Several bloggers have posted thoughtful sensitive posts, but otherwise I think most of us have kept quiet over the past few days, because there is nothing we can say that hasn't been said before, and (I felt) maintain a respectful silence.
But I have heard what I think are some somewhat trite responses from political figures. Jeremy Corbyn has said we should prevent terrorism rather than shoot to kill, but how exactly does he propose to do that? Of course it is always better to prevent carnage than to have to respond to it with weapons, but in this case, prevention seems almost impossible, and we cannot stand back and see ordinary people mown down. And then President Putin has promised that the terrorists who brought down the Russian plane will be found and punished. Good idea, but again, how is he going to do it? The problem is so huge, and so widespread, it must be hard for those dealing with terrorism to know where and how to begin.
These terrorists seem to me to have two major advantages. Firstly, they are scattered round the world in small pockets, so are almost impossible to target. Secondly, they are prepared to die for their cause by blowing themselves up. What can we do against that?
I'm not a political animal, and would be the first to say there's a lot I don't know that I really ought to know. But like most of us, I fear for our civilisation, and for the futures of my (and your) children and grandchildren.
But all I can do - all most of us are able to do - is think of those who lost their lives, and of their grieving families. And wait.
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I think you have said what most of us are thinking Frances, and you have said it so well, I have nothing more to add.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Maggie.
DeleteTerrible though it is I have been trying to put it into some sort of context.
ReplyDeleteIt's very difficult to get any figures. The WHO does have some excellent figures but aren't really collecting anything but medical causes of death. They do include Road traffic deaths and smoking related deaths.....Lots of others as well. I did see that the USA had 25 folk killed by terrorists during 2013 but as they killed far more of each other by such diverse means as the death penalty, nutter shootings and plain robbery and violence then it sort of puts thing in perspective. I don't think we have to worry too much yet.
I'm not sure, Adrian. Things like traffic and smoking aren't deliberate killings, and some of the other things are one-offs. We'll just have to see.
DeleteI don't express myself very well. Just after I was brought up. I had to contend with terrorists. Not a problem. I had planned a trip to Belfast and agreed to a shopping trip in Manchester. I went despite the Omar bomb and the destruction of the Arnedale Centre, I also went to work in Aden. Barking mad are the Yemeni but we had a good laugh and got the docks working...a bit. Tony Blair paid for the British war grave cemetery to be put back straight. I think a Russian missile had exploded in it. The Yemeni had done their best they had put all the skulls together in one pile and all the long bones in another but took me to have a look as they suspected things weren't as they should be. I sent a letter to Number 10 and to the Poppy folk along with pictures and all was sorted. The locals had done their best as when their soldiers die in battle they just heave them into a big hole.
DeleteI agree with you Frances....but although I worry I am determined to focus on the good...the 'helpers' in life and pray that good will win out over evil.
ReplyDeleteA sensible approach, Libby. And all we can do, really.
DeleteThis morning, here in Germany 7 people were arrested under the suspicion of being somehow connected to the Paris terrorist attacks. This evening, they have already been released, and I can't help but wonder:
ReplyDeletea) Have the Police been over-reacting under public (and political) pressure to "produce results" quickly?
b) Have those people become suspects simply because of their Arabic names, and is that now going to be a frequent thing happening (just like Afro-Americans are much more frequently stopped in traffic controls in the US, etc.) ?
c) Why has there a helicopter been circling above my very average neighbourhood for a while now?
d) Should I still go to the pub quiz in an hour or so?
I can't answer any of the questions except (d), Meike, to which my answer would be a definite yes!
DeleteI don't know the perfect answer to handle the prevention of terrorism or the aftermath of it, but at least your country is willing to do something, right or wrong. The U.S. has their hands tied by those who criticise methods meant to capture criminals. I think it's easier to say, "excuse me for profiling you in the name of precaution," rather than, "I'm sorry I didn't do enough to protect your loved one," after a bloodbath.
ReplyDeleteGood points, Em-Musing. Thank you.
DeleteIt's very difficult to know what to say in these circumstances, Frances - one of the reasons I never enter discussions or debates on FB!
ReplyDeleteI eschew FB too, Rosemary, although it's useful for keeping an eye on family members!
DeleteIt's all quite beyond my comprehension Frances. If I started thinking about it then I would start envisaging WW3 and that's not conducive to sleeping well at night.
ReplyDelete