Terrorist Attack Averted in London

Kudos to those ambulance drivers!

So socialized medicine CAN save lives...

Thanks for sharing!

Both the U.S. and Britain have been very lucky lately in adverting several Muslim Terrorist attacks. Why is it that more Muslim clerics and leaders do not voice their concerns over their religion being distorted to justify these cowardly and evil attacks.

How do YOU know this was a moslem attack, Juan?
Even the British government is not making that claim at this time.

//They appear to be incapable of working within the system//

That is the definition of a terrorist.

Who else would it have been? Perhaps it was a illegal Hispanic immigrant?

////They appear to be incapable of working within the system//

That is the definition of a terrorist. //

Or a Neocon Republican.

Juan, Stop assuming, perhaps the IRA?

Joan, Mean, funny but mean.

Only time will tell, Juan.
But isn't it rather RACIST for you to jump to a conclusion about this - especially since Northern Ireland is so much closer to London than Baghdad is?

I purposely left out much speculation on who the terrorists might be. Car bombs are not actually something that the IRA uses because they were aware of their image and the public backlash that is always caused by indiscriminate slaughter of unarmed noncombatants.

I suspect this will turn out to be another Muslim terrorist attack, but as I said, there is nothing to support that at this time. Remember too that someone wanting to do this sort of thing would almost automatically decide to try to make it appear as if this is a Muslim attack.

I have often wondered about why the Muslim community as a whole doesn't have a tremendous backlash against people who blacken the name of their religion by engaging in indiscriminate murder. However, a Muslim poster here on Gather says that the Muslim community is far from a cohesive one. Apparently they have as many sects and divisions as does Christianity. That being said, I know that if someone in this country began blowing up people in the name of Christianity the outcry against them disclaiming any connection would be overwhelming, loud, and immediate (Except for Pat Robertson who would say it was god's punishment for his having created gays). In addition, the communities within the larger Christian umbrella would work to try to offer any information possible to help authorities catch the terrorist.

There are always a few who agree with extremists, as unfortunate as that is. Look at how Eric Rudolph was protected and assisted when he was on the run despite the fact he was a serial killer having committed quite a few murders.

I may have jumped the gun and assumed this was a Muslim Terrorist act, but in today's world, it is even money that it was. Also only Joan would compare illegal immigrants to the demons that blew up the Trade Towers and continue killing our brave men and woman in Iraq and Afghanistan.

You were the one who brought illegal criminal trespassers into this discussion, Juan, not me. Go peddle your bovine excrement elsewhere - like back home in TiaJuana.

What ever it may be, it is most likely NOT the IRA. The "troubles" in Ireland are (knock on wood) a thing of the past. The IRA was a radical Marxist group that pretty much fell apart after the fall of the Soviet Union. Though they got a great deal of financing from misguided people in the U.S., their ideologies were still Soviet-Marxist driven.

With the collapse of the USSR and an economic boom in the south, the IRA negotiated a peace deal and has become part of a coalition government in the North.

If I were a betting man, I would put my money on this being the doings of a Islamic radical group -- but that would only be a good bet.

You may, in fact, be correct, Greg - the important thing is that we do NOT jump to conclusions that may VERY well be false, such as Juan did.

By the way, Juan, I am unaware that LONDON (which is in England - which is another country, on the other side of a big ocean, Snookiedimples - since I'm not sure they teach geography in TiaJuana) has any significant illegal hispanic criminal trespasser problem - just FYI.

"How do YOU know this was a moslem attack, Juan?
Even the British government is not making that claim at this time"

Joan,

You are kidding me. Please tell me you are kidding me. The IRA has been defeated and is now involved in the political process in Northern Ireland. So they are no longer on the terrorist list. Islamic terrorist have struck in Spain, London, the US ect. I could go on. Also, how can you call Juan a racist when he is simply coming to a logical conclusion. Please stop being so PC

OH, I see, Mickey - you too are smarter than the POLICE ON THE SCENE - and are able through your EXTRASENSORY PERCEPTION to determine something that even the POLICE ON THE SCENE have not been able to do as yet?

Please tell me you aren't really that arrogant and stupid. Please.

I feel sorry for you Joan, to have so much hate in you, that you must always find a way to disparage anyone who does not fit into your neatly and narrow perspective of what it is to be an American. As for what they do or do not teach in Tijuana or any other region in Mexico, I have no idea either. But I did study both World and U.S. geography in High School and in college and I do remember learning about a place called Idiocyland and I am more than 100 percent sure you are citizen and a refugee from there.

