Irish Freedom Committee Action Request

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SEND A LETTER TO THE SMITHSONIAN –
ORANGE ORDER NOT WELCOME AT THE NATIONAL MALL

The Irish Freedom Committee categorically objects to the Smithsonian invitation to two members of the Orange Order for a “cultural celebration” on Washington DC National Mall beginning this weekend.

This invitation to representatives of the most racist, bigoted, and anti-Irish organization in Ireland is offensive in the extreme; particularly as the annual Orange Order marches begin their season of assault on Irish nationalist neighborhoods in the Six Counties. During the Orange Order "marching season", violently racist parades are forced through Irish communities; unwanted, with the full protection of the British colonial police forces. These Orange Order marches are justly likened to parading the Klu Klux Klan through Harlem, bringing with them paramilitary displays, firebombings, rioting, the destruction of property, homes, and churches; and wholescale violence on Irish communities who protest these assaults on their community.

The presence of the Orange Order at the National Mall during our nation’s Fourth of July celebrations implies an American welcome to this racist, bigoted, violently anti-Catholic organization. Please send a letter or email to the Smithsonian to ask that it rescind the invitation to two representatives of the Orange Order at its Folklife festival this weekend. A suggested letter is below with contact information. Please cut and paste individuals’ names in the salutation. EMAIL TO EACH PERSON BELOW.

++++SAMPLE LETTER +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage
Smithsonian Institution
P.O. Box 37012 MRC 520
Washington, DC 20013-7012

Dear __________ (see below for individuals names)

I am writing to object in the strongest terms to your invitation of two representatives of the Orange Order to the Folklife festival beginning this weekend. The presence of the Orange Order at the National Mall during our nation’s 4th of July celebrations implies an American welcome to this racist, bigoted, violently anti-Catholic organization. This invitation is offensive in the extreme; particularly as the annual Orange Order marches begin their season of assault on Irish nationalist neighborhoods in the Six Counties of the North of Ireland. These Orange Order marches are justly likened to parading the Klu Klux Klan through Harlem, bringing with them paramilitary displays, firebombings, rioting, the destruction of property, homes, and churches; and wholescale violence on Irish communities who protest these assaults on their community.

As an American citizen I am deeply offended that our nation’s Mall is intended as a welcome mat for this racist and bigoted society. I ask that you immediately rescind your invitation to the Orange Order and to its representatives David Hume and Jonathan Mattison.

Sincerely,

(Name/address)

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SEND E-MAILS TO:

E-mail: [e-mail]

Richard Kurin, Director. 202.633-5229, [e-mail]

Richard Kennedy, Deputy Director. 202.633-6434, [e-mail]

Diana Parker, Director, Smithsonian Folklife Festival. 202.633-0653, [e-mail]

Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage
Smithsonian Institution
P.O. Box 37012 MRC 520
Washington, DC 20013-7012
Telephone: [phone]. Fax: [phone].