George,

My Irish mother would understand Michele Obama.

A friend of mine said recently that Michele Obama seems to be more bitter than Barack: that she seems to have more of an edge.

My mother grew up Irish Catholic in Belfast, Northern Ireland. She saw discrimination against her people; they could not vote, could not own property and were denied many jobs just because they were Irish Catholic. And yes there was violence: as a young girl she witnessed some young men in her neighborhood rounded up and shot by the infamous "Black and Tans," because they were Catholic seminarians.

Although the situation has greatly improved, there is still lingering covert discrimination. It matters what your last name is and what part of town you are from. When I was visiting in Belfast I would often be asked what my name was. I replied "Deaton" which drew an approving reaction (from certain people) because it is an Anglo-type name, and I seemed like a harmless American. When I added that my mother was a McGivney, their reaction would change; there would be a visible difference in their demeanor.

Having had their experiences that she had gave my mother a deep appreciation and understanding of the Civil Rights movement in this country.

Until the end of her life my mother "had a certain edge" about being Irish Catholic. I think she would understand Michele Obama.

Steve Deaton (Electronic mail, May 1, 2008)