Thoughts from Central London

[Seamus McInerney]

Dear Amanda,
I am trying to offer hope, at least that is my intention but I feel you do 
yourself a disservice in taking solace in "that British stiff upper lip". 
The phrase always seemed to me to be more about avoidance tinged with a 
touch of arrogance (bear with me, please). I don't believe it's that. It 
may have been that one time but not anymore. The reality is that your 
emergency services have learned from the bitter experience of the past. You 
have been here before. Not so long ago "terrorists" bombed London and other 
British cities in the name of Ireland.

Thank God, the Irish people learned, as I believe those currently turning a 
blind eye to extremism in the UK will learn, that it simply does not work. 
In the beginning there was the kneejerk reaction and we had the abuse of 
the legal and judicial system that followed. But lessons have been learned. 
I see this in the British armies approach in Basra and Iraq in general. I 
see it in the way the British police handle riots and security, always 
offering rioters and protestors opportunities to walk away. Force is always 
the last resort. I see it in the willingness to talk to the other side that 
successive governments have shown down the years.

I see it also in the willingness to tackle the root causes of extremism. 
Over the years the abuses of power and privilege that gave rise to the 
civil rights movement in Northern Ireland have been dismantled. What 
remains are the habits of a generation whose way of life is passing and 
that gives rise to fear. It all takes time. And people will continue to die 
and get hurt while time passes.

While the tragedy of last week was only a threat, communities could see 
themselves as victims of an oppressive regime or state that did not 
understand. Once the bombs go off and the random nature of the killing is 
understood, everyone faces a choice. Am I a part of this community within 
which I live or am I not? Where do the boundaries of my responsibility lie 
in relation to my passion for my culture or religious faith?  Will I open 
the space or close it? From the numbers of phone calls to police lines over 
recent days, I suspect that many people have made their choice. It will 
take time and more people may die but the end is assured. Just as violence 
did not beat the British in the North, it will not on this occasion. 
Unfortunately at times it does focus peoples minds and seems to produce 
results but the results are produced by its rejection and not by its 
action. Would that we would take notice sooner.

My hope is that a new generation, the Live8 generation, will get up off 
their fat asses and vote. I really don't care what they vote for but vote 
they must. Its ok to vote for extremism. It's amazing how politicians react 
to protest votes for Raving Looney parties. When people disengage they 
leave the space open for those who turn up, for those passionate to be 
present and if that space if left to those who plant bombs than that is the 
only thing that could have happened.

Maybe now is the right time for many communities in the UK to start 
rejecting extremist action. Maybe more people will turn up to fill the 
political space. Maybe the only thing that could happen as a result will 
happen and maybe, just maybe it will soon be over.

There is nothing stiff about a thoughtful and measured response. It is 
flexible and it is open to change, moment to moment. To choose to live life 
to its fullest regardless of the threat is a good choice. It is ok to let 
the upper lip quiver a little at the loss of loved ones and the fear of 
further loss.

May your God keep you and bless you at this time.

Shay


At 20:44 10/07/2005, you wrote:

>It has been a really strange few days. I am so proud of my fellow citizens 
>and that British stiff upper lip is in reality what this is about - just 
>getting on with it and not making a fuss. The emergency services have been 
>the best humanity could possibly expect: gracious, calm, sensitive, so 
>courageous, aware and making much out of few resources. True open space in 
>action.
>
>
>
>I live in an area with a high cosmopolitan population including a large 
>number of Arabs and Jews. It is 3 minutes walking from the mosque in 
>Regent s Park. There is a sense of quiet introspection and I sense in them 
>sadness that they might be blamed for all this. My heart goes out to them.
>
>
>
>Very sad times and all the more reason to keep hope alive.
>
>
>
>Kind regards
>
>Amanda
>
>
>
>
>
>Amanda Bucklow
>
>Commercial Mediator
>
>
>
>
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Séamus McInerney
50 Carrigdhoun, Waterpark, Carrigaline, Co. Cork
http://homepage.tinet.ie/~xroadsfac/

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