In 2010, the total number of persons naturalizing was 619,913" . 600K is slamming the door? Are you a real estate developer, home builder or some other type of gravy sucker that just can't get enough of cheap illegal labor? Give me a break. http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/statistics/publications/natz_fr_2010.pdf

• hancock | Apr 21, 2011, 01:51 PM EDT

  Go back to Ireland you whiner.

• allentown | Apr 21, 2011, 01:51 PM EDT

  Cahir, your article is an aberration to mask the brutality of a religion that has now only caught up with the Christian behavior of the Inquisition.

• casualMBA | Apr 21, 2011, 01:31 PM EDT

  Glad to see, Cahir, the column has the skewer it deserves. May I exercise my "liberty to exclude" enough to "exclude" the(your) LEAP FROM perceptions (and essence)of an America founded by Christians tolerant of pluralist beliefs TO an America dismantling its past, its sacrifices, its initiatives and, instead, extolling its intolerance? I choose to "exclude" such a leap. Has Silicon Valley been working America's "Exclusivity"? Must the Exchange of Ideas and Communication always, or also, include Bodies (i.e., and e.g., Inundating Immigrants?)

• carlow98 | Apr 21, 2011, 12:09 PM EDT

  Cahir, in reading some of the other comments regarding your story, you apparently were not born in the U.S. It is obvious from your comments that you were either a)not educated in the U.S. or b) studied progressive revisionist history. I suggest to you that before writing anything else regarding U.S. history, you get yourself a general U.S. history book, printed before 1980; and take a good read.

• bigjoe226 | Apr 21, 2011, 10:01 AM EDT

  if it would help to keep the ILLEGAL immigrants out, I'd be all for it. I didn't realize that only Republicans wanted immmigration laws enforced.

• seagreen | Apr 21, 2011, 12:21 AM EDT

  The Statue of Liberty should have been dismantled or blown up years ago. It has just become a lightening rod for every one that is bailing out of the places that have failed them. We have enough problems. WE have full cemetary's of 19 and 20 yr olds , acres of house trailers,half a population with bad teeth,and 9 million that cannot make living. You should have shown up fifty years ago. save your wise ass second guessing, and give Brazil a try...

• jamieLM | Apr 20, 2011, 09:43 PM EDT

  Is there anything about America that you like? You're always criticizing everything about it. It gets old. Is there any country in the world besides the U.S. that has problems with immigration (legal or illegal)? I guess not - only the big, bad U.S. Maybe you should find the perfect country, one that doesn't have any immigration problems, and move there.

• vincem13 | Apr 20, 2011, 09:13 PM EDT

  Dear Comrade Cahir: The Statue of Liberty is in the shadow of Ellis Island, where over 12 million LEGAL immigrants took Lady Liberty up on her offer. The U.S. still welcomes legal immigrants, comrade. Why don't you ask the Russians if they'd like to dismantle Lenin's statue in Red Square while you're at it?

• ellenfromcork | Apr 20, 2011, 07:55 PM EDT

  Well Cahir, as a piece of that "wretched refuse", I must say you've given us something to think about.

• jacke47 | Apr 20, 2011, 07:49 PM EDT

  Well C O'D. You've certainly messed up this one. The US was founded by Christians fleeing religious persecution. They brought their beliefs with them. We are a nation of Christians-not a Christian nation. The Constitution allows for freedom of EXPRESSION of all religions. Where did you get your skewed stats? Wikileaks??? Duhhh??

• hollabackgurl | Apr 20, 2011, 07:22 PM EDT

  Anyone who's bothered to look at US immigration laws knows you have more chance of winning the Megamillions jackpot than winning a green card nowadays. There's just no disputing that. Conservatives know you can't come here legally and they want to make damn sure you can't come illegally too. In that sense the Golden Door is truly wedged shut. And in that sense we're excluding immigrants. And everyone knows it. So have a look at yourselves in the mirror.

