I was going to write a bit earlier, but I finally got a call from my brother, Sgt. Joe foo’ the Marine, in Iraq (hadn’t heard from him in a while). More on that later in another post.
In light of the attacks in London (good round up of links and links to links from Glenn Reynolds with plenty more from Michelle Malkin) I’m not going to do a humor post today (“But if we don’t hear about Chomps attacking people in his confirmation hearing, the terrorists have already won!” some cry). Instead, I’d really like to get a discussion going in the comments section as much of this I’m still processing and trying to put together.
First off, my condolences to my UK readers. What I was stunned by is how well the British are handling this; the scenes I saw on TV made it look like this was almost routine (I know London has dealt with terrorism before, but not of this magnitude). There wasn’t mass panic, and that show of strength means so much in times like this. The purpose of terrorism is terror, and, in some ways, it seems the terrorists have already been thwarted.
I also would like to reiterate what Tony Blair said about an attack on any of our allies is an attack on us all. Not that I wish us bad, but I really hate it how it’s not big bad America getting attacked, but instead it’s our allies. But the proper mindset is that we got attacked today, and that “we” includes anyone reading this, whatever country you live in. I don’t even care if somehow this ends up not to be Al Qaeda; all the civilized world needs to stand up against all such attacks – wherever they occur.
When Blair spoke from G8, there was Bush at his right and Chirac at his left. I know there’s a lot of disrespect for Chirac and much of the French in general, but France still remains a prime target for terrorists. Despite the jokes on this site, I hope our mindset is that if those Al Qaeda bastards harm but one @#$% hair of a Frenchman in Paris, we’ll treat it like the Capitol itself was bombed. All of us are in this together.
And I believe that to be the key; attacks like this should not scare us, they should only piss us off.
Except its hard not to be a little scared. This is our world now. We (and when I say ‘we,’ I mean all nations) can be attacked at home at any time. We don’t know who is next, but we know there will be a next. One day that next will be the U.S. again. The Sword of Damocles has been hanging over America since 9/11, and the thread will break eventually. So what do we do? My brother is currently helping settle Iraq; others are in Afghanistan. For the rest of us, all I know is to keep resolved and keep going strong no matter what. The road to defeating terrorists is a long one – maybe there is no end – and the best I think we can do is continue to increase our determination in the face of these attacks and whatever else comes.
They can hurt us, but they’re losing. Let’s keep them losing.
Any more thoughts? I really just want to discuss this with you all right now. Events like this always make you want to do something.
God bless and care for you, London; this attack is being answered as we speak.
umm first?
more following
As terrible as this is, if it gets more people and countries pissed off, then at least some good will come of it. When we look back all will see that this day did not help the terrorists, but helped to insure that we will hunt them down and make them pay drop for drop for the blood that was shed in these attacks.
I just got to wonder … was the prime motivation G8, or Olympics? Would Paris had been hit if they’d won?
As always, condolences to all those who have lost something today.
your right when you say we can’t be split up into our seperate groups right now. The only type of leadership that alqueda has shown so far is the divide and conquer. I think that shows alot about their mindset and how they see leadership. I know that in tribal areas divide and conquer is fairly successful, but in our society it has been overcome by nationalism. We are seeing a conflict of idealogy here, the old ways versus the new way. Luckily history has shown not only the inherent strength of our current political system but the weakness of theirs. Indian tribes died out for the same reason, as did tribal warfare versus the romans. No tribe can match a nation in productivity and ability, because we form larger and smarter groups and distribute our resources in a smarter and more efficent way. Luckily the terrorists are simply incapable of seeing the world in the same way, however we most remember to stick together and help each other for our civilization to survive, we must not forget the lessons and the price our form of government entails. GO FEDERALISM, DOWN WITH TRIBALISM. sorry if i didn’t explain this properly
I think what powerlineblog.com quotes today is most appropriate, the very relevant words of Winston Churchill:
[D]o not suppose that this is the end. This is only the beginning of the reckoning.This is only the first sip, the first foretaste of a bitter cup which will be proffered to us year by year unless by a supreme recovery of moral health and martial vigour, we arise again and take our stand for freedom as in the olden time.
ChrTh,
The timing, with so many leaders at G8, makes this seem like such a ridiculously dumb thing tactically for Al Qaeda to do.
As for the Olympics, no way this could have been coordinated this fast to be in response to that… at least that’s my opinion.
