Sadly I don't know anyone who lives or works in the city of London. I do know plenty of people who live in smaller towns and in Scotland, to those friends I wish you well and strength as I'm sure these events have scattered any feelings of safety and ease.
I remember the attack on my own country and feeling scrambled for the rest of the day, as though the world had been turned upside down. So I'm not sure what I can say to the people of England but I didn't want to leave my only attention to the mater through a few links tossed in the Longboard, it deserves more than that.
The news correspondents here in America are struggling to keep up with rumors and anonymous tips while shuffling through hastily acquired experts on terrorism. Thankfully it would appear the caretakers of the city and its people were prepared for this type of attack. I assume the reason why the death toll hasn't run into three or four digits. I suppose a long sordid history with bombings does that to a people, both a blessing and a tragedy.
Isn't this where everyone shouts "God Save the Queen?"
I'm sure she's okay and in good health, so how about this: "God save England, and those who have been injured and harmed on this day."
Join the fray by reading through and commenting at the end.
I "amen" your response. Seeing the attacks reminds me of when we suffered here in the United States. This is our chance to empathize and help them any way we can.
I'll echo the "amen". What a horrible tragedy. Unfortunately, I can imagine based on experience what they are going through -- the confusion, the shock, the pain and agony, and the dispair and grief. No one should have to go through this nightmare.
Truth be told, the UK isn't probably in as much of a panic as the US when 9/11 occured... Londoners are used to being bombed by the IRA for years on end, so it's nothing new. After the initial shock of this event life will get back to normal surprisingly quickly...
Still very sad though
I'm sure if the NYC attacks happened at three subway stations and a single bus rather than the two tallest office towers in the world, the US would have been in less of a panic. Controlling a transit system is easy when compared to trying to stop the collapse of millions of tonnes of steel, glass and concrete.
Sadly I don't know anyone who lives or works in the city of London
Are you really sad that you don't know anyone from London? I am kind of relieved that I don't know anyone from there, that way I don't have to worry about them.
Condolences to those involved.
Horrible. Horrible.
What was also sad was to hear Tony Blair say the terrorists are attacking because of our "way of life" and our "freedoms." While marginally true, it is sad to hear him (and President Bush) sidestep like this. It's classic rhetoric. However, the terrorists are attacking us (I speak of Al Qaeda) because of what we did, not who we are.
Until recently I travelled through those stations daily, at about the same time the bombs went off. Glad to be working in Brighton now, and not travelling on the underground any more.
With all due respect to Ryan - that's complete bull. The terrorists have attacked in the past, and will attack again, because of who we are. Because of our beliefs and way of life. Their stated aim is to destroy the "decadent" West. Sure, wars have probably made them angrier, but we're not talking about people who were passive until we started a war - we're talking about people who've been blowing up Western buildings and people since the 80s. The reasons haven't changed, just their so-called justification.
Dave is right. This is terrible, but this is the same 'war' thats been going on since the 80s. President Bush made it official by declaring open war.
You're right about the panic, Greg. Despite those claiming to be responsible that "Britain is burning with fear" (or words to that effect) the friends I have spoken to in London accept it as something that has happened in the past and will probably happen again.
Stiff upper lip and all that.
Dave, I didn't say that our actions were just wars. And I'm not saying that we can avoid all actions that will antagonize fringe groups throughought the world. It's not that simple. But that still doesn't make you statement (or Tony Blair's) any less wrong.
We should recognize that terrorists attack because of what we do - how we interact in the world - not because I am able to drive a nice car and live in a nice house. They're not dumb, Dave. And it's offensive to me that our leaders would try to pass it off as such. Essentially, it's placing the blame on me (and you, and you and you) for the attacks. Bush and past leaders made decisions. Own up to them and learn from them.
I agree Ryan - it is essential that the Bush administration drill home the idea that these people hate us and our way of life, and that it is not a measured response to our actions.
This attack (if by al Qaeda), the Spanish bombings, 911, etc. have a helluva lot more to do with our actions in the Middle East and unwavering support of Israel than they do with, as Ryan puts it so well, our ability to "drive a nice car and live in a nice house."
But if Bush allows us think of this as anything other than ludicrous maniacs who "hate us cause we're free" than it may actually force us to examine what we're doing as well as what they're doing. It's much easier to file them under "crazy" and move in the tanks/troops - but how has it worked so far??? We're pumping billions of dollars into the a War on Terrorism across the globe, meanwhile back at home we've left the door off its hinges along our borders....
London today.....L.A. tomorrow?
Do you feel secure?
Although people say this has happened before and will again, this is still a huge shock, it still hasn't settled in. Nothing like this has every happened in my life time (15 years), and although the tradgedies like 9/11 and Madrid are terrible and you feel for everyone involved, it's not quite the same as when it happens a matter of miles from where you live, and your father may have been involved if he wasn't on business in America.
I offer my condolences to any fellow Londoners who may have been involved in one way or another, and quote Tony Blair:
"I would like once again to express my sympathy and sorrow for those families that will be grieving so unexpectedly and tragically tonight."