• Pittsburghkid | Apr 20, 2011, 07:12 PM EDT

  Maybe were should just add a sentence. Keep your criminals. Anyone who enters the United States Illegaly is a Criminal Alien. You act so smug. Wait until the Muslims come in and take over Ireland. You will be begging for the British to return. After reading this blog, now I know why not one of my forefather ever returned to Ireland.

• Kyleykeaton | Apr 20, 2011, 07:02 PM EDT

  Not all Christians are white bigots.

• seanomelbourne | Apr 20, 2011, 06:32 PM EDT

  Attacking the writer and not content gives credence to Mr. O'Doherty's article.

• cpcpcp1 | Apr 20, 2011, 06:27 PM EDT

  It's a pity that you don't know the difference in legal and illegal. Get a good dictionary and look the words up.

• bridget55 | Apr 20, 2011, 06:22 PM EDT

  Wow, you white Christian bigots. I can't wait until 2050 when this nation will be more than 50% non white and your Last Hurrah of desparate and hateful tirades has faded into history. Enjoy your last moments.

• Tisovertheglen | Apr 20, 2011, 06:22 PM EDT

  A few days in Libya might awaken the fellow from his Manhattan muffins and whines about a 'tea party'.

• Kyleykeaton | Apr 20, 2011, 05:48 PM EDT

  Being a Chrisitian, an American with Irish roots, a supporter of equality for all people and not one ounce of political knowledge, I think the points he tries to make are ridiculous. America is greedy and suspicious but it is still the home of the brave and free. I just pray for a brighter future for the world. Though I have to admit that a statue with a Bible in one hand and a sword in the other sounds pretty cool. Maybe have the sword on fire, too. Douche.

• DannyBoyG | Apr 20, 2011, 05:31 PM EDT

  The USA has become a very sad, angry and divided nation. It's future...scary.

• TomFitz | Apr 20, 2011, 04:28 PM EDT

  Well Mr. Cahir O'Doherty judging from your statements you are not happy here.. So why don't you do us all a favor and LEAVE, Amadán. Pick up your prayer rug and go to a non-Christian country since this bothers you so much you eejit.

• Gaelicpiper | Apr 20, 2011, 03:13 PM EDT

  O'Doherty is an example of a propagandist. He mixes bits of fact, with lies, in an attempt to inflame the emotions of a minority; this, to affect a political goal. In this case, O'Doherty attempts to prey upon the the emotions of 50 thousand Irish, whom have entered this Nation illegally, and their supporters. His efforts continue to be sophomoric and not worthy of Irish Central. He continues to demonstrate his complete lack of knowledge of the Constitution, and laws of those county; as well as, it's history.

• 71regiment | Apr 20, 2011, 02:04 PM EDT

  I think that Cahir O'Doherty needs to check his history, especially when Bobbie & Ted Kennedy and their fellow Dems revamped the Immigration Laws and the then existing quota system. Ever since then the Irish who want to come here legally, can't. They adapted, they assimulated, they become Americans. Unfortunatly many who now come from lands in the Middle East do not. Our founding fathers where Christians, but our Constitution prohibts our government from etablishing a Government Church/Religion, unlike many countries elsewhere. Cahir throws remarks against the Republican Party as if they are the bad guys. Perhpas he has forgotten where the Democratic Party was 150 years ago this month( April 1861) and its staunch support of slavery. Neither party is without sin, maybe that is why so many American citizens rally behind that group called the "Tea Party".

• walkingmiracle | Apr 20, 2011, 01:48 PM EDT

  Well the least we could do is give her a "No Vacency" sign?

• edmicca | Apr 20, 2011, 01:47 PM EDT

  RinehartS - Yes, 1st amendment. I stand corrected. I'm new to Irish Central online but already from reading Cahir O'Doherty's pieces on other topics I'm impressed by the breadth of his ignorance.

• olovely | Apr 20, 2011, 01:30 PM EDT

  I can't refute a single claim the writer has made here, neither can anyone else so they'll try and make the writer the story, and not what he wrote. It's brave to speak your mind these days, I admire anyone who does.