I think the timing is ‘opportunistic’: with the G8 on, many of London’s best police officers and most of their reserves are up in Scotland managing protests, so London is a bit more open than usual.
I’d hate to be a protester who gets on the wrong side of any Met boys round Gleneagles today…
Frank, if you think about it though: there was time to plan in advance (they knew the five finalists), and it was a relatively small attack compared to Madrid, which makes me think it was a ‘quick-and-dirty we need to do this NOW’ kind of attack.
When I heard about it, my first thought was “Olympics” … I just wonder if that’s what they were hoping to accomplish?
This one of the best postings you have made. You transcribed what a lot of us were thinking when we woke up this morning. It really does not matter if this was al qaeda or not. This was an attack on every single nation in the world who values freedom and civilization. Maybe,some good will eventually come of this. Hopefully, all our allies across the Atlantic will understand a little more clearly how we felt 4 years ago, how scared we were. How we needed to feel like people around the world were supporting us. Everyone in Chicago is praying for you London.
Sheesh, it could have been a lot of things. Abu Hamza’s trial. Israelis in town. G-8. Olympics. We may never know the core reason …
Frank, you might want to move this post above the podcast one just for today…
Also, a warning: avoid the DU for the day. Most are being sane and respectable. The rest, well, are being typical…
ChrTh,
DU is a sideshow. Nothing to gain by pointing out their known wackiness in a time of real tragedy.
I’m holding judgement until the British respond. Only one of two responses will be forthcoming. 1: Capitulate and bow down to the terrorists, giving them strength and renew their resolve by decreasing the amount of troops the British have invested in this war against terror. 2: Kick ass and alot of it with righteous vengance. Strike fear into the same terorists who wish to spread fear to peace loving nations. Increase their effort to bring terrorists to justice(or an untimely demise).
I hope it’s the latter of the two but Britain is plaged with the same kind of cowards that America is plaged with, which is liberal politicians.
Is shutting down the transportation system in one of the biggest cities of the world(london) any bigger than killing 1000 people straight up(madrid)?
Frank,
Very well stated.
I also like what Bush said about the clear contrast between US and THEM. I suspect this attack had to do with the G8. We meet to find ways to solve world problems, they attack to cause MORE problems. The difference between their hate and our kindness has never been more clear.
Britain, may God be with you.
Frank,
I think we’ll come to find that these were something like satchel charges – simple, powerful and easily transportable. Coordination then is as easy as phone calls and timer settings. Hey, God love ’em, but the Brits just haven’t been as unattended-package-paranoid as we have, making it a simpler thing to leave a backpack and get off a train – the lack of a need for martyrs makes coordination even easier.
Was it about the G8 or the Olympics? I think – both.
After recent terrorist statements about how “the Olympic athletes will not be safe” – I believe that the convergence of London winning the 2012 games AND hosting the G8 provided an idea opportunity for someone to say “starting NOW…and by the way, your leaders are not safe either!”
I echo your admiration for the obvious strength of the British spirit – I remember, on 9/11 after we went home long enough to pack a bag and tell our families that we’d be back as soon as we could, keeping up on the coverage and wishing to myself that everyone would take a collective breath and stop running in circles, because that was PART of the behavior the terrorists were trying to illicit.
The Brits aren’t giving them that.
I hope that the point of the bombings was to pull off another “Madrid” and manipulate another government, because it will be good to see, as I believe we are seeing already, the resolve of the British people not to be manipulated.
Meanwhile, we here at home should also make ready – to meet the surely-coming onslaught of those who will come out of their holes to blame the US and England for the grievous harm done to our staunchest ally.
Watch for them, people – this is the part we can help with.
– MuscleDaddy
Hello Americans,
Don’t let the humour stop on our account. Just because some bastards want to take away our freedom and our liberty it doesn’t mean we have to sit around and feel sorry for ourselves!
We in London are a tough bunch. We’re still smiling and it’s business as usual as far as possible.
We won’t be scared and we won’t be terrorised. Events like this will eventually prove that freedom is enduring, and cannot be defeated by bomb nor bullet. Freedom is our greatest and most prized asset, without it we are nothing, but with it we will never fall.
Big heads up to all of you chaps over there across the pond from your friends in the UK.
We’re taking the piss already. They can’t keep us down for long.
