Posted on 08/15/2006 5:04:13 PM PDT by blam
'People are definitely sceptical'
When the government announced last Thursday that it had foiled a massive terror plot, broadcasters and newspapers were barraged with a wave of sceptical views from listeners and readers. Nearly a week on, are people still so distrustful? Patrick Barkham takes to the streets to find out
Wednesday August 16, 2006
The Guardian (UK)
Police officers outside the Masjid-E-Umer mosque in Walthamstow. Photograph: Toby Melville/Reuters
It was not in horror or panic that thousands of ordinary people contacted the BBC or posted points on the Guardian's Comment is Free website in the hours after last week's terror plot. The mood of many seemed to be one of profound caution, even scepticism, over the allegations of a murderous scheme in which 50 people would try to bring down up to 20 planes between Britain and America.
Almost a week later, and after a downgrading of the terrorist threat, what do ordinary voters now think of those excitable early briefings by John Reid, the home secretary, and Scotland Yard's dramatically voiced belief that it had foiled "mass murder on an unimaginable scale"? Are people still sceptical?
As it turns out, the prime minister would be heartened by the views of the individuals on his doorstep. Unfortunately, the largely sympathetic crowds outside Downing Street are overwhelmingly made up of non-voter tourists. A Brazilian who has lived in London for five years mentions his innocent countryman, Jean Charles de Menezes, shot dead after botched intelligence following 7/7 last year, but says that, relatively speaking, he trusts the authorities more here than in his home city of Sao Paulo. Similarly, American visitors to the capital say they are impressed with the "very British, very discreet" security and the post-alert calm of the population. But they are bewildered . . .
(Excerpt) Read more at guardian.co.uk ...
Terrorist Propagandists and Tin Foil Hat Conspiracy wack jobs are skeptical. Thinking people know this going to happen.
I'm guessing that 90% of the "skeptics" have taken illegal narcotics in the last 12 months.
These people are mentally ill. Sure, the Brit government would cancel hundreds of flights and hurt business over a phony terror plot.
No surprise look who the who the primary "skeptics" they find are.
Munir Khan..A moderate Muslim
and
Qurban Hussain
I'm not a skeptic about the reality of the plot, but even if it wasn't real, I'd rather every precaution be taken. The islamofascists are not to be underestimated in what they would do.
One thing Americans haven't heard is that is also now the home of London Central High School, a boarding school for American military dependents.
Does this news change anybody's perspective?
Amen!
Only the barking moonbats, on BOTH sides of the pond, are skeptical.
No, why should it? Are the detainees being enrolled in classes or something?
I suspect the base is a BIG place, and there is plenty of room for lots of activities.
Darn kids:')
Don't know about that...but I'd wager 90% of the skeptics are Guardian readers.
What are you getting at?
The base is very small and has lost it's military significance. It's sole purpose is now supporting the school.
The terrorists have let it be known that they want to capture a school (remember Russia's Chechneyan rebels?). A school full of American military dependents and embassy kids is a dream come true as a rich target of opportunity.
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