It's almost here....July 12th - >right to celebrate whatever

[Supermodel]

July 12th, the Loyalists of Northern Ireland take to the streets in marches organized by the Orange Lodges to commemorate the Battle of the Boyne in 1690.

The commemoration is unpopular with one third of the population of NI because they were, let's just say, the losers.

Do you defend their right to celebrate?
How would you persuade them to alter the commemoration?


NOW be objective!!!! Looking for real life suggestions here!!

[Conghaileach]

Actually, it's unpopular with one-half the poulation.

As a Republican Socialist living in the Six Counties, I think that impartiality on my part is impossible. However, I will say that the Orange Order (and the Loyalists they represent) are nothing more than reactionary fascist bigots.

[Conghaileach]

An example would be that because the vast majority of Nationalists support the Palestinian people (and Palestinian flags litter many Nationalist areas), the Loyalists went about putting Israeli flags up in their areas.

Even Loyalist politicians admitted that they only put Israeli flags up because Nationalists had put up Palestinian ones.

The action however caused a bit of a rift between the Loyalists and their friends in Combat 18, the BNP and the National Front.

[Supermodel]

Can you think of any other "celebrations" around the world that are this devisive?

Certainly the native Americans have complained about Columbus day (not exactly a big event outside of NYC) but I cannot think of any parallel demonstration worldwide. Many New Yorkers have diplomatically morphed into more of an Italian Pride celebration, like St. Patrick's day celebrates the Irish contribution.

What would wise men do? If we have "gay pride parades" and "save the whales" parades should we consider banning or abandoning parades that have deep social meaning and conflict behind them?