I believed that, in a situation where the community that I came from were being treated like second- and third-class citizens, that I had a responsibility to fight back against it. And I don't apologise to anybody for having done that. I think it was the right thing to do.
Interpretation
The quote expresses a commitment to standing up against injustice and taking responsibility for one's community.
In this quote, Martin McGuinness emphasizes the moral obligation he felt to combat the discrimination and marginalization faced by his community. He asserts that fighting against such injustice is not something to be ashamed of, but rather a principled stance that he believes was necessary and right.
In practice
During a speech about civil rights, one might quote this to emphasize the importance of fighting injustice.
British rule depends upon repression and collaboration and the Irish people should recognise that those who collaborate with Britain in exchange for a slice of the cake will implement British policy and remain silent when Irish people are murdered and oppressed. It is they who are responsible for prolonging the war in Ireland. Without the quislings, without the collaborators, we would already have reached freedom.
What's important is that, when you're tested, you stand firm against the violent activities of those who would try to plunge our people back into the misery of the past.
The reality is that the people that we represent are no longer going to be second-class citizens in their own country.
If one is free at heart, no man-made chains can bind one to servitude, but if one's mind is so manipulated and controlled by the oppressor, then there will be nothing the oppressed can do to scare his powerful masters.
Courage consists not in blindly overlooking danger, but in seeing it, and conquering it.
Freedom is not a gift of heaven, you have to fight for it every day
We can make war so terrible and make them so sick of war that generations pass away before they again appeal to it.
The thing about a hero, is even when it doesn't look like there's a light at the end of the tunnel, he's going to keep digging, he's going to keep trying to do right and make up for what's gone before, just because that's who he is.
The fight against evil is long and difficult. It is essential to pray constantly and to be patient.
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