Explosions in London

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: GUEST,Canadian
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 05:16 PM

I pray for the well being of all UKers. I also hope when it is determine who did it, the SAS will be given directives to deal with them in no uncertain terms. No international court; no trial.

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: The Curator
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 05:15 PM

Memory of Martin Gibson, have you ever been to a bomb site, just after it happened ? I am not known for holding the most reasoned viewpoint by some, but really it's not the time to be laying into people about the stance their government takes. Lay off for a day or two, show respect. There is sadness in homes tonight that your heart could never imagine, kids going to bed sobbing themselves to sleep looking their mothers and fathers who were either killed or seriously injured today. Please allow a country their grief, back off.

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: The Barden of England
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 05:13 PM

By the way GUEST,Memory of Martin Gibson, it's obvious you don't know shit from bus tickets - the country is the UK and not England, so get the amoeba you have for a brain into gear before you start spouting crap!

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: Highlandman
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 04:51 PM

What kind of person does it take to show up at a funeral and scold the mourners? Now is not the time to say "I told you so." There will always be those who point to atrocities such as this as proof of their (often contradictory) opinions, but we don't have to listen to them at this time and in this place.

As for me, I would just like to add my prayers, condolences, encouragement, thanksgiving for those who were spared harm, and other good vibes to the flow here.

Peace
Highlandman in South Carolina, USA

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: The Barden of England
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 04:49 PM

GUEST,Memory of Martin Gibson - PM

Then why should we tolerate you?

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 04:48 PM

Fuck off Guest.

LTS

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: GUEST,Memory of Martin Gibson
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 04:37 PM

England brought this on itself with it's tolerance of Islamo-facist groups who have infiltrated their country in the name of tolerance.

Now the price is being paid for unchecked tolerance!

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: The Barden of England
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 04:33 PM

I'm happy that none of 'ours' came to harm - but - and this is a big but, which I hope you don't all feel offended by - our brothers and our sisters of whatever race, religion or creed, are suffering this very same fate on a daily basis. In Israel, in Iraq, in Zimbabwe and almost wherever you care to name, are suffering the same fate at the hands of Terrorists. I feel that the media coverage of the outrage in London will only serve to fuel the hatred, when our media give scant coverage to the atrocities that are happening on a daily basis elsewhere.

I apologise once again to you all, but I felt something needed saying at this awful time.

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 04:33 PM

So glad there isn't worse news from 'catters. I checked in with khatt and Micca and my brother as soon as I heard this morning. Apparently my new sister in law was coordinating the red cross so well done Trish.

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 04:30 PM

A key aim of people carrying out terrorist atrocities is to provoke the enemy into carrying out disproportionate and counter-productive reprisals, whidch will ideally be seen as atrocities in themselves. And the other side of that is the way that atrocities will always be represented by those responsible as justified reprisals.

That is so obvious it should hardly need stating - but time after time, in conflict after conflict, that is precisely what happens.

I thought Ken Livingstone was very effective and impressive in his public remarks about the bombings (More especially since he must have been pretty hung over from celebrating the Olympics decision the previous night!):

"This was not a terrorist attack against the mighty and the powerful; it is not aimed at presidents or prime ministers.

"It was aimed at ordinary working class Londoners, black and white, Muslim and Christians, Hindu and Jew, young and old, indiscriminate attempt at slaughter irrespective of any considerations, of age, of class, of religion, whatever, that isn't an ideology, it isn't even a perverted faith, it's just indiscriminate attempt at mass murder.

"And we know what the objective is, they seek to divide London. They seek to turn Londoners against each other and Londoners will not be divided by this cowardly attack."

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: GUEST,Piatkow
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 04:15 PM

I skimmed over a post referring to London being gripped by fear. Having spent 3 hours getting home in a journey involving a train, 3 different buses and hitchiking I picked up a lot of the mood of people around me. In answer to that post - Bollocks!

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 03:44 PM

I am angry - but I must not lash out regardless.
My revenge will be served cold.
But it will be served to those who are truly to blame and not to innocents.
I will not be diverted.
The terrorists' action will have the opposite effect from that intended.
Keep calm.
And remember.

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 03:39 PM

Some people let off bombs, some people write posts full of hate and contempt. like that one a couple back.Hatred expresses itself in various ways, but at the root it's the same kind of mentality.

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: lady penelope
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 03:36 PM

Hi all.

Just checking in. I was already at work when the bombs went off. We were in lock down from about 11am and our phones and internet connections became jammed. I work at St.Thomas' hospital and it wasn't until about 4.30pm that we were 'stood down' from alert. I was beginning to think I wasn't going to get to go home......

Given where and when the explosions happened, I'm stunned the fatalities weren't higher. The general atmosphere of people not only around the hospital but also on the way home was amazingly calm. No one argued or whined when they had to walk another half a mile to get to the next point of transport, no one pushed or shoved. Everyone seemed to be looking out for one another. I can't get over how quiet it seemed to be.

