What happened to my country?

[akaryu]

Being not prone to hysterical emotional overreacting and not avid to share anything not figure related I have to say however that this morning, after my usual check for news on this forum, my world stood still as I checked the national news, learning about the bomb attacks on Brussels National Airport and a metro station causing at least 20 deaths and many more heavily wounded. Some comfort is the knowledge that friends and former brothers in arms on the military security details at the airport are safe and well, but anyone having witnessed the carnage resulting from a bomb attack on a mass of civilians will probably share some thoughts for the victims of this cowardly slaughter, perpetrated in the name of what actually? Apologies for sharing this, but even after 40 years in the military I'm dumbfounded.
Putty and brushes will rest today, I think I'll go for a long walk in the wood...

Piet

 

[Nap]

Piet ,

All our thoughts are with the Belgium people ...as you say carnage

Stay safe my friend

Nap

 

[Dan Morton]

Piet,
The news this morning and reading your post took me right back to 9/11. I remember feeling numb and in shock, my brain reeling in disbelief. Rage came, for me, days later.
Words are poor comfort. Hang in there. All of us are Belgians today.

Dan

 

[Larry Esposito]

Hang in there. Sad day indeed.

 

[peedee]

I am so sorry to hear of this just an hour ago, I have been away fron all and any news media all day.

My thoughts and empathy go to the families of those lost or hurt.

Paul.

 

[Joe55]

My thoughts and prayers for the people of Belgium.

 

[Huw63]

I missed this thread last night having read another one on this terrible topic. Dan said it best - we're all Belgians, we're all Parisians. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. The best tribute we can give to those unfortunate victims is to never surrender to, never compromise with, and never let these fanatics with twisted beliefs dictate how we live.

 

[MCPWilk]

"We're all Belgians, we're all Parisians, je suis Charlie" achieves little. The only way to expunge the cancer of militant Islamism is the same way to excise any cancer - with commitment, vigour and thoroughness. This requires our so-called leaders to have a spine. Most of them are invertebrates, good with platitudes, but lacking resolve.

 

[Huw63]

"We're all Belgians, we're all Parisians, je suis Charlie" achieves little. The only way to expunge the cancer of militant Islamism is the same way to excise any cancer - with commitment, vigour and thoroughness. This requires our so-called leaders to have a spine. Most of them are invertebrates, good with platitudes, but lacking resolve.

I think stating solidarity is critical but I agree that the politicians lack the intelligence and ability to resolve things.

I also think that this is something that Europe needs to address as Europeans and do what is right for us and ignore what the other power groups (Russia, China, US) think as the other power groups in the World do themselves when it isn't convenient to them.

Enough politics for me. No further comments are forthcoming.

Finally by the way I write this as someone who has almost been blown up twice by IRA bombs and I speak of the need for solidarity and resolution. Back to strictly commenting on figures now.

 

[Colin_Fraser]

I firmly believe that giving vent to hatred, revenge, fear and hand wringing gives these psychos exactly the attention they want. They can play our media like a harp and when we start lashing out at moderate Muslims, we drive them to the radical side. Best recruiting tool ever. Then what do you do? After watching some of the Republican candidates/military geniuses, carpet bombing seems to be in vogue.

I always liked this bit from one of my favourite films. Not looking to stoke an argument so no need to respond to me if you see it differently.

 

[akaryu]

Well said Colin! Personally I do object however to the carpet bombing of Belgium, first because I love the place and secondly because it is so small a navigational error might cause serious problems to our neighbors, some of whom I don't necessarily love Rivers of saliva are gushing out of Parliament, for me it's back to paint and putty!
Have a nice Easter nonetheless,
cheers,
Piet