London calling

[Jon Harvey]

Funda

On some newscasts - all the bombings around the world were mentioned - and
indeed this morning one commentator was saying that we should refer to this
as simply terrorism rather than qualify it as islamic terrorism. Tony Blair
made the point that of being inclusive of all communities here in Britain in
his comments.

Today I remain hopeful - there is a real spirit in the UK so that such
atrocities will not defeat us and we can and indeed are bouncing back.
London is quiet today - mostly because people have heeded advice not to
travel as the underground network is still recovering. But many people are
there - working as normal - getting on with normal life. Whilst one cannot
really talk of scale in these matters (since to those who have been severely
injured or traumatised, and to the families of those who have been killed -
the numbers do not matter) but this could have been far worse. We have been
here before, London has been bombed before and peace does break out...
eventually.

In respect of the G8 summit - I am optimistic (generally but also
specifically) since I believe that the group of world leaders will not want
to be seen to be reacting to this latest terrorist action in a knee jerk
kind of way. You may recall that one of the things that Blair did for Bush
(I think...) was to persuade him not to react quickly after 9/11. I think a
measured response to this latest action is also called for and indeed will
happen.

The action in London was not only despicable in its disregard for people's
lives - it was also dastardly in that I think those behind the terrorism may
have been seeking to influence the G8 summit. We - and I believe the leaders
of the world - are wiser than that. Let us not forget the other event that
happened in Hyde Park, London and many other places around the world a few
days ago - Live8 - which was an explosion of a far better kind - and
explosion of love for the world and everyone in it - from the smallest child
in Africa to the biggest rock stars on the stage (as it were!).

Maybe I am biased - but it seems to me that most songs are about love in
some form or another. We have to love everyone - even the terrorists - only
through that way is the peace that we all search for... I refuse to believe
that as we stride into the 21st Century we must rely for our security upon
weapons and restrictions to our ordinary way of living. I want to build our
future upon love and peace - upon respect and reconciliation - upon dialogue
and understanding.

And to link that with why we are here - I believe it is only through whole
and open spaces & systems with creative and respectful dialogues that we can
hope to achieve that kind of future. This is why I do this kind of work. In
my small way - I want to change the world and make it better place - more
peaceful, more respectful, more hopeful, more healthy, more kind, more
sustainable, more.... dreamy if you like - we all have the right to dream
our dreams and live out our dreams - and I will be damned if I will let a
few sad, dangerous and misguided individuals stop me from doing that - for
myself and with others.

Here is to dreams, common ground, love and peace!

Love

Jon

-----Original Message-----
From: OSLIST [mailto:OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU]On Behalf Of Funda
Oral
Sent: 08 July 2005 08:18
To: OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
Subject: Re: London calling


I was watching BBC yesterday.

They talked about bomb attacks to Madrid and New York, but didn't mention
Istanbul.

They interviewed some musulman religious leaders about what happened.

I am very afraid that they are (someone is) trying to promote everything as
fight among
religions or musulman against west which is increasing the reactions again
musulman people.

I am very sorry. Innocent people pay the bill for all these dirty games..but
i am also very
afraid to see once again there are lost minds and souls who can do anything.

Funda

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