Irish Tartans?

[Mr. MacDougall]

It's my understanding that one of the founding members is very ill, so you might cut them a little slack.

First of all, I'm very sorry this person is ill. I deal with illness, and people who are ill, on a daily basis, so I do understand the meaning and implication of it.

Secondly, my original comment was an observation, not an attack. I have nothing invested in the question of the kilt in Ireland, so it's not my intent to denigrate it, or the movement. I'm simply observing that it doesn't seem to be very active.

Third, I'd like to note that if one person is that important to a movement, it probably isn't much of a movement. But I'm willing to admit I could be wrong about that, since it's obviously important to you, and, as previously mentioned, it's not important, either way, to me. So, sure... all the slack you like.

[Mike1]

And people wonder why I seem 'terse' and 'short'.

<placing admin's hat on the shelf>

Secondly, my original comment was an observation, not an attack.

Who said it was an 'attack'? Other than you, of course. Todd merely suggested you might not be aware of all the details concerning this group. I've read his post up and down, three times around and simply cannot see where you figure that is an 'attack'.

I'm simply observing that it doesn't seem to be very active.

And it sure looked to me as if Todd simply offered you an explanation for your observation.

Third, I'd like to note that if one person is that important to a movement, it probably isn't much of a movement.

Once again, who called this a 'movement', other than you? I read the words 'grassroots (albeit small) group', with no mention of a 'movement' until you stuck a boot in.

Sorry to have given this so much attention, but I figured so long as people were picking fly specks out of pepper, I may as well give it a go.

And now I'm away, to see if I can perhaps find someone to sing Kumbaya with me this afternoon. Hopefully this thread will be able to get back on track without further interruptions.

Oh yes, if any of the moderators see fit to moderate this post, feel quite free to do as you will.

[Phil]

When I was growing up and visiting Irish relations the only kilts you saw were in pipe bands during the marching season there. They were usually either tartan or plain saffron or green but the locals never wore any tartan despite having Scottish names. Last year I passed a wedding there and all the men were in kilts and I believe that the biggest numbers hiring kilt outfits are from England nowadays, not Scotland. There are even Welsh tartans nowadays and I well remember my tailor a few years ago now joking about how there would soon be a tartan for every name in creation. I think it is great that we have something in our tradition so much sought after.