Manifesting culture that is dignified
THE traditional run-up to the Twelfth marches this year has so far been relatively tension-free, with all of the localised district parades passing off without serious incident.
The Orange Order is quietly confident that its traditional celebrations will proceed as planned, enjoyed both by lodge and band participants and by the tens of thousands of spectators gathered at the 19 main locations on Monday.
The PSNI should have good reason to share this optimism and the public are assured there are adequate resources to deal with all eventualities.
Reliable estimates confirm that 500,000 people take part and spectate at the various Twelfth demonstrations and, clearly, an important, deep-rooted manifestation of Orange culture is expressed by a highly significant section of the unionist community.
Parading and expressing one's culture should always be done with dignity and decorum, avoiding offence to those who would differ politically and religiously. The Orange Order has firm rules to ensure its members do not step outside the line.
The overwhelming majority of people on both sides of the Ulster divide show a marked degree of tolerance on days like the Twelfth and this was the case even during the dark years of the Troubles.
Sadly, unruly elements and, those agitating with a narrow political agenda, will seek to raise tensions, as was evident in serious sectarian rioting at a Belfast interface at the weekend, and in petrol bomb attacks on Orange halls in north Antrim this week.
Good sense must prevail on all fronts on the Twelfth, with traditional rituals observed that give offence to no one.
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Weather for Belfast
Wednesday 15 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 5 C to 10 C
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