Terrence, what lovely things to say about me. You have created a Mona Lisa smile on my face with your words. I am so flattered I will even concede that the everyday Irish foods like milk, butter, produce and meat are much more wholesome and fresh than in America. Of course, the whole island is the size of northern California, so part of this is simply geography. And they do not allow antibiotics and hormones in their meat and milk like we do. They do eat way, way too much meat, however, and also too much refined sugar and fat.
The really bad parts of the Irish diet (and Irish history) come from the influence of the English, who gave them sweet tooths for packaged biscuits, jam and bread, fish and chips, and potato crisps in an endless variety of flavors. Before the Famine in the 1840's, the Irish diet was potatoes and buttermilk, for the peasants, and other, mostly root, vegetables that they grew, and wild nettles, dandelion greens, etc. It was a simple but healthy way to eat. Affluence and colonial influences corrupted their diet, but I am not sure America is to blame, really (for once).
I agree with your further statements about peace in Ireland and mysticism, but not that you are mostly right!! You manage to stay charming and sensitive even when you are totally wrong, usually, though, so all is quickly forgiven. |
