Letters to the Editor: 10.24.96

False Statements

Brooklyn

October 21, 1996

Dear Mrs. Rattray:

Simon Worrall's reaction to Terry George's new film, "Some Mother's Son," reveals much more about Mr. Worrall's political agenda than it does about the alleged agenda of the film.

For one thing, Mr. Worrall did not feel obliged to see the film before condemning it. One would expect someone described as a "journalist" to have a minimal ethical responsibility to the readers of your paper either to watch the film or reveal his failure to do so. But apparently, in this instance, Mr. Worrall feels unencumbered by the constraints of journalistic integrity.

Further, Mr. Worrall makes false statements about Mr. George. Terry was never a member of the Irish National Liberation Army. Indeed, he has never been charged with or convicted of membership in that organization. The record speaks for itself.

But why bother to check the facts? Based on this falsehood and his preconceived opinion, Mr. Worrall alleges - without reference to fact - that Terry condones the killing and maiming of innocent people "in the name of a united Ireland."

Mr. Worrall is wrong on a number of counts. One error stands out: The hunger strikers did have widespread support in Ireland. Over 100,000 people attended the funeral of Bobby Sands, who was elected to the British Parliament while on hunger strike. Two other hunger strikers were elected to the Irish Parliament during their fasts.

Like his jingoistic joke about Irish Alzheimer's disease, Mr. Worrall's article reflects a mind already made up and unwilling to change. No need to see "Some Mother's Son." No need to speak to its director, Terry George. No need to check the facts. Just attack and hope your readers don't catch on. With attitudes like these, it's no wonder that the problems in Northern Ireland remain unresolved.

"Some Mother's Son" is about finding the courage to forge a new path. Terry George has made a powerful film about people. I'm biased as one of the film's producers, but I believe that this film has great humanity at its core. Maybe if Mr. Worrall had bothered to watch it, he might have seen this. Hopefully, your readers will watch the film before passing judgment.

Sincerely,

ED BURKE

Producer

"Some Mother's Son"

Twisted Struggle

Southampton, Hampshire

England

October 18, 1996

Dear Editor,

Thank you for balancing the books in your reporting of the Film Festival's opening night offering, "Some Mother's Son," directed by Terry George.

Simon Worrall's opinion column fairly showed the broader canvas of this bitter and twisted struggle.

As an ex-Royal Marine commando who served three tours of duty in Northern Island (in Belfast and on the border), I can say that from all the violence perpetuated by all sides not one step has been gained toward a settled future for the brave and the other tragic people of the province.

The answer to Northern Ireland's problems must be found through politics and diplomacy, finding ways to bond communities of Catholic and Protestant together, rather than purposefully dividing them as "the men of violence" have so successfully done.

This process needs people of integrity and credibility, not those with the violent track records of Jerry Adams or his henchman Martin McGuiness. While "one man's terrorist may be another's freedom fighter," what would you call the bomber of an office block in Oklahoma or the organization that bombs a Remembrance Day gathering in a small village square?

There must be an Irish filmmaker out there who can produce a film representative of the struggle which could energize some support for the suppressed majority of Northern Ireland; if so, please stand up!

Yours faithfully,

PATRICK OVERINGTON

Year Of Irish

Wainscott

October 20, 1996

Dear Helen,

Someone fell asleep at the editorial helm of The Star and caused her to scrape her bottom on some particularly abrasive sewage: the opinions of S. Worrall on Ireland, her children, our "Troubles" with the English, and Terry George's fine film, "Some Mother's Son."

This English propagandist cum "journalist" gives blackguarding a bad name and does no honor to your commitment, Helen, to journalistic excellence.

If this opinioholic Brit sat through Terry's film he didn't see it, blinded as he is by this violent condemnation and mindless fear of all things Irish. But forget about this spleen publicly exposing himself, he can't help it. He may even get paid for it. But you, Helen, can help it.

The Star has a First Amendment right to publish what it will. The Star has a concomitant responsibility to combat verbal terrorism, such as Mr. Worrall practices. Didn't you love the likening of Fionnula Flanagan to Goebbels? Now that's real journalism!

The desperation feeding Mr. Worrall's violence to English (the language, that is) comes from the certain knowledge that inevitably the English Government's forced separation of Ireland will end.

Ireland will unite in an all-inclusive nonsecular free state. Ireland will commerce with all, including her less imperial friends, in England. S. Worrall and his Eirephobic colleagues will be disremembered.

Sincerely,

MICHAEL KENNED