Sir, I am saddened and discouraged by the total absence of even a vestige of Christian values in the increasingly threatening Orange marches/nationalist areas debate.
Neither of the contending parties would appear ever to have heard of such sayings as, "Whoever forces thee to go for one mile, go with him two or, "To him who asks of you, give. . ." If a bloodbath is to be avoided somebody has to yield a little.
Perhaps the opposing parties should reflect (and bring their sense of humour to the exercise!) on the oft-told story of the two French generals. Each claimed precedence in a forthcoming official function, citing his seniority, war decorations, etc. Neither would cede his right to take precedence. Eventually they appealed to a mutual friend. a holy old man, for a solution. After weighing up their arguments he stated: "You both have equal rights in this matter - but let he who is the true gentleman yield to the other."
For "true gentleman", read "true Christian". - Yours, etc.,
Kilcullen,
Co Kildare.