People power halted bigotry
important milestone was reached in the history of the Six
County state last weekend. For the first time nationalists -
armed with the threat of peaceful demonstration and the
confidence to express their rights on the streets - turned back
the forces of sectarianism.
Thousands of nationalists all over the Six Counties decided that
the march on the Garvaghy Road was a march too far. And their
determination and political conviction proved to be more than a
match for a state which has trampled over nationalist rights for
too long.
By their actions, nationalist people have brought closer the day
when the marching issue is once and for all settled. They must
urge the Orangemen to take the next logical step and enter into
dialogue with the communities through whose areas they plan to
march. Continued determined opposition to coat-trailing can lead
to a progressive resolution of the issue.
Nationalists must also take the unity that has been forged
further into the political arena. By resolutely facing up to
injustice and inequality and being prepared to assert their
demands on the streets nationalists can help move into an era of
justice and lasting peace.
Moral double standards
Since 18 year old Bernadette Martin was shot dead in the early
hours of Tuesday morning it is clear that the RUC have been
engaged in media manipulation as they attempt to minimise the
effect of the shooting of yet another Northern nationalist.
It has taken the RUC almost 36 hours to indicate that Ms Martin's
death ``may'' be sectarian.
In some media quarters reaction to Ms Martin's death
demonstrated, again, that even in death Catholics in the North
are second class citizens.
Some British news bulletins didn't even carry reports of the
shooting, while others highlighted the death of fashion designer
Gianni Versace and relegated Ms Martin to a brief mention five
places down the agenda.
Obviously then the moral indignation we were subjected to in
recent weeks and the clamour to condemn and sign books of
condolence is something nationalists are not worthy of.
![[An Phoblacht]](http://republican-news.org/graphics/title_gifs/harp.gif)