Talk:Christopher Thomas O'Higgins

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[edit] Major Revision 16 Oct 2006

I just completed a major revision of this article. As the above commentator states very roughly, to call Thomas O'Higgins the "official" or "recognized" chief of the name is a blatant misstatement of fact. My revision discusses how the Chief Herald no longer grants recognition, etc. At first glance, you may think I have re-written the article so as to discredit the claim of Thomas O’Higgins. However, I think I have done Thomas O’Higgins a service by emphasizing the connection between popular support via clan associations and the principles of succession via tanistry.

Rather than making claims of “official recognition” that inevitably invoke memories of the Terence Francis MacCarthy scandal by those versed in these subjects, I encourage Thomas O’Higgins and his supporters to plunge deep into the waters of full disclosure and frank discussion. I believe that doing so will strengthen rather than weaken your claim. I think that people are open to the idea that creating and/or fostering a successful clan association can impart status as de facto chief of the name. We all know that attaining de jure recognition just isn’t possible right now.

By the way, I was happily surprised to discover that the entry for “The O’Higgins” is really good and didn’t require any clean-up whatsoever. It states elegantly and plainly that Thomas O’Higgins is recognized by the NCS and the O’Higgins Clan Association as The O’Higgins.

One other thing: In light of the Terence Francis MacCarthy scandal and the prevalence of shady claims when it comes to noble titles in general (not just Gaelic titles), I would have liked to see some sources cited or at least some explanation regarding the establishment of the title “Lord of Ballynary.” If this is a title simply assumed by Thomas O’Higgins (with the support of the NCS and the O’Higgins Clan Assoc.), I think you should disclose that plainly. It's not necessarily a bad thing.

I hope Thomas O’Higgins and the O’Higgins Association approve of my revision. I hope I introduced useful discussion regarding the importance of popular support vis-a-vis the principles of tanistry as well as the suggestion that the Chief Herald may not be the final word on who is (or who should be) the possessor or honors. Thanks. ◄HouseOfScandal► 18:43, 16 October 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Response to Major Revision

We have tried to respond to the requests for greater clarity re the title of Lord of Ballynary etc and we will be glad to make any further such positive changes that might be suggested. The O'Higgins Clan Association —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 89.100.205.11 (talk) 00:53, 15 May 2007 (UTC).