Thanks to all for your kind thoughts, I too can only express my sympathy towards those who have been directly affected by this horror. My heart goes out to those who will never be able to look at public transport the same way again.

Lady P.

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: GUEST,padgett
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 03:34 PM

Put your name to this (above) stop inciting religious hatred, this is helping no one.

Such atrocities have been carried out by others erroneosly believing it is/was/god's will

Fanatics exist in all religions and the honest are killed tragically

please let us get on with what we have to do in our democratic society

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: GUEST,TIA
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 03:33 PM

Condolences to all affected. What can we do to help?
(non-rhetorical question)

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: Maryrrf
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 03:28 PM

I just want to add my voice to those who are expressing outrage about the attacks, and say that I'm happy that all (I hope)of the London area 'catters are accounted for.

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: GUEST,Memory of Martin Gibson
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 03:26 PM

Thank all of your Islamic facist pals for this one.

Hey British Liberal Wankers!

How tolerant are you of Arab terrorists now?

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: Shanghaiceltic
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 03:25 PM

This is just awful. I am glad that people from the Cat in London are all OK, and my sympathy and condolences to the families of those caught up in this attack.

It would seem that once again these terrorists were well entrenched in London, well funded and well organised, plus they must have had local support which is what is very frightening.

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: GUEST,Philippa
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 03:07 PM

I also think it likely that the timing was connected with the G8 conference when security efforts had been diverted to Scotland
(opportunistic - not necessarily about G8, rather diverts our attention from important issues about distribution of wealth and about environmental protection)

The lastest news I heard said at least 38 have died, 100s are injured, some severly, and people who were due to have medical operations had to make way for the emergency cases.

An attack on transport services of a major city could kill and maim people of any nationality, creed and class.

(not particularly original perceptions)

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: The Curator
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 03:05 PM

I condemn the loss of civilan lives, 37 dead is tragic. I know it doesn't help, but we so easily could have been looking at a toll running into hundreds. my thoughts are with you all in condemnation.

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: Tinker
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 02:55 PM

Despite reading here. Hearing Micca's voice was a great relief today. Thanks and soothing headed across the ocean to you all.

tinker

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: harpgirl
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 02:40 PM

This is awful and I hope our British catters are all okay. I haven't read the entire thread. I'm going to go home and hide under the covers tonight. Too much reality for me today....
peace, harpy

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: Phot
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 02:24 PM

I got into London at nine this morning to do some stuff at MOD main building, and wondered why everyone was clustered around one of the TV's, I only found out on the train back down to Portsmouth at 11, it was a bit weird being on a ten coach train, with only 12 other travellers. We got as far as Fratton, (5 miles from Portsmouth) only to be told that there was a bomb scare at Portsmouth harbour station, and the area had been evacuated! Finally got to the dockyard an hour later. Most of the buses in Portsmouth had been taken off the road too.

Home all safe now though. Thanks for all your thoughts, but mine are with those who were hurt, or worse, by todays senseless acts of cowardace.

Chris

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: GUEST,David Hannam
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 01:57 PM

Tragic. Absolutely tragic.

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: JedMarum
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 01:56 PM

I have watched the news today, as this story unfolds - with deepest sympathies to the people of London, with rage against the acts of those who will kill anyone who does not believe what they do - and with a prayer for the healing. My condolences to the familes of those killed - and my best wishes for speedy and complete recovery to those injured.

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: Long Firm Freddie
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 01:43 PM

Just got home. I work about half a mile from Tavistock Place where the bus was blown up.

Very scarey.

Very comforting to see messages of support from Catters all over the globe.

LFF

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: dianavan
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 01:24 PM

Anonymous Guest - If you want to chastise me, at least have the courage to name yourself.

Ellenpoly - You a probably right. With all of the attention focussed on protecting the big guys, what better time to terrorize civilians Unfortunately, it diverts attention from the problems of climate change and starvation. In fact, it would seem to validate a focus on terrorism.

Still trying to find some logic in all of this madness.

I am so sorry for the fear that must be gripping London today. I think that all the G8 nations should be on high alert.

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: Firecat
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 01:15 PM

Latest update from the BBC (18.10pm BST):-

37 now confirmed dead, with 2 more found at Edgware Road, and 2 from the bus.

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: GUEST,Maggie, Edinburgh
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 01:14 PM

There has been a hugely increased police presence in Scotland for the last few days - lots of police from England, probably including some from the London Met. So these attacks are probably only indirectly due to G8 - I guess smart terrorists wait until police eyes and strength are focussed elsewhere. While some Very Important People get maximum protection, some very ordinary people (but every one of them somebody's child/sibling/friend) are soft targets.