I'm a Canadian in London, and I'm actually somewhat shocked by how normal things are. Quick phone call to loved ones, and then back to work... Maybe 10-20 mins spent away from work...
Versus more time yesterday spent watching the coverage of the olympic bid yesterday.
Tragic events nevertheless though.
More than 22,000 Iraqis are dead.
“Change the channelâ€
- Brig. Gen. Mark Kimmitt's advice to Iraqis who see TV images of innocent civilians killed by coalition troops.
I hope we can all stop killing each other.
Cheers matey, the Guardian has a good list of previous attacks:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/terrorism/story/0,12780,1523526,00.html
Everyone seemed to deal with this one remarkably well though, given the scale of the thing.
Mega dittos, Greg.
Everyone seemed to deal with this one remarkably well though, given the scale of the thing.
I'm surprised at the seemingly quiet response from my countrymen. While It would appear that this attack was designed to kill thousands, like September 11th, the response here has been subtle to say the least.
I certainly hope that's not because more people haven't died, but I have a feeling that's it exactly. Perhaps the methods used in London today were not as severe as used in NYC and Washington DC but that doesn't excuse the lack of attention needed and deserved toward England.
Maybe I'm missing something but I find this troubling. Please don't tell me we have grown callous to terrorism in less than five years time.
Dear Ryan,
I think terrorists are dumb.
Olivia
Greg
I'm not sure where you're looking, but I've seen a lot of response - some strong and resilient while others' immediate reaction is to blame U.S. foreign policy.
I had several thoughts when I first learned of the attacks - did they use any radio-active materials, and if so, how bad will this attack be? Were they planning to hit the first responders with a 'second-wave' which is a common tactic (though not experienced in the U.S.)? If Paris had won the Olympic contract, did they have a secondary plan?
I think, (and hope) that some people aren't responding because they're taking time to come to grips with who the enemy truely is. I also think that many in the U.S. are also reflecting on the thought that has existed in the back of the minds of most Americans since 9/11/2001 - that it really is a question of 'when' and not 'if,' and how possibly terrible the 'when' could be. This attack brings to the fore that thought many Americans were happy to leave in it's relatively new closet.
Listening to some responses from experts in terrorism, they state that these attacks were performed by relative 'rookies.' The potential for far, far greater death and destruction was there. The bombs weren't very powerful considering what could have happened. They didn't use WMD (which they most likely would have used if they had them). Two of the devices didn't go off. But the targeted locations had terrible potential. And these rookies, still at large, have learned a vast amount from this attack.
Once again, we reach a crossroads of those who are willing to accept and face a real, global evil that wants to 'destroy all infidels,' and those that choose to believe if we stick our heads in our own sandy beaches they'll leave us alone.
Britons can choose their path: Neville Chamberlain or Winston Churchill. I believe Prime Minister Blair and virtually all of the Londoners I saw interviewed on TV and heard on radio today have already chosen the latter.
"Rule, Britannia,
Britannia rule the waves,
Britons never will be slaves!"
Dear Olivia,
Point well taken.
-Ryan
Unfortunately, Greg, I'd have to say we have. Does anyone remember the three attacks in Russia last summer? Two metro bombings I believe within days of each other and the Beslan school hostage situation. Those events didn't get near enough coverage, I thought.
It is sad. It seems to me American media only cares about terrorism as it directly relates to us and our war.
If it truly was a "war on terror," Africa would be getting more notice. This is why I am forced to believe that it is not a war on terror, but a war for oil.
Contsy, I am slightly troubled by your phrase 'a real, global evil that wants to 'destroy all infidels,'' partially because I fear what that perception/mindset could mean in the future. Right now we are killing Iraqi civillians in the name of the war on terror, and I just fear that a need to 'destroy all terrorists' will result in unfounded suspicion of Arabs and unneeded deaths of civillians. I don't think I stated that concern well, but hopefully you get what I mean?
Just wanted to add on condolences to the people of London, specially to those directly affected, but to all who have friends or beloved ones in the City. Beign a Madrilean myself, I really empathize with all happening around terrorist attacks on our cities.
While I also agree with many of the commentaries left here, about how US politics affect the rest of us, I can't but agree on the 'stick your heads in your own beaches' methaphore, while pointing out it is us, voters, and our goverments, who need to mobilize and don't just follow the shepherd.
Then again, i'm horrified to read a commentary on how 'London is accostumed to this kind of bomb attacks' as it is something I heard around too often: we are getting accostumed to this, and not bringing any solution to it. If a bomb doesn't kill dozens, we just take our coffe with two sugar cubes like any other morning... (hope i'm getting the point across)
Thanks Greg for a great post.
Being a young Londoner who, (thankfully) never really experienced any previous bombings in my home town, I was amazed by the way people handled it.
It has to be said, the emergency services, transport servcies and other services were amazing, and my thanks go out to them - the tube was sealed off in half an hour, (max - a great feat given the size) and people were in the hospitals very quickly.
As for everyone else, as has been said elsewhere, we get on with it - my way of life will be changed by reasoned argument, not killing my fellow Englishmen or making my commute that bit tougher, (only doubled, suprisingly).
