I had a buddy who worked for the Irish Tourist Council and he was a true diplomat whenever he was confronted by someone who badgered him about the "Irish Question"...the confrontor was usually an American, short on his knowledge of history and full of beer...I only saw my buddy get impatient once and then he never raised his voice. Sounds like you guys had the same kind of poise.

History is never as simple as it seems at first glance. Unfortunately, history is something that folks study in elementary and high school and then get only what would be refered to as "survey" courses. Lots of folks who want to show off what limited knowledge they think they have by trying to re-hash some centuries old emnity...I guess they feel like they have to identify with something...too bad that they seldom hve a grasp of the whole picture.

Best

AA