//I do remember learning about a place called Idiocyland //

Name calling, Juan? That could be considered HATE SPEECH, Snookiedimples.

I didn't realize they have colleges in mexico - or did you get your education free here in the US after you snuck across the border illegally?

You're the one who decided to bring disparaging comments into this, Juan. I was commenting on my sister's article. You decided you knew better than the London police and made a blatantly RACIST comment about the perpetrators - based only on your own prejudice and sick racist attitudes.

You really do need to get mental help, Juan. Maybe you can go back to Mexico where you belong and get some - please don't continue to leech off the social services that American Citizens pay for with their hard-earned tax dollars.

"you too are smarter than the POLICE ON THE SCENE - and are able through your EXTRASENSORY PERCEPTION to determine something that even the POLICE ON THE SCENE have not been able to do as yet?"

Joan,

Please re-read my comments. I did not say the terrorist were Islamic. What I said is it is reasonable to conclude that the terrorist were Islamic. And to call Juan a Racist for using logical deduction is not very bright.

"Please tell me you aren't really that arrogant and stupid. Please"

Please try using logic next time you debate. This is a typical Ad Hominem.

" didn't realize they have colleges in mexico - or did you get your education free here in the US after you snuck across the border illegally?"

Actualy, this is a Racist comment. I am very surprised by this comment.

Joan, first I have put more monies into the economy and have paid more in taxes that you probably will ever in your whole life. Secondly as far as your continued remarks at painting me as some sort of illegal Mexican that just proofs my beliefs of you. Thirdly, my remarks on whom I believed were responsible for the car bomb were an intelligent and logical conclusion in light of all the recent and on going and foiled terrorist attacks throughout the world. Lastly, you must be really emotionally stunted and arrogant to believe that somehow, Mexico and Latin countries are devoid of a higher-level educational system.

Juan, Juan - you really need to get over your obsession with me, Snookiedimples. I'm not interested - I already have a very fine, very tall, very white, very male SO who takes VERY good care of me. Please - please - stop yourself before your infatuation makes you insane!


Now, it is certainly POSSIBLE that this was perpetrated by Arabs of Islamic persuasion - but there is no PROOF that has been released, nor have any arrests been made (at this moment, to my knowledge) - so to ASSume that you KNOW is racist. Period.

First off - I don't believe you've paid a DIME into the tax system of the UNITED STATES, Snookiedimples. This is an intelligent and logical conclusion based on your insistance on defending illegal criminal trespassers in the United States - specifically those from the nation directly south.

As for your second comment - refute it then, Juannie - you can't, because you ARE. It's the reason you constantly fight to try and justify the illegal criminal trespassing on our country's soil by the invaders from the south.

Thirdly, YOU were the one, Dearie, who brought hispanic into this discussion - not me. You were the one who made an immediate RACIST jump and ASSUMED you knew who did this before anything came out of the POLICE ON THE SCENE.

And lastly - you are so easy to play - like a cheap fiddle. *smirk*

Juan, please don't dismiss the idea that illegals coming across America's borders cannot be terrorists. Since we as a government have chosen to relinquish control over who comes here across those borders, there is nothing to prevent terrorists from picking up a suitcase nuke and walking across the border along with the bazillion others doing it every year. That is one reason border control and control of immigration is so critical to this country. Given the 9/11 attacks and the current climate of hate in the world, this was, in my very unhumble opinion, a stupid mistake bordering on insanity.

Carolyn, I never made a statement to that affect. My contention was with Joan and her racist remarks and her likening Muslim terrorist to illegal immigrants. Joan and her kind cannot seem to get past the color or ethnic barriers that limit our ability as Americans to coexist and evolve into the great country that we once were and can again be. Once Joan and her kin get beyond the hate and prejudices exhibit by her, there is no one in the world that can stand against, not even these Muslim Extremist that are so hell bent in destroying our way of life.

Juan. I couldn't agree with you less. People don't hate Hispanics nor do we care about the color of their skin. It's got nothing to do with the ability to coexist. It has to do with people ignoring our laws, refusing to assimilate, even refusing to learn the language of the country in which they reside. What people like Joan find offensive is people trying to guilt trip her into believing that if she objects to illegal immigration then she's a racist.

