John writes:

> Regarding Ireland I have frequently wondered why the United States

of

> America is called as it is, as it does not include all the states

of

> America - as we all know.
>
> So when people talk of America, are they refering to the USA or to
> the Continent as a whole? (One could - pace Gerry - say "Aha, that
> is why they have such violence in America because they have such
> confused grographic expressions!")
>
> It is similar to the Republic of Ireland (i.e. Eire) and the
> geographic expression - Ireland.
>
> Gerry, the Irish have a similar attitude to the English as George
> Washington had to King George III, for a similar reason.
>
> Gerry - it just depends upon the context.
>
> Regards
>
> John

Times change. Recently the United States of Mexico, an historical
title appearing on many Mexican official documents is under attack by
North Americans of the United States. They claim there is only ONE
United States. Neithbors simply hate neighbors and wish to share
nothing, even if it's a common name. Ireland is no different.
Perhaps confused geographic expressions don't spurn violence but they
certainly do encourage nationalism which in many instances can result
in bloody battles.

Gerry

Gerry