Dude, this is WAR. London got bombed to cinders in 1940. What made you think 2005 was any different? I saw this and thought “100 or fewer dead? Is that all you can do?” They kicked us in the shins and in exchange for that we just reaped a bonanza of experience in disaster response. Nothing like live fire to hone your skills.
Now stiffen up and get with the program. You are at war. The enemy is losing and the only way they can beat us is through the press. You want to help the war effort? Rip the press every time they attack us and talk about how we’re losing. Write letters, boycott stations, picket places, whatever. This is a political fight just as much as it’s a military one. The North Vietnamese beat us on the 6 o’clock news. Are you going to let the Islamic maniacs do that, too?
Me, I’m taking a big snort of catnip laced with N’awlins coffee and getting back to work for the US war machine.
By the by, can you imagine what would happen if the attack had occurred in Dixie? Bring it on, boys. We got ourselves a whole mess of *ss-whup down here just waiting for you.
That is great to hear, Ben. You can always count on a Briton to say things in an elequoent and inspiring way.
Apparently, as we had all hoped, the flame of defiance and resolve that got the British people through that summer of 1940 has not died out.
UK, we are with you. God Bless.
Someone had a great comment on another site: if this was Olympics-related, and they had people in place in all 5 cities, why not go ahead and hit them all?
I’m guessing G-8 is the likely reason at this point. However, the host of whackos that would bomb because of it is legion, so we can’t say for sure that this is Al-Qaeda until we have more evidence.
But whoever did it sure does suck.
While the terrorists are delighted when they can kill lots of people, their main goal is disruption and terror. If they can disrupt the English transportation system and make everyone else in the world clamp down on travel then they no doubt think they have accomplished what they wanted. With 45 now dead and thousands injured, they presume they have a successful day on their hands.
But just as the Nazis discovered, these Innocent Civilian Attacking Cowards will soon see that the British are more than up to the task of defeating them. I suspect that the Terrorists have made a severe miscalculation. Anyone who goes after unarmed women and children because military targets are too tough, will find out in a hurry just how tough a military target can be. Sooner rather than later, I’m thinking.
Hopefully this serves to wake up the Brits and stop the bloody “let them talk” attitude towards the hate-filled muslims in that country. Then, at least, some good will have come from this.
Having moved from a country where my ownership of guns was severely curtailed – and the rise of crime that accompanied that socialist move … I have not believed that my home (whether that be house, community, city or country) was a safe haven – so I guess I feel little or no shock. Our idiotarians have been whining about freedom here … worried that when they check our Lady Chatterly’s Lover from their library, it will be immediately flagged by some computer somewhere … but, obviously our vigilance – Jay Leno’s “humor” about color warnings aside – is paying off.
I think they probably chose as BAD a target (to achieve their aims) this time as they chose as GOOD a taget (not too many places more liberal than New York) last time. This could/should cost them the liberty to preach hatred in Britain, and possibly in Europe. The chickens are coming home to roost … first Madrid, then London …. can Europeans continue to be complacent and forgiving?
I think not …
Like I wrote earlier today, this is a do-or-die time for the British. We’ll find out just what the British are made of: they’ll either wake up and see that terrorism is quite a real threat, or they’ll pull a Madrid and run away with their tails between their legs.
No matter the case, we all need to pray for the families and the injured. May God help them in their time of pain.
To Our Friends In The UK:
I want to express my heart-felt condolences for the loss you’ve just
endured. I pray that you didn’t lose anyone in these attacks which occurred
this morning as Londoners were going about their daily routine. Even if you
didn’t lose anyone directly, I know how it feels to watch your fellow
countrymen and women, innocent civilians, be murdered in such a cowardly,
indiscriminate way. My prayers go out to you and your fellow citizens.
Your people handled themselves with dignity and courage, an example others
could only hope to emulate in the future. It is remarkable how quickly you
were able to react to such a horrendous attack at such an inopportune time,
rush hour, while maintaining order. The filthy cowards wanted to create fear
and panic right as the citizens were commuting to work, but their plans
failed. America stands with you in mourning, as do I on this black day.
I just want to express my heartfelt thanks to all of those who have left messages of support for my former countrymen here at IMAO. I was born in Birmingham England before emigrating to the US and I know that all of my friends (thankfully none of whom were tied up in this hideous attack) would express the same kinds of thanks if they were here.
Thanks again and God Bless the Coalition.
