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Archiver > CAN-ORANGE > 1999-04 > 0924437965


From: "Brian McConnell" <>
Subject: Learning through Sharing
Date: Sun, 18 Apr 1999 09:19:25 -0300


Greetings all:

This may come as quite a surprise to some but as List Owner of the
Canada Orange Mailing List I receive approximately THREE TIMES as
many private messages from list members as are sent to the list.

I also manage the Irish Canadian Mailing List. Nothing like that
happens with it.

Why? Well my gut feeling is that people are nervous or shy or
secretive about Orangeism and their own connections to it. I feel
this is a mistake - especially on THIS list.

You see this List is not here to tell only the Good side of the Orange
Association in Canada or conversely the bad. It is simply here to
discuss it and its culture so that we call all learn more.

When I began the List in November, 1998, my first hand knowledge of
Orangeism was barely 4 months old. From readings and information
shared since then it has dramatically increased. That was one of the
main reasons why I started the List. To learn. Not to act simply as
a tool for the promotion of some other agenda.

My family had an Orange heritage. It also had an Irish heritage. I
do not believe that I should have to hide from them. However, I
recognize that there were problems with both. My mother, before she
found out that she herself had Orange Irish ancestors use to say that
my Dad's family (who were Irish AND Orange) were a bunch of foul
mouthed drunkards. She may have been partly correct - some did have
tremendous tempers, no doubt inflamed by their stubborness, and were
known to drink liberally - but others were more controlled. It was an
unfair generalization.

Nonetheless, I am interested in learning more about Orange history and
culture because it is part of my roots and heritage - and ultimately
part of who I am. Thus, this is a call to ALL list members to not
shy away from asking your comments to the List or sending comments
there. I'm sure there are others just as capable as myself, or more,
in answering your questions. As I have said before there are no dumb
questions here - we are all supposedly (according to the purpose of
the list to exchange and discuss....) here to learn.

Best wishes. :-)

Brian McConnell
List Owner
Canada Orange Mailing List

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