Slugger O'Toole: Adams pulling in alongside Clinton?

Adams, who was briefly the IRA chief of staff in the 1970s, is now a bearded visage for the global Clinton brand, an instant signifier of ex-President Bill's status as an international statesman and totem of racial, ethnic and religious reconciliation. Ten days ago Adams was a guest, speaking on "religion and conflict", at the inaugural meeting of the Clinton Global Initiative in New York. (Funny, republicans always used to insist the Northern struggle was not about religion but about imperialism.)
Adams's account of the three-day meeting appears in Ireland's Village magazine, under the fitting headline, "Clinton shows way towards elimination of poverty". Adams tells readers that the $15,000-a-head "action-orientated" conference was attended mainly by "people committed to multilateralism and collective action in global affairs". Ah, well, that's all right then: thanks to Gerry we now know such a (totally meaningless) commitment is apparently shared by Tony Blair, Rupert Murdoch, George Bush Sr, Shimon Peres and Condoleezza Rice, along with Mrs Bill, George Soros and their "liberal" like.

Adams oozes empty anti-poverty platitudes like he's been sharing a pint with Bono and Bob Geldof. (The only thing remotely edifying about his article is the photograph, from the conference floor, of Angelina Jolie's intent, collagen-enhanced profile. Let's hope she's truly committed to multilateralism and collective action in global affairs.)

Browne said:
Ten days ago Adams was a guest, speaking on "religion and conflict", at the inaugural meeting of the Clinton Global Initiative in New York. (Funny, republicans always used to insist the Northern struggle was not about religion but about imperialism.)

Do we know what Gerry actually said? Just because he was speaking on "religion and conflict" doesn't mean he has changed his line.

The description of the session would give Adams some wriggle room. There is no transcript available online (i've emailed to see if one exists)

“Religion as Source of Conflict, Religion as Solution to Conflict”, will focus on the historical instances where religion has promoted conflict and where it has played a role in resolving it. In those instances, whether in the Middle East, Northern Ireland or Africa, there is a need for creative, practical thinking on (1) what are the most effective tools to overcome hostility that
is at least partially based on religion, and (2) in what way can religious beliefs, religious communities and inter-faith coalitions become effective instruments of peace-making.

'in what way can religious beliefs, religious communities and inter-faith coalitions become effective instruments of peace-making.'

The same way a band-aid would stop an amputee from bleeding to death.

Cynical! ME?

I recall reading an article covering this conference where Gerry said it was not a religious conflict though that element existed. I dont have the link. I think Harry jumped the gun a bit. The message on the origins of the conflict remains consistent
On another note if John Hume and David Trimble got the Nobel Peace prize will Gerry and Papa Croc being sharing the next one.


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