• jflanagan | Apr 20, 2011, 12:40 PM EDT

  We are not excluding immigrants. Only those who break the law and come here illegally. I think we should open a myriad of Ellis Island type intake areas and be able to give out many, many more Visas to those wishing to come and be part of our legal society. Just like my Grandfather, Father-in-law, Uncles and Aunts came here legally I would like to know who comes here, what diseases they may be carrying and do they have serious criminal records. Is that too much to ask before we put our families at risk. It is people like Mr. O'Doherty here who allow failed policies of President Reagan, Bush and now Obama to prevail and no real immigration improvement ever happens. If you stop crying about injustice, like this most generous of nations is evil and uncaring, maybe something real will be accomplished. No, that wouldn't give you a reason to write about the evil empire. Keep the failed policies in place so you can continue to write dribble and ignorant articles.

• feliciamaisey | Apr 20, 2011, 12:35 PM EDT

  This article is the epitome of ignorant ramblings. The Statue of Liberty is a staple in United States history. She stands for something far greater than the failings of government (at one time the US Government blocked immigrants from coming in through both Ellis Island and Angel Island)or the rude and often erroneous assumptions of the masses. When one sees her, hope comes to mind. My ancestors came to this country and made lives here;it was brutal, but they persevered, acclimated and stayed on forever challenging and shaping the culture here through their daily actions. That is what Lady Liberty welcomes, that is what the statue of Liberty stands for--a chance to hope, to challenge, to become someone, something more....For those that do not get the privilege of being accepted into the country, it is the same when Americans fail to be granted life access in Ireland, or anywhere else. It is not fair, and it becomes too easy to think of oneself as being profiled. So far as dismantling a beacon in our historical fabric--try it and watch the angry masses revolt.

• clonmel21 | Apr 20, 2011, 11:58 AM EDT

  HEY OLBIGJIM, why don't you just keep them and you pay for their free existence which is what they are looking for anyway.

• bluesman | Apr 20, 2011, 11:51 AM EDT

  No problem, get an armenian passport. Plus you get a bmw or mercedez, a cigarette store or water store. Can never have enough of these. Plus all the aid possible that an american citizen doesn't know exists or would be told do not qualify. Throw that LEGAL crap out the door!!!

• jamthecat | Apr 20, 2011, 11:50 AM EDT

  Amen.

• Duggins | Apr 20, 2011, 11:47 AM EDT

  This writer is an idiot!!!! When the Statue was given to the United States, we accepted legal immigrants just as we do today. The problem the U.S. has today is too many illegals crossing our unprotected Boarders many are drug dealers and killers. Don't confuse the issues.

• olbigjim | Apr 20, 2011, 11:41 AM EDT

  I'm sick to death of people like Skibberrean and Deidra47 singing the LEGAL, LEGAL, LEGAL entry chorus.I have personal knowledge and experience attempting to help my friend enter the US "legally". More than ten years we petitioned the government for legal entry. Each time it was a cold slap to the face and another "Rejected" stamp in his passport. This scenario has been played out time and time again with him and at least 25 other of my friends who have attempted to immigrate. The problem? They all are Arab males between the ages of 15 and 45, and according to the US government this automatically places them in the "terrorist" or "potential terrorist" category. Each of them has been investigated by the intelligence department, police department and God only knows who else in order to ascertain they are who and what they say they are. No matter, they still "might be" terrorists. All they ask is the opportunity to do what your and my immigrant ancestors did; make a better life for themselves. Take down the Statue of Liberty? By all means, let's do it. The US has become an exclusionary, xenophobic society and I see no end in sight. I've given up on the US. I've no hope left for her. I miss living in the land of my birth, but not enough to go back and become part of their hateful, lying, thieving society. By the way, when the country has completely fallen, as it surely will, who do you think will mourn her passing?

