Waaay off topic but...

[Rivari]

I won't make this a political post but I did want to let my fellow scrollers on the other side of the pond know that my families prayers and thoughts are with you and your countrymen and women who fell victim to yet another cowardly attack. A day will come when peace rings in and the only debt to be paid will be by those who attack the innocent.

[Gill]

It's nice to know that our friends across the pond feel the way that you do, Todd. Although it's only one message, I'm sure you're speaking for many, many people.

I'm not a Londoner (and thank goodness I know of nobody who suffered in the explosions today) but these events are things that most will take in their stride. Of course, there was the Blitz in 1940, but we also took a bit of a pasting in other parts of the country during the second world war. We've also had to live with Irish terrorism for many years, blowing up targets not only in London but also Birmingham, Manchester, Guildford... the list goes on. We'll sort out today's mess and get on with the rest of our lives - it's what we do.

About 10% of the UKs population has an immigrant background, many of them being moslems from Arabia and the Pakistan/Afghanistan area. I've lived amongst them and I know that most of them are appalled by terrorist campaigns that they see as debasing their religion and way of life. As in all walks of life, there are some disreputable members within their community. Nevertheless, the vast majority are surgeons, businessmen, computer engineers and other such people who contribute vastly to our country. We'd be so much worse off without these people. I think it's worth remembering this on a day when our country is seen to be under attack by moslem fundamentalists.

Oh, and if anyone is planning to visit us, don't let this sort of thing put you off. You'll be welcome and you'll be safe.

Gill

[CanadianScroller]

I just got back from traveling and heard the news.
It is appalling!. There is so much good in this world and all it takes is a few extremeists to destroy our vision. When people live in fear then cowards who do these disgusting events have accomplished what they set out to do.
My thoughts and prayers are with everyone who needs them at this time.
We must be strong.

[wwalker47]

Cowardly attacks

I'll second what Todd said. My prayers and thoughts are with England, as well.

Gill, I know you aren't from London, but it’s just as freighting as if you were. We went through that in 2001 and are still getting over it. Just hang in there.

By the way my wife and I are planning a visit back to London and the English country side next year, and we are still comming.


Keep on making saw dust.


-Bill

[Gill]

Hi Bill

This might sound strange, but the general feeling over here right now seems to be one of acceptance. We're not scared, we're not vengeful; it's happened and now we're getting on with life. This sort of thing has happened so often before that it just doesn't impair us any more. It's terrible for those who are directly affected, but today London returned to work. Actually, that's not totally true - it's Friday and some people used the disruption caused by the attack to take advantage of the warm weather and have a long weekend!

I doubt we'll make a huge song and dance over this. When all's said and done, the effects of yesterday's attack are insignificant in the grand scheme of things. Right now, the Brits are more concerned with measures that can lift poorer nations out of poverty. Doing this will give the entire world a dignified quality of life which will benefit the whole of mankind. And in so doing, there'll be fewer recruiting grounds for deluded terrorists. I'm sorry if that sounds political - it isn't meant to. I'm just trying to describe how the country seems to be reacting right now. I'm sure other Brits will chime in if they feel I've misjudged the situation .

Gill

[jttheclockman]

This is one of the plaques I have hanging high on my display board when I do shows and surround with flags because we will not forget and need to remember. We all become too complacent and it takes something like this to wake us up again. But these idiots are not going anywhere and we need to be aware, and not live our lives in fear.

[Rivari]

I like that work very much John, to many folks in this country have forgotten and it is the little things like that in their face, that forces them to remember. Fortunately we haven't all become gutless in this country yet.

I stop there as not to provoke political debate.

[Neal Moore]

Political Debate

I don't think you're provoking a political debate Todd. I just read all the posts in this thread and I'm hearing intelligent, compassionate conversation between friends. Being a retired military man, and based on the comments I've read, I'm very proud to call each of you my friend!!

[SharonW0111]

Amen to what Todd said .. myself I am working on a plaque of a soldier kneeling beside a fallen soldier and a scroll underneath reading Never Forget on it .. We all have to rember those in termoil no matter what country they are from and salute those that have gone to fight to defend the right of freedom