I spent several years in Germany, courtesy of Uncle Sam.It was the early 80s, and there was this tiny little terrorist problem ongoing. I rarely saw a German national child in public.
I grew strangly accustomed to the idea that I was a walking target for the Baader-Meinholf gang when I ventured off base.Even when the ba*stards hit Ramstein AB, the middle of the base, I was still just mildly concerned for my own personal safety.(I had driven by the target just 15 minutes before the explosion)
My reaction, or lack therof, was most definately a result of some military training.Most Americans do not have that, and most SHOULD NEVER HAVE EXPECTED TOO!
This cowardly terrorist garbage has hit our shores.It will take some time to clean it out of here.In the meantime, some of us will fluctuate on our ability to pretend it does not matter to our individual lives.That is normal, human, and shows healthy view of life. Even with training, it is more bravado than actual courage to continue life as normal.Like I said, I rarely saw a German child in public.Their Police departments shot to kill,there was no such thing as police brutality, and since I left in the mid 80s, I have no real feel for the outcome of their experience.Based on their current crappy politics, I assume they pacified the terrorists.
For those FReepers so disgusted with their fellow countrymans fluctuating reactions,STFU or do something tangible.I am not in the DC area, but I have been concerned about my childs safety at school since 9/11. I know what is coming next. I am helpless to prevent it, but you can bet your #ss if I get a "feeling", I will keep my child with me 24/7 untill that "feeling" passes.
Those of you who hold out Israel as some kind of guideline for proper terrorist threat responce entirely miss the fact that Israel allowed things to get to the nightmare point they live in, for political reasons that we in the USA can not fathom. Shortly, all hell WILL break loose in this country.The pot has been simmering since 9/11. I am not fondly looking forward to the years, perhaps decades of instability that will ultimately follow.Prepared, yes.Defininately not anticipating it with any happiness or joy.
So for all my brave fellow FReepers, who have yet to be shot at, or close to terror personnaly, I ask you to STFU, and allow your fellow countrymen some time to mentally deal with a horror much different from a sudden car accident, disease, or other threat we all deal with because we live.Terrorism is different than those things.It is different from the dangers a mugger or lone physchotic gunman, or even war, as we knew it, poses to our lives.
We fight against a contradiction of terms.Organised insanity.We will prevail, but not if we start attacking each others momentary weakness.We will all endure weakness and fear.If I fumble for a moment, I need another to be strong for me, just as I will attempt to be strong for another, while we walk this new road.I pray this nightmare will be shortlived, but none of us will escape it entirely unscathed.