Pray for the U.K.! Man, they sure rallied behind us in the wake of 9/11… we need to do the same. I know that some people will twist this whole tragedy into it somehow being Bush’s and/or Blair’s fault… but the simple truth is… WE, the allies, are NOT the ones bombing innocent people and cutting off people’s heads! The evil that we are fighting is responsible… SOLELY responsible… for the death and injury that occurred today in London. Pray for God to further strengthen our resolve so we can finally put an end to these horrors. God bless America, the U.K., and all of our allies!
Being near a naval air station on the east coast, I have not heard this much air traffic overhead since 2001.
I hope the masterminds behind this particular attack are brought down by the Allies and not thier own cowardly suicides like in Madrid.
The only thing left to say is “Giterdone!”
This just pisses me off. The terrorist bastards can’t take our freedom no matter what. I know the true spirit of our British cousins will make us proud just like we’ve been since 9/11.
First off, condolences and prayers to our allies and brothers/sisters in London. You have been the haven of fighting for freedom since Nelson and Wilberforce. Make them proud.
Spain be damned. What works is repeated; what fails dies. Whatever aggression you reward with cowardice you will get more of. Whatever you resist you will get less of. Clinton gave us a strong and encouraged Al Qaeda after cutting and running from multiple attacks. Spain gave you this.
Britain should double its commitment to Afghanistan and perhaps Iraq. A pissed off Al Qaeda is better than a happy Al Qaeda any freaking day, considering what makes them happy.
If they attack again, double it again. While an American should find Bin Lauden, I think today if a Brit does, we’ll still be as happy (that, and you lost hundreds on 9/11 as well).
I fear for you, England. Not that you will bleed more, but that your blood will have been spilled in retreat. The land that gave us Churchill also gave us Chamberlain. Choose your path well. Your future will thank you for what you defended or curse you for what you let grow, just as it always has.
God bless Britain!
My Prayers Are Up For Our British Cousins.
If AQ or an off-shoot thought that what worked in Spain is going to work in London. The Bad Guys are Sadly Mistaken.
I guess they Bad Guys never heard of The Blitz or The Battle Of Britain. I also hope the Bad Guys have a huge surfeit of Body Bags. They’re going to need them.
Jack.
I wonder if the UK press will hide the images from today so as not to stir up people’s emotions, like the US press does w/the 9/11 pictures.
I’m going to start making plans to go to the Olympics in the UK. I agree that this sort of thing makes me want to do something. I’m thinking spending my extra money over there will be some small gesture of support.
Damn terrorists. I hope the UK doubles their support of the troops in Iraq.
I am disgusted. Today, the free world was attacked once again. Alright, let me be honest. I have been trying to write this for the past 5-10 minutes, and I have already erased 3 different comments. I cannot think. The casualty list is smaller than that of 9/11, yet it has caused the exact same familiar emotions to swell up within me. Even if I were able to think, I would not know WHAT to think. My mind is overwhelmed with pain and sympathy for those who lost loved ones today.
The innocent men, women, and children did not deserve this. I do not care whether or not Great Britain is able to recover swiftly. It is irrelevant to me. The fact that there was even an attack has brought tears to my eyes.
Such an attack on society shall not go unpunished. The first mistake Al-Qaida made was angering the United States. As a result of their arrogance, their base in Afghanistan was destroyed. Their second mistake was to retaliate in Iraq. Had they merely packed up and left after Baghdad fell, we would’ve assumed that there was no actual threat and our credibility would be ruined. Now they have made their third mistake. Already Europe has become more and more frustrated with the United States and the War on Terror. Soon all of Europe, even Great Britain, would’ve changed it’s opinion to be against any support for the United States.
I will now use an analogy made by the head of the Japanese forces in World War II after the attack on Pearl Harbor: “I fear that all we’ve done is woken up a sleeping giant”. Indeed, that is what has happened. On 9/11, that same giant woke up from it’s slumber and began to lay waste to those that would harm the innocent. Soon, the giant was ready to return to it’s slumber, but those that would threaten the peace antagonized it further, preventing it from ignoring their hatred. The giant that was Europe was still tired, and wished to go back to sleep, but now those same monsters that stirred the first giant have given this other giant it’s coffee, and thus the giant has become restless, and will now join the first giant until both are satisfied.
I am not the most intelligent of humans. It is very rare that I am aware of the world around me. In that sense, I am no different than our European brothers. However, I do know when my life and the lives of others are in danger, and I will do anything to protect them. In the words of the brave men and women on flight 93 who knew this same thing, “Let’s roll.”