The U.S. allows more legal immigration from all over the world, predominately people of color, than any other nation. We don't get credit for that. All we get is slammed for wanting secure borders and for people to enter this country according to the rules. That's hardly unreasonable.

So to the real topic...GREAT THING this terrorist attack was stopped!!!

Carolyn, Joan is a racist. What she finds offensive is people guilt-tripping her by what ugly things she says...

As Gale M. suggested, why don't we all just pull back a bit and see what the official investigation reveals. There will be plenty of opportunity to comment as the facts come out. My personal suspicion is that the perpetrators are Islamic terrorists of some stripe. They are probably home-grown and learned the technique from terrorists in Iraq who publish this information on the Internet. I would be very doubtful if it was the IRA, which has joined the political process. However, I'm willing to suspend judgement until the facts come out.

As for Mr. Martinez and the comments against him, it is very possible that his family could have lived in what became the United States for a few hundred years. Check the names on the casualty lists from Iraq -- many, many Hispanic names. Loyal, dedicated Americans who have made the ultimate sacrifice. It is unfair to condemn a man because of his name.

Let's all take a deep breath.

Right on, John Lusk.

Carolyn, let me begin by apologizing for sidetracking the subject of your article. But, I am talking from experience when I make the comments painting Joan as a less then tolerant individual, when it comes to anyone who is not of European decent. Just take a look at her history of comments and any sane person would agree. She once praised Hitler and described his hate rhetoric as "eloquent". How else can an intelligent and rational thinking individual interpret that?

As for her continued insistences to paint any Hispanic American as a leech on society, this only further solidifies my views of her as a xenophobic racist. While still on the road, the band the band I was the road manger for, and part owner of, employed anywhere from 6 to 8 roadies at one time, not including sound and lighting engineers, truck and bus driver, booking agents and other misc. personal. Besides paying our personal taxes, we also had to pay our corporate taxes, because being smart businessmen we had incorporated our group. Even now, I have employed many people throughout my many business ventures. Perhaps Joan's problem is that her very fine, very tall, very white, very male boyfriend is out of work or has been passed on for promotion behind a minority. If she sends me his resume, perhaps I can give him a job. Lastly, my assertions that the individuals responsible for the foiled car bombs are Islamic terrorists are a safe bet and a logical conclusion.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article742783.ece

Who was served by this particular incident? The new government needs something to bolster their continued support of an Iraq presence. This ought to be just the ticket. After 9/11 I would have to say that the government - either one - should be regarded as a possible suspect in any "terrorist" action.

Juan: I know Joan personally so I know your perception of her is incorrect. While I agree there are times her comments give the impression you state, a lot of that hs to do with the situation and other things I simply won't go into on a public message board. Her current boyfriend, by the way, is a corporate executive. I doubt he's have the skills to be a roadie. But this isn't about Joan getting angry exactly. It's more about the idea you and others express that being against illegals is racist, which is ridiculous. By the way, just for the record, I strongly oppose illegal immigration and my daughter's married name is Ruiz. You figure it out. Tambien, yo hablo un pequito Espanol. I would consider it the height of arrogance to even visit much less live in a country and refuse to learn the language.

In terms of the London terrorists, I agree that there is an excellent chance they will turn out to be Muslim extremists. I don't want that to be the focus because frankly were I a terrorist, I would use these methods just so Muslims would be blamed for it.

Shelton: I would consider the people best served by this incident would be those who didn't die or who weren't maimed by the bombs. I've been in those parts of London and I can attest that they are generally crowded at all hours of the night. I saw Phantom of the Opera at the theater on Haymarket that they mention in the article.

Just for the record, by the way, the last interview I read with the new prime minister, he is in favor of withdrawing British troops from Iraq. I consider the suggestion that either government committed 9/11 to be a tinfoil hat theory at best. The notion that the British government would plant car bombs to blow up their own people is equally ridiculous.

Joan D. thinks that paramedics are part of "socialized medicine." That's all you have to know about her mental state.

Nan, that is a very intelligent and worthwhile statement. So lets us all bow our heads and pray for our cousins in Britain and for our men and women in Iraq, Afghanistan and throughout the world, whose sacrifices give us the opportunities to debate our many different points of views.

Carolyn, I do not believe and I have never stated that everyone who is opposed to an open border or who holds opposing views on immigration and the problems created by illegal immigrants is a racist. However, your friend and colleague Joan is another horse of a different color. LOL!!!

