Welcome to the French club, Mig. Europeans think a hundred miles is a long way. Americans think a hundred years is a long time.
I apologize on behalf of my American compatriots for their rude response to your thoughtful piece. Joerg's blog has been hijacked by the worst kind of extremists who respond to any criticism of the US with hate. I have pretty much stopped commenting there after they kept calling Barack Obama a "communist Muslim".
Thankfully, they represent only a fringe group: the Bushist dead-enders. Dialog International
Come to think of it, the Christ Church restoration fund should tap Yahoo for come contributions in the light of them ripping off the name.
Sounds like a plan. Some of the corporate officers might be willing to donate. It would be nifty to obtain an official grant of right to use, but does Christ Church have any claim on Swift's literary legacy? Might not really matter. I once suggested to the principal of a local elementary school in L.A. that was located about a mile from JBL headquarters that he ask Sid Harmon to donate a system. His wife, Jane Harmon, is a US Congresswoman. JBL came through. Not only donated the materials but performed the installation. If you are local, suggest it to someone involved with fund raising for the restoration. Can't hurt. As the Dutch said while fighting the Spanish: "It is not necessary to have hope in order to persevere."
I FOUND IT, FRANK.
What the church could provide in return for substantial donations is a blessing of the Yahoos, an exorcism of the Microsoft demons and a Te Deum. They certainly should be willing to perform the blessing.
I couldn't tell from their web sites if they are Catholic or Anglican. I would have thought Swift to have been Anglican, given the era and the domination of Ireland by England. The only hint was that the Holy See would not let good Catholics enter as late as the 1970s. This shouldn't matter, as the liturgies are very similar. Do you know what happened with St. Patrick's and Christ Church after Irish independence? As the Dutch said while fighting the Spanish: "It is not necessary to have hope in order to persevere."