Gunlord
After this attack I can’t help but think of the Limey, and how unfunny that stuff suddenly is.
Maybe this will make the Limey realize how wrong he’s been all along!
I dont think this was another Madrid. I dont think there is any major statement or idea behind this one. I think this one was done because they could.
Then again, it is still speculation that they hit us on 9/11 because of 911 or any of that. Nothing has been proven in that regard.
It’s not easy to keep from suggesting a nice warm shower of Zyklon B, but Im going to – because I know how stupid people can be. I lived and worked with a good number of muslims in my day – all good family people. But I also saw the celebrations of 9/11 firsthand, mere 3-4 blocks from my home.
Another day off shot to hell…
I know I am French and this is not good around here, but I want to join you in your support of England which I think is amazing.
God bless the Queen.
It was not part of their blood,
It came to them very late
With long arrears to make good,
When the English began to hate.
They were not easily moved,
They were icy-willing to wait
Till every count should be proved,
Ere the English began to hate.
Their voices were even and low,
Their eyes were level and straight.
There was neither sign nor show,
When the English began to hate.
It was not preached to the crowd,
It was not taught by the state.
No man spoke it aloud,
When the English began to hate.
It was not suddenly bread,
It will not switftly abate,
Through the chill years ahead,
When Time shall count from the date
That the English began to hate.
– Kipling 1914
AND NOW CHARGE!
Frenchman,
We make jokes, but it’s one disposition, not his nationality, that is important here. Thanks for the comment.
yeah, I know about that and I am pretty hard to offend anyway.
btw, thanks for the great laughs.
I am an American. I live in America. But today, WE were attacked. WE are not American. WE are not British. Nor are WE Australian, Polish, or Italian.
WE are the FREE. And WE are united in our war against terror and despotism.
WE have been attacked and WE will fight back. FREEDOM is on the march, and the March of FREEDOM shall prevail!
First, my condolances to those in Britain who have lost loved ones, or even those who were hurt. I will also share in the British Spirit of being pissed (drunk) and defiant.
From the days of Queen Boadicia to the days of Queen Elizabeth II, Long Live England.
Second, as much as I can’t stand the French mindset, especially mimes, I would find a terrorist attack upon them as worthy of a good thrashing. It reminds me of what happened to a kid who, in middle school, punched a blind kid. Suffice to say, I think he passed out from humiliation (and pain) just shortly after the mass gravel-wedgie (amongst other things). I see France as the blind kid.
I am sitting here reading the comments and trying not to cry. Somedays this freedom loving patriot and former she Marine feels quite alone in the world, but not today. Today I am reminded how many wonderful Freedom loving people are out there. I have heard from one of the two people I am concerned about over there, I am sure the other will check in by tomorrow. Please keep him in your prayers.
God Bless the Brits
God Bless the USA
and God Bless all freedom loving people everywhere.
Not much comment, because I’m so pissed off I can’t say what I think anymore except:
Muslimocide!
Millions of them stay silent, therefore condone this crap and are therefore equally guilty. Radiation is a treatment for cancer.
Islam THIS
I’m very pissed. Idiot politicians mouth bllsht about “global warming”, “torture at Gitmo”, wring their hands about the “Imperial U.S.” and so on. Pieces of crap. Nothing useful about the real world threat gets done.
spits
The world’s politicians are the dregs of humanity, so afraid of saving face and being polite to each other. The old saying “kill the lawyers first” should be amended. Then put people in charge with a set of balls.
That-is-all before I really get going.
F*cking desert-baked godless cult.
And the same to all the farkin lefty socialist liberal pond-scum too.
Pigs. spits again
–The Hate-filled Righty–
Sorry to be awol on such an occasion, but my focus was on our friends over there.
I’ve been trying to tell those who might be able to use the information wisely how al-Qaeda tipped their hand 6 hours before the bombs went off.
Someone is supposed to be looking for that kind of financial information. Maybe they’ll train a computer to notice unusual early position taking in major markets instead of saying it’s SOP to look at that kind of thing after the fact.
It is difficult to express feelings at times like this. I can’t add anything to the comments above, except to quote one of my heroes, Winston Churchill: “What kind of people do they they think we are?!” Brits, you have delt with much worse than this. So have we. And we are with you. Tom G.
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