I find it very interesting that Sky News agreed to interview a young Moslem leader who came on television to ask the average Brit not to wreak revenge on the Moslem community for these terror attacks. No-one had suggested that it was a Moslem attack! The young representative of the Moslem community said that the attacks occured because of Britains foreign policy, apparently they did not absorb that most British of institutions- lobbying Parliament to change policy not resort to the car bombing of innocents and other acts of terrorism from which theyy escaped. Every other immigration, whether from India, West India, Eastern Europe or Russia has accepted British democracy with open arms.
Maybe now the various Unions who villify Israel realise their folly and rescind their idiotic boycott attemps before ratification.

Sheila: I think that perhaps this young Muslim might know something we don't. One of the eyewitnesses to the Glasgow attack describe the attackers in terms that make it quite clear that they were not your average Scots lads, but rather were foreign. She was quoted as saying that the one who apparently was on fire and still trying to cause harm to the police was screaming at them in another language.

There is nothing further that I can find, but British sources in the news are saying that they know some of the people involved and have arrested several people in addition to the two they apprehended at the scene in Glasgow.

Carolyn: I think you are absolutely right. While we must never jump to conclusions without proof we should also take into consideration from where most of the terror attacks in the last 10 -15 years have emanated. Once we thought that poverty breeds terrorism but today we know that Osama bin Laden is one of the richest men in the world and is equally one of the most dangerous men in the world. The young men who blew more than 50 people to their deaths in London arrived in "Daddy's" Mercedes and from eyewitness reports so did the Glasgow bombers. It is not poverty and oppression which breeds terror, but rather terror which breeds poverty and oppression. I love the UK and it pains me to say that the very qualities which signify the British character - namely a warm place for refugees to find haven and refuge, a wonderfully strong society which fiercely maintains freedom of expression and prayer - are all being taken for granted and used to create a breeding ground for terror. So sad. I want to see the true British grit in the ordinary people to speak their minds - demonstrate their dissatisfaction with a society which allows terrorsim to flourish.

Sheila: I believe one thing you see that is a common thread with those who resort to terror is that they never attempt to assimilate into the culture in which they now live. They try to carve out and build a little piece of another country and another culture in the midst of the one in which they currently find themselves. That's true here in the United States as well as in Europe.

You make a very good point that terror thrives in poverty and ignorance. You can see that in Afghanistan where oppression by the Taliban was extreme. These types of people almost universally oppose educating the populace in anything but religious intolerance. In certain parts of the Muslim world children are taught hate before they're taught to walk. Among some segments at least it's considered acceptable to murder their own children by teaching them it's ok to suicide. Children now days as young as six years old are being conscripted into this. In the end what supports terrorism is ignorance and religious fanaticism.

The Israelis summed it up very well. When asked when the violence in the Middle East will stop, one of their prime ministers said that it will stop when the Muslims reach the point where they love their children more than they hate Israel. This applies across the Muslim world and beyond and certainly to other cultures than Israel's.

I wish this were not such a complex issue, but it is. I am the first to admit I don't understand this violence. As we've seen, among Muslims at least, It's not just terrorism against those they see as outside of Islam. They're quite content to slaughter one another in large numbers as well. There are no distinctions drawn.

One thing that strikes me as a very telling thing is the difference between the way the IRA carried out its activities and the way that the Muslim extremists carry out theirs. This was one reason I didn't think the group involved in this latest round of atrocities would turn out to be of European descent. When the IRA planted a bomb, it was generally away from areas with large civilian populations. They virtually always telephoned warnings before to allow the police to clear the area and minimize the casualties. The intent was to cause terror, to disrupt the social order, and to make a political point. With these Muslim terrorists the biggest goal is the murder of as many innocent people as humanly possible, preferably women and children.

Religious (or political for that matter) fanaticism simply has no place in our modern world. Unfortunately whether it is Christian, Muslim, or whatever the numbers of those who are fanatical seem to be growing. I almost wonder if this isn't because our world is becoming increasingly technical and more complicated, and people are trying to escape to times when life was simpler and more easy to understand. Religious fanaticism stresses a set of iron-bound rules. Obey them and you're fine. Someone else takes care of the complicated things. It's comforting and not challenging if you are content to obey. Unfortunately for all of us, far too many people seem to prefer that someone else do their thinking for them.

