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Debate Over Treaty and Democracy in Ireland
Priest:
I never thought I'd see the day. Military courts established in Ireland by Irishmen. Deportation or the death penalty for those caught with arms. In the name of God, what is going on? I found this on the street during the week. "Under the Republic, the lands of the aristocracy who live in London will be seized and divided up against landless workers and small farmers." "All industry and agriculture will be controlled by the state for the workers and farmers benefit." Not content with stealing your savings, they'll be nationalising the 12 apostles next. Dear brethren, we have an opportunity for the first time in generations in this country for peace and prosperity. We have that opportunity without English soldiers marching in our streets and outside our churches on a Sunday morning. We have that opportunity because we have signed a treaty. A treaty of peace. Quiet! Let me remind those of you who have forgotten of the pastoral letter signed by Cardinal Logue and other bishops. Anti-Treatyite irregulars have, and I quote, "Wrecked Ireland from end to end." "And all those who participate in such crimes are guilty of the gravest sins and may not be absolved in confession nor admitted to Holy Communion." In other words, excommunication! This opinion of the treaty is not just the opinion of the Catholic Church, it is the opinion of other churches. And it is the opinion of every newspaper up and down, and the length and breadth of this country. But most importantly, this treaty was ratified, overwhelmingly ratified, by the people in their democratic expression in the June election.
Damien:
Can you tell me, Father, how can there be a fair election in this country when the most powerful country in the world threatens war? This is not the will of the people. It is the fear of the people.
Priest:
How dare you talk to me in the house of God! Silence! Damien O'Donovan, you're a disgrace to the memory of your parents. Yes! Get out!
Lily:
The Free State Constitution was only printed the morning of the election so nobody had time to read it.
Priest:
Young lady, this is not the marketplace! Sit down, shut up, or get out of my church!
Damien:
And once again the Catholic Church, with honourable exception, sides with the rich.
Priest:
GET OUT!
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
