Dear Friends

As usual the Nationalist community has been battered in the media because they continue to oppose Orange parades being forced upon them. They are pinned into their homes and streets due to these triumphalist marches which are supported by the PSNI, the puppet NI government, and now P. Sinn Fein. We are hearing the same old insulting British propaganda and terminology used against the residents of these communities as has been used for decades- "terrorists, hoodlums, thugs." Not long ago, Mr. Adams and co. were called those very names. We also saw, in the days following the 12th, Gerry Kelly and Bobby Storey arrive in Ardoyne to threaten the youth of that community. They soon got their answer and were told (in other words) to sod off!

Anyone could understand the frustration felt by the Ardoyne residents. What could anyone expect of the youths in this community when an Orange Parade is sanctioned to march through their community not once but twice in the same day? This year there was both a peaceful sit-in protest by Ardoyne Residents and, as we all saw, the outburst by rebellious youths.

Please look at some photos I am sending you from the 12th July "celebrations". There has never been a Republican march through a Loyalist community, nor has there ever been an attack on a Loyalist funeral or Loyalist cemetery by Nationalists. Irish Nationalists are still second class citizens. The Nationalist Residents of the six counties have every right to protest when they feel threatened in a democratic society. The PSNI used physical force on the Ardoyne residents- plastic bullets and water cannons. Please look especially closely at the photos of the large Orange banner and the KKK Orangeman's banner.

Sincerely

Cathleen O'Brien (Friends of Irish Freedom)