I was in London in 1975 during what was dubbed "the Second Blitz" when the IRA was blowing things up all over. While I was there, a huge bomb was detonated in the lobby of the Hilton Hotel, killed people, and devastated the first floor of building. I talked to someone who said that, despite this, the hotel was still running---he had to go there on business, and said the Brits just stoically started clearing wreckage and setting up temporary areas to deal with day-to-day functioning. I was evacuated from public buildings, due to bomb threats, twice, searched in every subway and train station, and dealt with heightened security everywhere. Despite this, London and its residents operated not just stoically but cheerfully, though every incident of terror and inconvenience. They'll be serving the last of the tea in the ruins of civilization, I am convinced. Damn our leaders for dragging them into another fine mess. But if history is any indication, it's not going to be the terrorists who will come out on top.
London: Deja vu all over again
I was in London in 1975 during what was dubbed "the Second Blitz" when the IRA was blowing things up all over. While I was there, a huge bomb was detonated in the lobby of the Hilton Hotel, killed people, and devastated the first floor of building. I talked to someone who said that, despite this, the hotel was still running---he had to go there on business, and said the Brits just stoically started clearing wreckage and setting up temporary areas to deal with day-to-day functioning. I was evacuated from public buildings, due to bomb threats, twice, searched in every subway and train station, and dealt with heightened security everywhere. Despite this, London and its residents operated not just stoically but cheerfully, though every incident of terror and inconvenience. They'll be serving the last of the tea in the ruins of civilization, I am convinced. Damn our leaders for dragging them into another fine mess. But if history is any indication, it's not going to be the terrorists who will come out on top.
-
Updates to Everything -- Busy, busy!
Okay, it's been too long since I checked in, and now everything has changed on LiveJournal. Serves me right, I guess. Two jobs and my regular stream…
-
Finns and Discrimination in the 19th century
I'd heard about the discrimination from older family members, when I was growing up. I'd heard about the slogans like "Never marry a Finn or a…
-
Health is Encouraging
Good news.My rheumatoid syndrome seems to be responding nicely to the more body-friendly treatment (hydroxychloroquinine, plus fish oil,…
- Post a new comment
- 2 comments
- Post a new comment
- 2 comments