• macausheen | Apr 20, 2011, 11:29 AM EDT

  Despite all the fine talk about finding freedom in America, it has never been true. Immigrants have always been given a hard time. Just ask any Irishman looking for employment and finding a sign that says 'No Irish Need Apply'. Or, just ask any Negro slave. All the bad stereotypes of any ethnic group were conceived by Americans who were here first. The problem today is that the country seems to be getting overrun by illegal immigrants. The economy is going to hell and people are seeking a scapegoat. Heil Hitler. Leave the Statue of Liberty where it is. It still a beautiful sight and still stands for what American strives to be. That ideal is under attack from without and within and I hope we win the battle.

• sirpeter | Apr 20, 2011, 11:21 AM EDT

  Wow!! This site is one hell of a sh*t stirrer.To use the Statue of Liberty as a way of making Americans feel guilty about who they leave into their country is pretty low. The free movement of people only serve the rich to drive down labour costs and incomes anyway.

• cillowen | Apr 20, 2011, 11:17 AM EDT

  give us your tired - no way jose - funny how the tune changed.

• Deidra47 | Apr 20, 2011, 11:11 AM EDT

  When you come here legally as my Irish/Scottish/English/German fore fathers did, then the words of that Lady of Liberty holds true. I think the Irish are learning the hard way what happens when you have open borders.

• ochshane | Apr 20, 2011, 11:06 AM EDT

  Well Cahir, you and Niall must not be on speaking terms on this subject.It was your Liberal buddies in the Democrat party that are responsible for all of this with their legislation in 1965.Check into it before you continue to make a fool of yourself.

• Skibberrean | Apr 20, 2011, 10:52 AM EDT

  You are a fool O'Doherty, My Irish ancestors on both sides came here legally and worked hard as Policeman and Fireman. LEGAL,LEGAL,LEGAL, enter the country LEGALLY and you will be WELCOME in THE LAND OF THE FREE AND THE HOME OF THE BRAVE. You sound like a Bill Ayers graduate and an Obama follower. People of your kind need to get their heads out of the sand!!

• clonmel21 | Apr 20, 2011, 10:46 AM EDT

  You're an idiot

• RinehartS | Apr 20, 2011, 10:18 AM EDT

  Dear edmicca... an example for you of this unconstitutional idea... http://www.wsmv.com/politics/26965307/detail.html

• 1661996usmc | Apr 20, 2011, 10:18 AM EDT

  The "Teabagging Ankle Biters" would like to have a sign that says "No Non-Christians need apply" on the "Golden Door".

• ciarrai | Apr 20, 2011, 10:16 AM EDT

  Freedom's just another word for nothing left to lose.

• RinehartS | Apr 20, 2011, 10:16 AM EDT

  Dear edmicca, i'm guessing you mean the 1st amendment, though I suppose holding a gun to someone would keep most anything from moving in a direction you don't like/want. And when we are currently looking at several state governments trying to ban anyone from being a Muslim (which is a religion, NOT a form of terrorism), i'd say that works directly against the first amendment (as you said, keeping government out of religion and not the other way around). But that's just my opinion.

• colkelley | Apr 20, 2011, 10:04 AM EDT

  The key word is LEGAL immigration. Those who entered previously entered under the laws governing immigration (nations actually have laws, Cahir) and came her to become Americans, learn our language, and share our culture. The new wave of illegals - not all, but the majority of them - come here to speak their own language (and demand that we learn it to communicate with them) and live in enclaves of their own culture. You are comparing apples and oranges with the close confines of your limited intellectual capacity.

• edmicca | Apr 20, 2011, 09:39 AM EDT

  Who's excluded? The Founders and first inhabitants of this land were overwhelmingly Christian and built a country based on Judeo-Christian principles, the moral law which they knew was superior to civil law. Religion wasn't forced on anyone. True, there was no national religion but there were state religions such as in Pennsylvania, which no one was obliged to join. The intent of the 2nd amendment was to keep the govt out of religion, not to keep religion out of govt.