Posted: Oct 11, 2008, 5:44 PM CST
phoenix wrote:The Peace Lines are a series of separation barriers ranging in length from a few hundred yards to over three miles (5 km), separating Catholic and Protestant neighbourhoods in Belfast, Derry and elsewhere in Northern Ireland. The stated purpose of the barriers is to minimize intercommunal sectarian violence between Protestants and Catholics.
The barriers themselves consist of iron, brick, and steel walls up to 25 feet (7.6 m) high, topped with metal netting. Some have gates in them occasionally manned by police, which allow passage by day, and which are closed at nightThe first barriers were constructed in the early 1970s, following the outbreak of "The Troubles". Originally few in number, they have multiplied over the years, from 18 in the early 1990s to 40 today; in total they stretch over 13 miles (21 km). Most are located in Belfast.
Belfast’s partitions have outlived the Berlin Wall. While the Berlin Wall came down after 28 years, Belfast’s continue to stand, and there is little likelihood, at present, of them being demolished.
Being one who sufferred at the hands of the "peaceniks" during and after the Vietnam war, I have little tolerance for theose who claim to espouse the aim of stopping a war or warlike situation. So often they target and damage the wrong people. There are thousands of Vietnam vets both here and in the US who would be in much better condition if we had not had to endure the betrayal and scorn of our countrymen. Hanoi Jane Fonda is one of the most famous examples. I am sure her motives were honourable, but her methods cost veterans and generated a hate for her that persists today.
MORE LOVE, FRIENDSHIP AND UNDERSTANDING.
LESS LISTENING TO MINORITIES.
RESPECT FOR FELLOW HUMANS FROM ALL
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