[geeks] One of the things I love about America

[Chris Byrne]

Im in a very difficult situation myself. I am a dual citizen of Ireland and
the United states. I am also a commicssioned officer in the United States
Air Force.

As an officer there are four things related to my dual citizenship that I
cannot do if I wish to retain my commission. I cannot engage in beligerance
toward the united states. I cannot serve as an officer in the armed forces
of a foriegn power (though I can have my US rank recognized and be given
command of foriegn troops), I cannot vote in foriegn elections or
referendums, and I cannot hold elected or appointed public office or serve
as a public oficial.

I used to be that if you ever claimed benefits of dual citizenship you
automatically lost your commission but that is no longer true. The Clinton
administration relaxed the rules.

There was recently a referendum, thankfully defeated, on adding a
constitutional ammendment against prefroming or recieving all forms of
abortion aunder any circumstances, as well as aiding, abetting,
transporting, or providing any information related to recieving or
preforming any abortion. They specified a mandatory penalty of 12 years in
prison and a 12k fine.

I of course was unable to vote.

There is a general election coming up in the next few weeks here in Ireland.
During this general election there will most likely be a significant
recomposition of the government here whcih will do... absolutely nothing.
Bertie Ahearn will reamain Taosiach, Fianna Fail will remain in power (as it
has almost exclusivley since 1949) and basically nothing will change.

Once again, I will be unable to vote.

Im extremely frustrated at this situation, but theres nothing I cna do about
it until my 8 year commitment to the reserves expires this september. It's
one thing to not want to participate, to not be allowed is another thing
entirely.

Chris Byrne



> -----Original Message-----
> From: geeks-admin at sunhelp.org [mailto:geeks-admin at sunhelp.org]On Behalf
> Of David Cantrell
> Sent: 01 May 2002 15:52
> To: geeks at sunhelp.org
> Subject: Re: [geeks] One of the things I love about America
>
>
> On Wed, May 01, 2002 at 07:34:30AM -0700, Peter L. Wargo wrote:
>
> > I'm glad to be an American, but with the privilege comes the
> > responsibility to participate.  Not only to vote, but to keep
> an eye and
> > your government, and work for change.
>
> s/an American/British/ and <aol>.  We have local elections tomorrow.  For
> the first time ever since I've been able to vote, I won't be.  Mostly
> because I shall be going to the pub instead, but also because in my ward
> the only candidates are from the three usual parties, NONE of them have
> any policies substantially different from the others, and they all want to
> do shit that I oppose.
>
> If I thought it would do any good, I'd have stood as a candidate myself.
>
> --
> David Cantrell | Benevolent Dictator | http://www.cantrell.org.uk/david
>
>      Gehyrst u, slida, hwt is folc sege?
>      Hi willa eow to gafole garas syllan,
>      ttrynne ord and ealde swurd,
>      a heregeatu e eow t hilde ne deah.
>                 -- Brithnoth
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