I have spent the day listening to the news and reflecting on the events of last night in Manchester. In 1996, myself and Darrell just happened to be in Manchester, when a large IRA bomb, was detonated in the city centre. A few days away, turned into a nightmare, as we were redirected to Liverpool, away from the carnage.
What happened at the Manchester Arena, was one of the most appalling acts of terror, I have ever seen, it was shocking. As the day rolled on, several names of the victims were released; an 8 year old child called Saffie and an 18 year old, young lady, called Georgina, both innocent by standers in a war against terror, that none of us really understand. Many more names will be released over the next few days, more families torn apart, more lives lost, more memories shattered.
I have been struck, by how generous the people of Manchester have been, opening their doors to those who were unable to get home, after the blast last night. Taxi drivers offering free rides to those caught up in this ghastly attack, escorting concert goers home, as far away as Liverpool, without charge, was heart warming. Unlike the coward, who committed this atrocity, the people of Manchester, showed the World what love and compassion, for ones fellow man, was all about. I myself have shed a tear or two, over scenes, encompassing extreme emotions; love and hate!
The worst terror attack in Britain, since 2005, has caused world wide fury and anger, as countries stand shoulder to shoulder, expressing their revulsion at such a heinous act. President Trump called the perpetrators 'Losers'; President Putin, offered to step up efforts, to bring these people to justice and HM The Queen, expressed her horror at what had occurred.
Islamic State claimed responsibility for the bombing, as one would expect; their warped ideology claiming yet more lives. Their aim to cause conflict and divide Britain as a nation, has once again failed, as it will every time, it seeks to destroy the Western way of life. We will not be cowed by murderers, our way of life will continue. Once the debris is cleared, the victims laid to rest and the soul searching is over, life will return to normal. The World is littered with bodies of the innocent, as evil people commit dreadful crimes in the name of religion. These people have no place in the modern World; we need to stand up against them. Muslim communities need to root out these individuals, the radicals who teach them and the families who protect them. If they truly stand with Britain, their adopted home, then they must start to integrate fully with the European way of life. There is no place in Europe for fanatics and supporters of extreme Islam. We maybe a continent of tolerant people, but the time has come to stand up against murderers who live within our boarders. Wake up Europe, before it is too late. When your children are being slaughtered, in cities across our nations, it's time to act!
My thoughts are with the families, of those who have lost their lives and the injured in hospitals in and around Manchester!
