Thread: The enterprising Irish

During the revolution of 1848, nine young Irishmen were captured, tried and convicted of treason against the Crown, and sentenced to death. Their names? Charles Duffy, Thomas Meagher, Patrick Donahue, Terence McManus, Richard O'Gorman, Morris Leyene,Michael Ireland, Thomas McGee, John Mitchell.When the Judge said do you have anything to say before the Court passes judgement, Thomas Meagher answered on behalf of them all....."My Lord, this is our first offence, but not our last, if you will be easy with us this once, we promise with our word as gentlemen to do better next time, and next time sure we wont be fools enough to get caught." They were sentenced to be hanged, but the sentence was commuted to transportation to the Penal Colony of Australia.

In 1872, Charles Duffy was elected Prime ,Minister of the State of Victoria
Thomas Meagher was governor of Montana USA
Patrick Donahue@ Terence McManus were Brigadier Generals in the US Army
Richard O'Gorman was Governor- General of Newfoundland
Morris Leyenne was Attorney General of Australia
Michael Ireland succeeded him
Thomas M'Gee was President of the Dominion of Canada
John Mitchell was a prominent New York Polititian

This true story of nine men banished from their native land to a Penal Colony for their political views and becoming prominant citizens of the USA, Canada, and Australia , is now part of the United States Congressional Record in Washington DC. Amazing story, I cant help thinking about what might be achieved by the children and grandchildren of the refugees we seem hell bent on treating like criminals, Bob

Good on ya Bob.

I happen to be lucky to be one of those people in the world who has not had to escape their country of birth to avoid murder , rape or starvation.

Our countries growth is founded on immigrants and refugees.

Chinese , Irish etc for the 1850's goldrush , Post WW2 Greeks , Italians , English etc and the hardworking and enterprising Vietnamese in the 70's.

I entirely agree with your last sentence.

Maybe those who don't should spend some time researching basic economics and see what actual immigration rate is required to fulfil our countries economic growth.