Weekly Question 1

Although I am not well versed in the specifics of the economic relationship between Ireland and the US, I do not believe the US depends on Ireland the same way Ireland does the US.  However, it seems to me that Ireland does play a significant role in the cultural aspect of America. 
Most US citizens depend on their cultural heritage to define their personal identity.  Growing up in the Boston area, this cultural identity has been inseparably linked to Ireland.  In Boston, there's an Irish pub on nearly every corner, and practically every weekend there's another music festival or craft fair to attend.  For me, my families Irish heritage as been drummed into me since I was a little girl; from my name, to lullabyes.  Its been used as an excuse for a large family and rambunctious parties.  Even the jewelry we where and how we decorate our house echoes our Irish heritage.  As something my siblings and I (and our father and his siblings before us) have grown up hearing about our entire lives, it doesn't suprise me that we can feel such a signifcant connection to Ireland, even though none of us have ever been there(until now).
I know that our family is not unusual in feeling a connection to Ireland, and for that reason I do believe that Ireland plays a significant role in American culture, as something we can look to for a personal history and familial bonds.