After the Fact

[dotinthesky]

I went for a jog with my boyfriend two days after the Paris atrocities.

We did our usual circuit around Victoria Park, stopping at times to catch our breath. I imagined semi-automatics drawn and people running for cover, nowhere to hide. Parents caught by life-saving decisions, children in hand.

The following day, we attended a talk at the Royal Festival Hall where the philosopher Slavoj Žižek and former Greek finance minister, Yanis Varoufakis, discussed Europe’s future. Julian Assange, white haired like a Christian God, made a surprise televised appearance.

Through the packed halls and staircases, I planned my exit routes.

Comments

[rockingthemike.livejournal.com]

ugh... this is going to be the feeling and reactiosn of people for some time too. so very unnerving. how was the talk though?

[picosgemeos.livejournal.com]

The talk was brilliant - so, so on point with what's going on. They were united in their disgust for the atrocities, but at the same time very critical about expanding the horror by bombing Syria (which is what ISIS want) and creating more refugees. Their overall conclusion was quite pessimistic - they feel that we are walking into an escalating war. I sadly agree with them, and I would add that it's going to add more pressure on the poor and weak in society (eg. where's Britain going to find the funds for a new war when we are in "austerity" times? More cuts to the poor?)

[zenithed.livejournal.com]

Quite glad I managed to go to a gig the other night without even thinking about it, hope that got it out of the way. Wonder if it's going to be like the Tube was for a bit after 7-7 (edgy for a few weeks and then as though nothing had ever happened).

[picosgemeos.livejournal.com]

Yes, I imagine you're right. The biggest problem for us I think are bombs - sneaking in machine guns isn't as easy. I do find myself looking at fellow passengers and thinking "what if".

[zenithed.livejournal.com]

I'd imagine the hardest time to do that is shortly after a high profile attack, when security and intelligence are on highest alert. And when wasn't London at threat of a bomb, the 90s? (not that the IRA would go in for quite the same sort of thing)

I dunno, I just think the fact that attacks are possible but rarely happen means that there aren't many people who are willing to do it, and most of them are incompetent.

[picosgemeos.livejournal.com]

I have a feeling the government have all "potentials" re. muslims in the UK, now tagged. All the surveillance Snowden disclosed - I think after the tube bombings, everyone went on a database. Didn't Cameron say they foiled 7 attacks just this year? (Not that I believe him, but it could be true.)