Aren republicans left wing agitators? Whats the connection with Irish republicans?
Republicanism has nothing to do with left or right wing politics. Outside of Britain everyone from far-right conservatives to far-left socialists are republicans. Republicanism allows for differing opinions about economic policy and the role of the state in society. In Ireland republicanism has been entwined with the movement for national independence and such movements often resort to violence. However, most Irish republicans have for long been committed to non-violent methods. Look at the massive social problems in the United States. Why would we want to follow that path? Both Britain and the USA have social problems. Britain is only one above the US in poverty levels and has a higher degree of illiteracy than America. On the other hand, the average American is significantly more prosperous than the average Briton. Whatever problems the United States has are the result of a complex mix of its history and the cultures of those who have settled there and their descendants. It is hard t
