Our greetings to the youth whose aim is to change the world. Experience shows that without young and uncluttered minds taking the lead, meaningful change rarely happens. So, we salute you and urge you forward....
You are Young Socialists. And just like our rapidly growing Sinn Fein Youth organization, you know ours is a serious cause with lives often in the balance. Our fight for a democratic society free of bigotry requires a serious and committed organization. It is a source of inspiration to us that you and others like you have taken up the challenge, whether it be on the streets of Belfast or Garvaghy Road, the fields of Watsonville, California, or an American courtroom.
We hope you will all remember our imprisoned comrades whether Irish or the Puerto Rican nationalist freedom fighters, who occupied cells in the same prison we did, whether Native American, like Leonard Peltier, a mighty voice for indigenous people, or a Black American like Mumia Abu-Jamal, whose fight for freedom enjoys international support against a fast approaching death sentence. We remind everyone, that we are no more important than others seeking justice. All victims of oppression deserve support.
The obstacles we face often seem insurmountable. May we suggest, they are not. Our freedom on bail is proof of that. And while we are grateful for the wisdom of the appellate court judges who ruled in our favor, the battle for our complete exoneration is still far from over. We are optimistic because the reasoning, arguments and powerful forces that gained our release are growing.
Change is occurring. And faster than most can imagine. It is not an accident of history that one of the world's greatest empires, Great Britain, will enter the 21st century neither great nor an empire. That's good for the world and even better for the working people of England....
Our deepest thanks for your invitation and support. We congratulate you in advance on the success of your convention.
Kevin Barry Artt
Terrence Kirby