I WOULD like to express my disgust and total disappointment at the images that are being portrayed around the world from the capital city of this country.
I believe that the Union Flag should be flying above the City Hall. It is the flag of the United Kingdom and has every right to do so.
However, we need to take a step back and have a look at the situation in Northern Ireland.
Yes, to an extent there is a gradual erosion of the British identity, However, the Union Flag still flies at the City Hall on certain days, the Irish tricolour does not.
This country has a real opportunity to stand up and show the world that there is more to us than rioting over a flag.
Yes, at the start the protests – and I say protests, not riots – were justified, but now the best and most effective way of protest is to vote.
I would challenge all unionists, not just Protestants, to vote in the next election.
Vote against Sinn Fein. Do not take the attitude that politics is boring, but realise that voting is vital.
The rioting in this country is truly disgusting. Why on earth would people want to go back to the violence that thankfully I do not remember much of, but which destroyed this country for 40 years?
Why is it not possible for human beings to live side by side in peace?
I hear many times from older Protestants of them going to the Bogside to watch football. That is unheard of now. Why?
As a follower of Jesus Christ I point everyone to Him. Jesus hates our sin but He commands us to love our neighbours as ourselves.
No matter what someone has done to you, be that remove a flag, throw a stone, or seriously injure you, Jesus commands us to love them.
That does not mean we have to agree with what they say. We do not have to support their view, but it means showing a loving and caring attitude towards them. Why? Because Jesus tells us to.
I will be praying for this country and I hope that unionist people go out and vote and voice their support for the democratic process at Stormont, but ultimately God is in control and we must trust Him.
Twenty-year-old North West unionist
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