Would wearing orange on the day then
actually be considered "political" then? Is that
why I heard of folks getting touchy about it?
No more than proclaiming that wearing Green is Catholic. My Dad's mother is Irish Catholic from Co. Cork and she herself wore an Orange knitted sweater and Green pants every St. Patrick's Day. I suppose that holding such a strong, misinformed political opinion on the subject could leave someone to believe that Orange is this and Green is that but those are the people who do not want to work towards peace in Ireland or are not educated enough to do so. I, myself wore the the Irish National Tartan kilt on St. Patty's day and I'm also a Protestant.
Hmmm, seems as if I'm taking the long route so I'll just say the short answer:
NO, wearing Orange or Green on St. Patrick's day is not a political statement and those that get their panties in a twist over it are unrealistcally set on old dogma - similar to those fellas who're so against kilts for the sole reason that Men are to wear pants and pants only.

Now, if you were to wear a suit, an orange collar and a derby cap - than YES that would be a political statement.

I hope that cleared things up for you, Muddy.

Cheers,
T.R. Matthews