While this latest round of terrorists

Five people have now been arrested in connection with the Glasgow airport bombing that followed a few hours after the London car bombers were thwarted. Police and intelligence sources are said to be connecting the three incidents and linking them to Islamic terrorists. On a personal note, my wife and I were in London on Friday, and travelled on the underground through the area where the car bombs were planted, but were oblivious as to what was going on up above. In a strange coincidence we were travelling across London on the underground a few hours before the 7/7 bombings on the underground two years ago. They were the only times we have visited London in recent years - we lived over 100 miles away.

John B

We (Americans) should consider ourselves lucky it didnt happen here. However, we can count on terrorists to be planning some kind of a 911 attack next year to disrupt the presidential election. Count on it and be prepared!

........or the 4th of July, or Christmas Day, or August 8th. Terrorism has no "anniversary" date, nor special event. It happens every day, at random, and in non-descript locations as well as high visibility sites. It targets no one, it targets everyone. Just read the afore-written comments.........look what has happened to us. Fear, doubt and anger will kill us as surely as the "next" terrorist attack occurs.

wake up people we should profile because these are the people that have been the terrorists.i know i want to be safe and i want all the people i love and know also to be safe. i cant stand these ignorant people who are afraid to profile because they will be labeled prejudice. well im not afraid to profile, i have anatural instinct for survival, maybe if something happened 2 one of your love ones maybe u would change your tune. well im not ready to sacrifice anyone i love or care about . vote republican because they dont have their head buried in the sand alike most people.

When I heard about the attempted terrorist attack in London it did not take a rockect scientist to figure out that those involved would be Muslim. If we are truly honest our gut instinct told us what we already knew.
We have an enemy that is determined to destroy us and our way of life. It doesn't help when we have those in the media who are willing to disregard what is happening and report it with the thorough coverage that it deserves.
What we are facing is far more dangerous than we can ever imagine. It would be nice if our governement was serious about keeping us safe. However, that is not the case.
It will take us the citizens to be on the lookout and to do whatever it takes to keep our country safe. This is not about Democats or Republicrats it is about doing the right thing.

Carolyn G
It is not true that the IRA and PIRA did not use car bombs. They did, frequently. and it is true that they rang in to give warnings, but often these warnings were too late to allow for evacuation of the sites. On the British mainland these incidents included bombs in a town centre rubbish bin, the Harrod's bombings and one that I have personal knowledge about.

My husband worked in a Govt department on Whitehall. He had decided to work from home one day. His desk was in front of two large Georgian windows and he usually sat with his back to the window. His secretary happened to be putting papers on his desk and idly looked out of the window. She needed plastic surgery for the glass-inflicted injuries she suffered from the car bomb parked in front of the Ministry of Defence.

And PIRA also bombed without adequate warning in the Omagh bombings.

A terrorist is a terrorist.

Scott: I have a friend who is in almost exactly your position. I sure wish there were more of a social net for people such as the two of you and countless others. I was forced to retire last year because I could not find work in my field any more. While I am quite healthy other than for chronic insomnia, this was quite a blow to my ego.

Ishbel: I agree with you that a terrorist is a terrorist, the point I was trying to make was that there is quite a difference between the overall methodology. I had a friend in Northern Ireland during the troubles. She would make statements such as: "I think Frank and I are going to go to a movie tonight. The IRA isn't bombing theaters this week." She said it in such a matter of fact voice. The irony was cutting.

I also admit I don't understand terrorism. I don't understand people who blow up their own kids or who rejoice when their kids decide to do it themselves. I don't understand that sort of hate. For me, hate is an exhausting emotion reserved for a rare individual who has to work hard to earn it.

Sheila - you ignorant twit
The paramedics in the UK ARE part of their socialized medical program. Learn about a country before you open your mouth and let the world know what an idiot you are. As it so happens, I have a friend who works in the SAS (Scottish Ambulance Service) and know quite well that the ambulance services in the UK ARE in fact part of their socialized medical program.

Juan - you liar.
show me ONCE - just ONCE where I ever mentioned Hitler in a positive manner. JUST ONCE. I DARE YOU - you LIAR.

Carolyn,
When the IRA bombed pubs, where the youth of the day were out enjoying themselves, they were just the same as the current terrorists. Unless you think a gruup of 18-24 year olds is not part of our civilized world. They set off nail bombs at the horse guard. I guess horses are not part of civilization either. You really need to get your facts straight before you defend the IRA.

