Because this is 2007, and a history of the kilt being worn that dates back into the late 1880's/90's or so is long enough of a tradition for me and for a lot of Irish Americans that I know. (Including some first generation Americans.) As to current opinion on Erin herself, I couldn't tell you. What I can tell you is that I was taught growing up was that a solid color kilt was Irish, and a tartan kilt was Scottish. It may not quite be accurate, but it is what my family believed when I was growing up. Indeed, I'm about to start on a solid black kilt for my brother-in-law, who is very Irish.