I must add that it has given me a brief glimps (albeit on a different scale) of how New Yorkers must have felt on 11th Spetember and my sympathy for them has increased somewhat.
Wow, you are the only one other than Zeldman’s brief comment that has written about this. It is truly sad. I believe though God is sovereign, even over this tragic event. The Bible says all things bring glory to God, even the most evil of deeds. I can only pray He can bee seen and sought out in the midst of another tragedy.
The problem with the rhetoric of the "War on Terror(ism)" and evoking old-war ghosts like Chamberlain or Churchill is that this perspective misrepresents the nature of this conflict. It's not a war in the traditional sense, and there is no enemy to destroy from a military standpoint -- as much as Mr. Bush would like there to be. Terrorism, by definition, is not a tactical military exercise, but rather attacks designed to inflict psychological and economic damage. The well-executed terror attack creates repercussions geometrically larger than the effort that went into executing the attack itself. Terror is not warfare, and a war against it will not be won with soldiers and tanks, just ask the Israelis and the British in Northern Ireland, spots where a War on Terror has been going on for the last 30+ years. Progress in these locations is made with political dialogue that addresses the root issues --- it's the only approach that makes both sides willing to put down the weaponry. But there's no guarantee that any approach will yeild results. Sad, but true.
London has seen a lot worse (the Blitz), and Londoners are made of tough stuff. Cheers and warm wishes to them this difficult morning.
There's a quote @
http://www.livejournal.com/users/tyrell/154027.html#cutid1
whether real or not I don't know but amusingly realistic.
People have been trying to blow up bits of London for decades. Centuries, in fact. This one's nothing special. It's no different to any of the others. London's reaction to it is typified by my friend Jeff, who was actually *running* to catch the bus that was blown up.
"I went to Euston: went to the tube and there was a loud bang. and we were sent out! Then we were sent out of the station so I half ran to Tavistock Place to catch a bus to Victoria. And then it went bang, so I thought "b****r that"."
For the people of London
hopefully great briton doesn't make ridiculous decisions due to terrorist attacks, as american is.
Caleb,
Keep your blinkers on pal. If a god ever existed it has long since turned its back on this world, and any god that takes glory in this isn't worth spitting on, let alone worshipping.
That kind of rubbish comment sounds like something fanatics like the idiots that purpetrate these crimes would utter.
Here in London things are pretty much back to normal, though there's obviously still some disruption on the tubes. Various commentators have said that Londoners desire to get back to work and carry on as normal is a sign of the our great British spirit, forged in the days of the Blitz, or an example of our fine "chin up, you old bugger" unflappableness. But I can't help but wonder if it's more the case that commuters are caught up in their own little world, mentally programmed to get-to-the-office no matter what.
Thoughts and condolences to those injured and bereaved in the bombings, but, as a city, we got off lightly. It could have been 10 times worse, like Madrid. We're used to bombs going off, courtesy of the IRA and other mad fuckers, (Eg the Soho pub bombings). This was nothing new. 9/11 was soemthing new, something genuinely terrifying, even 2000 miles away. The London bombs, less than 500 yards away from my office, just make me angry, and sad, the day after the joy of winning the Olympics host city 2012.
London, it's a helluva town, one day we're up, the next day we're down.
Come visit! I'll buy you a beer.
1) I'm sure the families of those who died in these attacks would really be impressed by all this "stiff lip Londoner" stuff.
2) You can call this event whatever you want (Tube bombings, 7/7, etc.) just please don't compare it to 9/11.
3) London was attacked, not because of American foreign policy, but because the terrorists LIVE IN LONDON. Clearly, this is a "fanboy" terror cell. Probably a bunch of University students.
4) Terror attacks without suicide bombers? Please, that's just a fraternity prank. You will convince no one of your beliefs if you lack the balls to sacrifice anything for them.
5) Dear London, be well.
In response to Jxson's kindegarten view on world affairs, I offer the following as a point by point rebuttal.
1) Actually having been in Kings Cross station when it was bombed, then walking to work, hearing the bus bomb, and now a few days later, finding out that I knew someone who was murdered that day, I can assure you it's nothing about stiff upper lip, but it's also not about ridiculous overreactions to a tragedy. Son you are talking rubbish.
2) Again rubbish, I was there, you weren't and 'll call it what i want. The whole point was it WAS as bad as 9/11, how dare you patronise me by saying that it wasn't. It's not about the quantification of a disaster through the amount of corpses on show.
3) OMFG, you really are not taking your Ritalin are you? The bombers did NOT come from London, 3 came from Leeds and one from Luton.
4) Jesus, what are you stuying "Ideology for Muppets"?
5) Like we need your wishes.
You can call this event whatever you want (Tube bombings, 7/7, etc.) just please don't compare it to 9/11.
I can't believe I didn't see this earlier... why wouldn't you compare it to 9/11 or any other terrorist attack? Because of the scale of death and destruction? How stupid are you really?
You can bet your ass the terrorists were trying to kill just as many, if not more, people who died in NYC and Washington. How could you possibly try position one attack over another as if it's a contest? Not only is that stupid, it's sick. Perhaps you should stop taking oxygen from those who can put better use to it.