One of Us
I don't go in for Irish jokes as a general rule - but I Iaughed at this one a friend sent me recently.
Because it pokes fun at the of 'one of us' mentality - which is so prevalent these days - not just in some aspects of the church and oranised religion - but in many other institutions as well.
Now if I remember correctly it was Margaret Thatcher who used to make discreet enquiries about people she would be meeting - including some of her MPs.
Is he one of us? - she would ask her trusted advisers, allegedly - before deciding what to do or how to proceed.
Now some people believe that a tribal approach to politics is inevitable - it's what makes the system work - the wheels go round.
But I strongly disagree - because that mindset becomes an excuse to punish and discriminate against people who are not on your side.
And unlike the joke - that's not remotely funny.
Three Irishmen are sitting in the pub window seat,
Watching the front door of the brothel over the road.
The local Methodist pastor appears, and quickly goes inside.
"Would you look at that!" says the first Irishman.
"Didn't I always say what a bunch of hypocrites they are?"
No sooner are the words out of his mouth than a Rabbi appears at the door,
Knocks, and goes inside.
"Another one trying to fool everyone with pious preaching and stupid hats!"
They continue drinking their beer roundly condemning the vicar and the rabbi.
When they see their own Catholic priest knock on the door.
"Ah, now that's sad," says the third Irishman.
"One of the girls must have died."