DO NOT EVER DEFEND THE MURDERING IRA FILTH. THEY KILLED TOO MANY INNOCENT PEOPLE. Not all their messages were informative enough to stop the innocent from being killed or maimed.

Before you discount what I am saying, I do not what I am talking about. My oldest sister is lucky to be alive today, only because she went to a different pub when they bombed Birmingham, the second city of England.

Joan - Why can you not be polite? I think I know the UK rather better than you since I lived there for 45 years! I have never and would never criticise the UK Ambulance service, or the UK Police who I think are doing a commendable job! I was the grateful recipient of wonderful medical care for all the years I lived in the UK.
I would suggest that if you live in the UK you avail yourself of anger management courses which the amazing NHS provides.
Since the central perpetrator of the first attack has been arrested and found to be a doctor of Middle Eastern origin (Jordanian Palestinian) I think the argument as to whether or not any assumptions are racist is moot.
I would sugget that all our energy go into understanding the reasoning behind this need to force the world to think the same way, without the wonderful rainbow of colours we have today, and turn them into a single fanatical black clothed mass. Surely our beauty is in agreeing to disagree and freedom of criticism, satire, humour, thought and speech.
Why kill all who disagree with you? Why blow innocent people to smithereens because they pray differently to you? That is what we need to discuss.

Joan - and everyone. In fact the terrorist who has actually been caught was not a Jordanian Palestinian. He grew up in Gaza, is highly educated and not froma poor family and did most of his medical training there in Gaza. Two years ago he went to Jordan specifically because Jordan and the UK have an agreement concerning work permits. Ah Joan, if only I were wrong to believe everyone involved is "of Middle Eastern Origin" but unfortunately...........................

Diane? Please read what I actually wrote and react to that. I said "generally." The word was chosen because it acknowledges that this didn't always happen. That's why it said "generally" rather than "always." You will rarely hear me talk in absolutes unless it's in terms of my own opinion on things.

I won't say anything more than this because I'm operating on about 2-3 hours of sleep and am suffering the temper shortening effects of acute sleep deprivation and might say something rude which I would later regret and be forced to apologize for. Words are hard to take back, so I much prefer not to say them in the first place.

Sheila: I just heard on CNN that he was from one of the Palestinian areas in Jordan and that the family was appealing to the royal family there for word of their two year old grandchild. They don't know where the boy is and both parents have been arrested.

The point I tried to make originally about not jumping to conclusions wasn't so much that I didn't believe that ultimately things would turn out as they did, but rather I was remembering the Morrow building attack here in the U.S. The assumption was immediately that it was external Middle Eastern terrorists hitting us gain. Time quickly proved that the terrorists were home-grown in this case. I was simply trying to get people to hold off judgment until the facts were all in so that we were being fair. It's far too easy to jump to these conclusions. I do it myself to my shame.

I do wish we were able to be less certain. I wish I could understand why murder and suicide are such ingrained characteristics in some people and those of certain political or religious beliefs.

Sheila you ignorant twit
How about trying to READ what I write, instead of ASSuming what I've written, kThks.

If you know so much about the UK medical system, why would you have made the incredibly STUPID remark about my comment on their medical system being socialized? Seems to me you decided to google something after the fact, and are now making up lies to cover up your ignorance. You really do need to seek the mental health assistance you claim *I* need - since you appear to have some serious issues with veracity and reality - not to mention reading comprehension.

Where exactly did I say anything about him/her/it/them being a Jordanian Palestinian, Sheila? More hallucinating on your part? Probably. You need to get to a psychiatrist quickly, Dearie, your mind is deteriorating very quickly.

Oh, and coming in 2 days late and several british pounds sterling short - maybe you should learn to look at the dates on things before you make stupid comments after the fact about whether Juan was his usual racist self in ASSuming before anything had been announced by the POLICE ON THE SCENE. Get some mental help, Sheila - PLEASE - your delusions and hallucinations will only bring you more trouble the longer you wait.

Message for Stephen, THE AMBULANCE TEAMS IN THE UK ARE IN FACT PART OF THE NHS(SOCIALIZED MEDICINE AS YOU CALL IT)...

Carolyn,
The majority of IRA targets were soft targets/civilians, there is no generally about it. If they had been brave enough to actually aim at the police and military targets generally they may have earned some respect from the British public. I don't think many Americans have much appreciation for what really happened during that time, as if it had been reported acurately I don't think the IRA would have been funded quite so liberally from over here.

