What is Truth in our history?

So, the report dealing with paramilitarism, promotes an instrument to redefine paramilitary activity as some other form of crime: which I assume requires a different remedy; and is welcomed by our executive leaders.
By The Newsroom
Published 8th Jun 2016, 21:45 BST
Updated 13th Jun 2016, 13:08 BST

One source defines paramilitarism as a semi-militarised force whose organisational structure, tactics, training, subculture, and (often) function are similar to those of a professional military. I wonder how current paramilitary bodies will use this recommendation to their advantage. Recently, the chief constable held an opinion that the IRA army council existed with ability, as I am sure are others (though never in executive government). We remember paramilitary prisoners demanding political status to force recognition of their self definition; a strategy used so that outcomes more favourable to perpetrators could be established. Will this proposition allow paramilitaries to become less visible?

Another construct occasionally offered by some commentators regarding our troubled history is that we are all to blame, I assume ‘the all’ includes an innocent public and victims. Where does any so-called Truth Commission sit in this mix? Pilate the Roman Governor asked our Lord ‘What is Truth’? and after declaring He who was The Truth, as innocent, passed him over to be crucified. Pilate of course was under pressure from several powerful sources.

David Barbour, Coleraine

Related topics:IRAColeraine