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He did not demand that Martin dance the Lucky Charms leprechaun jig, and did not indulge in blatantly offensive stereotypes about Ireland or Irish people in expressing his affection.

As Fintan O'Toole quipped recently in the Irish Times, his country "found the crock of gold at the end of the rainbow without even trying to catch the leprechaun."

The possibility that such a thing still exists in our divided country seems as improbable as leprechauns, mermaids or gas under $3 a gallon.

Most Americans are familiar with the Snap, Crackle and Pop kids, Tony the Tiger, the Lucky Charms leprechaun, the Trix rabbit, Toucan Sam from Froot Loops and dozens more.

It is easy-breezy, light spirited — rainbows, leprechauns, good luck, good cheer — it is childlike in its commitment to being pure fun.