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

[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?)