The car bomb discovered in London in the early hours of this morning appears to have a connection to "international terrorism". These are the tactics of Baghdad coming to London: a Vehicle Born Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) detonated in a crowded area. In Baghad they choose crowded markets -- in London they choose the West End and the City.
The car was discovered outside Tiger Tiger, a prominent restaurant and nightclub. If this establishment was targeted it might suggest an intended strike against so-called "western decadence". I have dined at this restaurant in the past, sitting at the window across from which the car was parked. I can therefore imagine full well the carnage that would have resulted were this device to have exploded.
However I also know the spirit of London. Londoners endured the relentless firestorm unleashed by the Luftwaffe, standing firm against the might of Nazi Germany and the terror of its V1 and V2 rockets, the forerunner of the ICBMs. We saw our ancient city in flames and our historic buildings crumble. We remained undaunted. The harder we were hit, the more resolute we became. If London could withstand the dark days of 1940-1941, which saw vast swathes of the imperial city engulfed in terror, it can certainly withstand the feeble attempts of terrorists to crush its spirit. The motto of this city was then and remains: London Can Take It!.
3 comments:
Bravo, Young Fogey! These terrorists clearly don't understand what kind of people they're messing with. I know that the U.S. and Great Britain are two distinct nations, but one thing we have in common is that if someone manages to get us riled up, they're going to lose. Period. It takes quite a lot to get us really and truly "in gear," but woe to those who push us over that line.
Your post just made me sit up straight and feel encouraged. Great job!
Thank you! Our two great countries, along with the other English-speaking democracies, share a common bond and common values. Your comment immediately reminded me of the words of Winston Churchill, that great champion of the English speaking peoples, during his address to the US Congress shortly after Pearl Harbor. His words were spoken in 1941 but they apply equally to 2007.
Referring to the Japanese attack, which resulted in the US and Britain becoming allies in the war, Churchill declared:
"After the outrages they have committed upon us ... they must now know that the stakes for which they have decided to play are mortal. When we look at the resources of the United States and the British Empire ...it becomes still more difficult to reconcile [their] action with prudence or even with sanity.
What kind of a people do they think we are? Is it possible that they do not realize that we shall never cease to persevere against them until they have been taught a lesson which they and the world will never forget?
...Here we are together, facing a group of mighty foes who seek our ruin. Here we are together, defending all that to free men is dear...
It is not given to us to peer into the mysteries of the future. Still, I avow my hope and faith, sure and inviolate, that in the days to come the British and American peoples will, for their own safety and for the good of all, walk together in majesty, in justice and in peace."
If the might of the Germans couldn't crush England, then neither will this. If anything, it will only serve to unite those who are for true justice (English, American, and Muslim alike).
The only thing that will kill the spirit of the nation is political correctness. Let's hope the new PM Gordon Brown will have the spine to truly make a difference.
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