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: GUEST,padgett
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 01:04 PM

100 ambulances treated 300 injured,

33 confirmed dead at 1758 Thursday Uk time

45 serouisly or critically injured, approx 4 devices went off

Blair statement on TV following Meeting with emergency committee

underground and bus services hit severely

Thanks to Emergency services, seeking purpetratory

Londeners stoic attitude praised

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: Sarah the flute
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 01:01 PM

I'm just VERY grateful they didn't do this yesterday when I went into that area for a meeting all day. I very rarely go to central London My other half has been stuck in his office all day and was released about an hour ago and is planning to walk to Streatham where I'll pick him up.

Very worrying here at school cos quite a lot of parents work in town and there's been no way of making contact - phone lines jammed, no mobile access and internet very dodgy. Hopefully all will be well. We are just waiting now to see if any parents don't show.

Sarah

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: Leadfingers
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 12:48 PM

I was going to mention the catters who were in Chat this afternoon , but they've all called in any way ! I was in Bromley this morning and just got wet and had a lousy drive home ! A lot better off than some !!
Thanks for your good wishes from Oz and USA and Europe !

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: Ellenpoly
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 12:47 PM

Dianavan,

I think the timing says a great deal about "why". G8 is an incredible occasion to make a statement, and it makes far more sense that the people behind this were saying that they're still around, still able to bring a city to its knees, and for the leaders of the world not to think this is over.

My friend darkly wondered if there were some very disappointed Parisians behind this, but he was only joking.

This is going to turn out to be Al Qaeda, or another group with much the same agenda.

-E

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 12:43 PM

"British troops have killed many civilians in the mid-east."

dianavan fuck off this is not the right time or place

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 12:39 PM

G8 ensured security was heightened elsewhere other than London.

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: dianavan
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 12:36 PM

I am sorry that so many innocent civilians have died or been injured.

I doubt if the Olympics or the G8 had anything to do with it. British troops have killed many civilians in the mid-east. Thats enough of a reason for a terrorist attack in London. I am not condoning it, I am only looking for a reason, "why?"

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 12:35 PM

Glad to hear from Mudcatters in London that they are ok. My thoughts are with you today.

LEJ

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: pixieofdoom
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 12:34 PM

Everyone getting off every train at Aldershot station this afternoon was asked for ID as well as their full name, place and date of birth etc. We also had to say where we'd come from and whether we had anything at all we'd like to report to the police eeven if we'd been nowhere near London

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: TheBigPinkLad
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 12:32 PM

Just heard my nephew and niece are OK.

Very best wishes to London.

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: Janie
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 12:32 PM

Hugs to all you London 'Catters. Glad everyone so far has checked in OK. Prayers and tears for all the people and families affected---and for all the world.

Janie

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: Ellenpoly
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 12:19 PM

I missed my first train this morning and by the time I got to the Tube station it was closed. Instead of hopping a bus I went home to see what was happening and am very glad I did. If not, I'd be down in London and stuck there for who know's how long.

This was bound to happen, and it's a miracle that the fatalities seem to be as low as they are. Lots of casualities, but still-considering how many blasts and where they were, it could have been much much worse.

..xx..e

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 12:19 PM

Right now the BBC is saying 33 dead from the trains, plus an unknown number from the buses. And the grim thing is, I found myself thinking that means we got off relatively lightly, in times like these.

It's a shock, but not a surprise really. And we've been here before.

My son works up in London, and commutes through Liverpool Street, but he's OK, and has a lift home. Earlier this week he went to see War of the Worlds, which he found quite alarming - still, at least the people doing this don't have Martian technology.

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: Bassic
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 12:13 PM

Spoke to Rock Chick, her and family all ok.

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 12:13 PM

Just to add my name to the list.
Was already at work. Just as well as The Circle line is my normal tube line. and am often on it at 0950.
Staying over here at work as I've got another 0430 start tomorrow.
Good to here from regulars.

Ralph Jordan

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: GUEST,Chanteyranger
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 12:03 PM

Thank you london mudcatters for checking in here and letting us know you're ok. We're with you.

Chanteyranger

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: GUEST,Laurent at work
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 11:39 AM

My deepest sympathies to all the victims, dead or wounded, and treir families, except to the bastards who brought the bombs.

Laurent

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 11:38 AM

Leadfingers is OK and wasn't in London.

Manitas has made it home (nearly).

LTS

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: Wolfgang
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 11:28 AM

Attack on London is inevitable (Guardian, March 17, 2004)

Wolfgang

Subject: RE: Explosions in London
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 07 Jul 05 - 11:21 AM

Thank you on behalf of all of us in London.   This has affected all of us in some way or another, whether we've been sitting at home or waiting it out in an office in the City or standing helplessly watching.

Thank you all.

LTS