I suppose you could call targeting the hotel that the government was using for a convention and killing or maiming politicians and their spouses fair game, but as none of them were armed I would not. Please enlighten me with the actual attacks that were generally acceptable in your eyes. I fear that you may actually harbor support for this particular terrorist group, which is all they were.

I have been in the US for almost 15 years. After 9/11 I saw people come together and help each other. Not so much anymore though.

As Scott pointed out, there is little help for somone trying to get back on their feet. Though I am guessing your old employer must of been a pretty small company as your job should be protected while you recover from this type of health condition, and you should received some type of long term disability. Though this isn't full pay, it should help you pay rent and the necessary bills. I am sorry for you and hope you find true friends that will help you through this.

Harold, yes we are lucky it didn't happen here, but much more than that, lucky the bombs were found before they were triggered. We should all be a little more vigilent as it is true that it is only a matter of time until there is another attack on the US.

The terrorists win when we are scared to go out and live a normal life. If the American standard of living falls to the level of many of the inhabitants of the middle east, we have lost and they have won. Time to live life and help your neighbor.

I don't know who is responsible for these attacks. I AGREE WITH YOU THAT I HOPE THIS ISN'T THE START OF A WHOLE NEW SERIES OF ATTACKS!

So much has been said and it seems like a microcosm of where we are. Snookydimples is really disrespectul. Why not address a person by their name and because his name is Juan does not necessarily mean he is from Mexico, nor is it nice to make blanket critiques of any country, including Mexico. The small, narrow minded remarks make it difficult to really pay attention to the main subject, the bombing. Regardless of who did it, it was wrong and that is what we should be paying attention to. If such nasty remarks are exchanged in this small venue what can you expect of those who thing they have much larger problems. And before anyone goes on their high horse, I am not condoning the actions, but I am saying if such a small number of people get reduced to name callilng because they disagree with what a person says, what hope is there for the rest of us.

Juan.....For once you are correct. There were several more arrests today, and and some of the suspects were from Iran and Jordan. There is also an Islamic extremest in London calling for a complete invasion of the U.K.

And looking back on the beginning comments of this thread, I'm left wondering how this turned into an illegal immigration discussion. Now Juan...just how did that happen ?

Joan - Britain successfully introduced the idea of socialised medicine into a capitalist world. It is one of the greatest gifts to the world and initially was entirely socialised whereby no-one paid for either doctor's visits or medication - without a means test since socialised means everybody! I think that by taking these side tracks you are diminishing the importance of the central discussion. We are talking about the fact that Britain is under threat from a danger far above petty arguments.

Until one recognises the danger - confronts it and accepts it - without stupid internal strife as to who is right and who is wrong - then Britain is doomed. As to Juan, have you thought that he may be from Spain which is also under threat having once been ruled by the Moors from North Africa? I agree with Timothy V, this has degenerated into an angry argument which has nothing to do with the deeply important subject matter, indeed simply detracts from it.
I happen to be a history major, married to an historian, so please do not suggest that I do not know history! I suggest that instead of calling each other names and trying to score points we unite against a common enemy and use our word-power to defend ourselves. Our society is in clear and present danger and only when we are able to confront the thought (and the BBC) will we succeed.

By the way, Ishbel is absolutely right. A terrorist is a terrorist by any other name. However, despite obvious tragic incidents such as the Harrods bombing and Whitehall, the IRA did not have the "death is greater than life" characteristic apparent in the Shahid or shahida - the idea of blowing ones own body up and going to heaven for taking as many infidels as possible with you is abhorrent to western societies.

And now it appears that the Australians have arrested 2 people, one definitely a doctor, other one 'probably' a medic, too.

Interestingly, the 'vetting' for medical personnel and need for working visas is less stringent for medical personnel than for others, within the present UK/Scottish systems.

Whatever happened to the Hippocratic Oath and 'do no harm'?

Ishbel Islam happened.

Joan you are intellectually competent and can stand on your own. I disagree with Juan but what you said was pretty mean. I don't know if this is ongoing history between you too or what but still.....

""" Who else would it have been? Perhaps it was a illegal Hispanic immigrant?"""

Juan, The PM Brown of England said (and I cant remember the exact quote but it was something like this) "If this isn't about Islam then why are we inviting a Muslim cleric to a council meeting instead of a Buddhist Monk?" Great quote ....