Our happy, peaceful world

There's been a lot of news on terrorism recently, and as usual, a lot of hot air and not much facts.

For instance, when the IRA was in a more active phase some years ago, most people were under the impression that the goals were fairly clear: 1) A united Ireland and 2) Brits out of Northern Ireland. The goal seemed relatively simple and realistic on paper and amongst most of the British populace there was probably some sympathy with the idea (even if they didn't agree with their methods). The rules seemed to be a campaign to be directed against the British govt with high-ranking politicians and members of the Royal Family legitimate targets. Every so often people would get caught in the crossfire or a splinter group outside of the main wing would commit an atrocity, but in general the ordinary population was not a target.

With Al-Queida however, nobody seems to know what their objectives are - world Islam? Total destruction of western civilisation? Which seem totally ridiculous aims. And now the civilian population is the target. Then there are people who say that ‘they’ mustn’t change our way of living (whatever that’s supposed to mean). The Industrial Revolution drastically changed our way of life, as did the invention of the railways, WW2, email and mobile phones, the motor car…so of course crime and terrorism is going to change our way of life. The only realistic solution is more security, more police and more police powers.