History is poorly taught everywhere. Here in Canada, a lot of Canadians laugh at Americans who know little about Canada while they themselves know little more!

I remember commenting on clans and chiefs in a different thread and I have some rather strong opinions about them, but I won't bother repeating them again. I personally think the adulation some have for the institution is simply a continuation of the 'Balmoralisation' of the 19th Century. (Maybe it is just the Irishman from the Republic in me talking!)

Though I am loathe to use a Braveheart quote on this forum () I'll quote Hamish, because it truly sums up my view on them: A bunch of scheming b*st*rds who cannot agree on the colour of sh*te!

P.S. If you're referring to An Gorta Mór, Greg, I'll just say that it was a complicated matter that involved a lot of factors. However, events leading up to that period in history can certainly be blamed on some.