London Blasts

I do not pretend to understand the emotional magnitude of the incidence in London. I feel obliged to accept what one of those who actually experienced the blast told BBC:

I've been watching the news and seeing people say that they will get back on the tube and get on with life, but I will not be getting on a tube. They didn't see the damage from the bomb and I did. I will eventually get on, but not for a very long time.

I can do nothing but to wish persons like him will be able to cope with its horrendous memory, while sending condolences to those who had died and who have lost their loved ones.

Besides, I must say this incident will be a real challenge for all British citizens who 'didn't see the damage' as well as for those who wish to take terrorism seriously.

Let me introduce one extreme example from the US. Here is some lyrics that show what a patoriotic Amrican thought he ought to remeber, facing the 9/11 and the following attack on Afganistan. Note that this song stayed in a billboard (country) for a longtime.

I hear people saying we don't need this war
I say there's some things worth fighting for
What about our freedom and this piece of ground
We didn't get to keep 'em by backing down
Now they say we don't realize the mess we're getting in
Before you start your preaching let me ask you this my friend

Have you forgotten how it felt that day?
To see your homeland under fire
And her people blown away
Have you forgotten when those towers fell?
We had neighbors still inside going thru a living hell
And you say we shouldn't worry 'bout bin Laden
Have you forgotten?

From Darryl Worley, 'Have you forgotten',
the entire lyric and a music clip

My concern is whether or not and to what extent British people will undergo a sort of emotional development similar to the one shown above. In other words, I'm wondering to what extent the shock and fear of this terrible incidence could cause you to believe that the use of might, the 'War on Terror', is the means we should accept, if not support and promote as the song does.

I, as an outsider, would still want to ask "Have you forgotten?" in rather different waya: "Have you forgotten? Violence only calls for violence;" "Have you forgotten? We should look for reasons why such an atrocity could happen."

A few weeks ago, Tony Blair said in effect that the current crisis on the EU constitution can be seen as an opportunity to tackle a series of difficult issues. Is it profane to bring in the same mentality now? Is this not an opportunity to reflect how far the 'War on Terror' and the fight for 'Democracy' and 'Freedom' have eladicated the roots of terrorism?

The lives and tears of those involved should not be lost in further violence, and we should dedicate our thoughts to avoid this.

What do you think we should remember?
What do you think is the lesson we should learn from this atrocity in London?