THE ISSUE: The mayor’s comment about Irish behavior at the American Irish Historical Society.
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As an Irish American, I take offense to Mayor Bloomberg’s comments about the “drunken” Irish (“Irish Stew,” Feb. 11).
I always thought Bloomberg was a politically correct guy.
Bloomberg should look back in New York City history and see how the Irish have built and protected our great city and keep his
stereotypes to himself.
Joseph O’Keefe
Manhattan
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One can imagine the repercussions had Bloomberg stereotyped Muslims, Mexicans or blacks.
Liberals and other assorted hypocrites would have demanded his resignation.
But, in this topsy-turvy land of ours, the only fair game for ridicule are Christians, Jews and white people.
Gerald Jacobs
Staten Island
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The reaction of the Irish community has been generally quite kind and forgiving.
Perhaps this can serve as a model for other groups that have been maligned from time to time.
Gene Sullivan
Manhattan
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Being an Irish American, I am not offended by Bloomberg’s recent joke about my people.
Why is everyone so offended by racial humor anyway?
This means we can tell all of our Jewish jokes without fear of persecution.
Let’s mix it up. After all, we are all New Yorkers with great senses of humor, aren’t we?
Stacy McGarry
Baldwin
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Bloomberg should do the honorable thing and step down as mayor.
His comment was truly offensive, and I feel that he cannot govern impartially.
Is this why he is targeting the police and fire departments — agencies historically well represented by Irish Americans?
Gerard Cunningham
Belle Harbor
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After Bloomberg’s hilarious joke at the expense of the Irish, maybe he should consider taking his show on the road.
The Irish have contributed more to American society than Bloomberg will obviously ever realize.
To even think about making an inane comment like he did just shows the elitist he believes himself to be.
It takes a lot more than billions of dollars in the bank to have class.
Raymond Collins
Brooklyn
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I think Bloomberg and his commissioners should be more concerned about the behavior that takes place behind them as they stroll up Fifth Avenue on St. Patrick’s Day.
Many people of Irish descent have chosen not to participate in the parade due to the embarrassing behavior that takes place while marching.
St. Patrick’s Day, like New Year’s Eve, is amateur night.
The FDNY, sometimes described as New York’s “booziest,” have been banned from the parade in Georgia. In Manhattan, the animal-house mentality permeates the FDNY contingent with absolutely no supervision by ranking officers.
Green hair, carnations and drinking is a complete dishonor to the patron saint.
David P. Burke
Calverton
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Bloomberg insults Irish Americans and says that his words were taken out of context.
I think Bloomberg is arrogant and the worst mayor New York City has ever had. Don’t take that out of context.
Phil Peters
Staten Island