The Long View

"Many people want peace, but few people want reconciliation because reconciliation has proven to be more difficult." This comment, made by a tour guide, could not be more true. Few people have tried to reach reconciliation in Northern Ireland. James Greer is currently on the path towards reconciliation. James was born in Darry as a Protestant Christian. During the Troubles, a period of deep conflict in Northern Ireland, he was part of a paramilitary group that fought for Northern Ireland to stay loyal to the British government. He was eventually convicted as a terrorist. James did not tell us the specifics of what he did during the Troubles, nor do I think that matters. The pain of the past seems to be evident amidst his his healing process.
The first thing I noticed about James was his deep respect for the other, which was shown in his small intimate actions. James seems to be very aware of the natural power he has and he frequently exhibited the willingness to humble himself in the presence of his friends. One example of such behavior happened when one of his friends was telling a story. Before they began their narrative he asked them if they wanted him to leave the room. This small action becomes more amazing when you stop to consider how their relationship would have been different during the Troubles. Reconciliation is hard, but the process is easier when you take the time to recolonize each other, even if they were your enemy.

-Emily