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.
I’m still me, Malala. The important thing is God has given me my life.
Even so, one step from my grave, I believe that cruelty, spite, The powers of darkness will in time, Be crushed by the spirit of light.
They say, 'Nothing can be done here!' I reply, 'I know no such word in the vocabulary I adopt!'
I never praised Mr. Snowden or said his actions rise to those of Mohandas Gandhi or other civil rights leaders.
I never knew where I was going, but I ripped the tits off of everything that got in my way. By the time they figured me out, it was too late.
Sound trumpets! Let our bloody colours wave! And either victory, or else a grave.
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