DO NOT BE DISTRACTED
Do not be distracted
Last week, upon the discovery of vandalism at the Garden of Remembrance, media crews arrived from all over Ireland to report on this disgraceful incident. There was the natural out-pouring of anger and the incident was roundly condemned. However, with the focus so intensely on this act of wanton abuse of an important local emotional landmark, it is not inconceivable that those behind the act were rubbing their hands with glee at such publicity for their deeds.
This was a contemptible act on the part of people who have nothing to contribute to our society, but who we continue to tolerate because the people of Omagh are that bit more charitable. We all know that those responsible have failed to attract attention for any credible human endeavour and seek to attract attention by destruction.
The destruction at the memorial garden and other recent acts of vandalism are indicative of a rising culture of contempt for whole community. That culture is linked to drug-taking and the break-down of law and order. Indeed, in some estates in the town the law of the gang prevails whilst ordinary people hide behind closed doors.
The people who desecrated the memorial to those who died in horrific circumstances, have shown utter contempt for the feelings of the people bereaved and injured in the Omagh bomb by their actions, they have reduced themselves to the level of the beast and so must be treated as such.
However, we must not be so caught up in the scorn for the vandals that we lose sight of the fact that where it not for the Real IRA atrocity, there would be no need for a Garden of Remembrance.
Whilst people are angry about the vandalism, it remains a fact there are still those, perhaps even in our own town, who know those who were responsible for that slaughter. They must know which is the greater offence against humanity by a massive stretch.
However, even this late in the day, when the deceased are buried, the maimed are learning to live with their disabilities, and the bereaved try to find reasons to go on, those responsible have not had the honour to confess to this slaughter of people and accept the justice of the Irish people. Those who know the perpetrators and those who perpetrated the atrocity must never be allowed to escape amid other distractions.
Last week, upon the discovery of vandalism at the Garden of Remembrance, media crews arrived from all over Ireland to report on this disgraceful incident. There was the natural out-pouring of anger and the incident was roundly condemned. However, with the focus so intensely on this act of wanton abuse of an important local emotional landmark, it is not inconceivable that those behind the act were rubbing their hands with glee at such publicity for their deeds.
This was a contemptible act on the part of people who have nothing to contribute to our society, but who we continue to tolerate because the people of Omagh are that bit more charitable. We all know that those responsible have failed to attract attention for any credible human endeavour and seek to attract attention by destruction.
The destruction at the memorial garden and other recent acts of vandalism are indicative of a rising culture of contempt for whole community. That culture is linked to drug-taking and the break-down of law and order. Indeed, in some estates in the town the law of the gang prevails whilst ordinary people hide behind closed doors.
The people who desecrated the memorial to those who died in horrific circumstances, have shown utter contempt for the feelings of the people bereaved and injured in the Omagh bomb by their actions, they have reduced themselves to the level of the beast and so must be treated as such.
However, we must not be so caught up in the scorn for the vandals that we lose sight of the fact that where it not for the Real IRA atrocity, there would be no need for a Garden of Remembrance.
Whilst people are angry about the vandalism, it remains a fact there are still those, perhaps even in our own town, who know those who were responsible for that slaughter. They must know which is the greater offence against humanity by a massive stretch.
However, even this late in the day, when the deceased are buried, the maimed are learning to live with their disabilities, and the bereaved try to find reasons to go on, those responsible have not had the honour to confess to this slaughter of people and accept the justice of the Irish people. Those who know the perpetrators and those who perpetrated the atrocity must never be allowed to escape amid other distractions.
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/0766
Published Date: 03-May-01
Related Images
There have been no images archived for this article.