I am, when it comes down to it, a cynical man. I don’t believe in happy coincidence, of random events converging out of some universal whim. I tend to believe that things happen for a reason and that if something happens, it usually happens with some kind of rational process working away somewhere. It might not always be easy to find, but I think it’s there anyway.
Which is what makes these reports of explosions in London so troubling for me. Just when the UK is hosting the G8 summit several explosions are reported in the capital? At rush hour, with the most people crammed into underground trains and double-decker buses? I don’t believe in coincidence.
Bloggers, journalists and writers with a galaxy more talent than I can ever muster will be writing about these incidents now, so I’m going to wrap up and let you get away to do some actual reading about this horrible thing. Then I’m going to worry. And check the news. And probably worry some more.
I wish I believed in coincidence.
July 7th, 2005 at 1:33 pm
These attacks sicken me. You are right, it is no coincidence that this occured in London during the G8 summit. Right after the Live 8 concert. The day after London is given the 2012 Olympics. It was basically the terrorists way of saying “hey, England, don’t be too high on yourself; we can kill your people too.”
Hey, maybe Bob Gehldof and Barbara Streisand can throw a concert to stop terrorism…
July 7th, 2005 at 1:50 pm
It is no coincidence. My thoughts and encouragement go out to the peoples of Great Britain.
July 7th, 2005 at 1:55 pm
What has struck me most of all about the coverage was seeing how shaken Tony Blair was giving his immediate response at Gleneagles. He seemed genuinely shocked – he has spoken at length before about an attack on British soil being the stuff of his nightmares, and now he’s seeing it happening on his watch.
Apparently Scotland Yard is looking into the possibility that the bomb on the bus was the work of a suicide bomber.
It’s strange, yesterday things seemed so upbeat – granted there were still terrible problems in the world, but it was a very optimistic day. Live 8 concerts, G8, the London Olympic bid coming through…I’m aware anything I say right now is going to sound painfully trite, it’s just a bit of a shock all round really.
July 7th, 2005 at 2:41 pm
No, not trie, Fawdoo – apprporiate. Those things from yesterday – G8, Olympics, Live 8 – are examples of the human heart at its best. Today, terrorists have shown us the other side – human hearts at their blackest, most foul.
July 7th, 2005 at 2:47 pm
I think an important thing is to stand resolute together and not let those who would try to diminish the optimism of yesterday with the blackness of today.
July 7th, 2005 at 5:00 pm
I hope everything is under control soon. My heart and thoughts are with you as you work through this tragedy.
What your saying isn’t trite at all! Please continue to communicate with us your reactions.
July 8th, 2005 at 5:57 am
No more coincidental than any other terrorist attack. The goal is always to do the most damage as publicly as possible, to instill fear. Joe’s right though; even though the danger and loss of life is real, we can’t let that stop us. Like Jerry said, all that stuff is humanity at its best. I never thought I’d ride the Path train or the subway or even go to Manhattan again a few years ago, but I eventually did. There will still be concerts and sporting events and celebrations in spite of terrorist acts. And we have to believe that eventually, our respective governments will catch up with these guys. In the meantime, the best thing we can do is go on with our own lives, in respect to those who cannot. I hope I’m not coming off trite, now–you certainly weren’t.
Hang in there, FawnDoo.
July 9th, 2005 at 4:30 am
Just wanted to let you know I was thinking of you guys, that’s a really scary thing…is no place in this world safe anymore? My prayers and thoughts are with you! Take care!
July 14th, 2005 at 11:24 am
Thank you all – thank you! :-)