Can't people take ONE fucking day off to grieve?

[redqueen]

All the threads in GD discussing partisan political angles about this tragedy... can't these wait ONE FUCKING DAY?

edited for clarity.

[Deja Q]

1. Nope. * politicized so much already that THAT particular sickness has

spread. Rather like bird flu or diarrhea-tv

[redqueen]

9. No, the sickness on display here IMO is CALLOUSNESS. n/t

[merh]

138. Maybe this man says it best?

Statement on the London bombings by George Galloway on behalf of Respect
07/07/2005

We extend our condolences to the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives today and our heartfelt sympathy to all those who have been injured by the bombs in London.

No one can condone acts of violence aimed at working people going about their daily lives. They have not been a party to, nor are they responsible for, the decisions of their government. They are entirely innocent and we condemn those who have killed or injured them.

The loss of innocent lives, whether in this country or Iraq, is precisely the result of a world that has become a less safe and peaceful place in recent years.

We have worked without rest to remove the causes of such violence from our world. We argued, as did the security services in this country, that the attacks on Afghanistan and Iraq would increase the threat of terrorist attack in Britain. Tragically Londoners have now paid the price of the government ignoring such warnings.

We urge the government to remove people in this country from harms way, as the Spanish government acted to remove its people from harm, by ending the occupation of Iraq and by turning its full attention to the development of a real solution to the wider conflicts in the Middle East.

Only then will the innocents here and abroad be able to enjoy a life free of the threat of needless violence.

* George Galloway, Respect MP for Bethnal Green and Bow

http://www.respectcoalition.org/?ite=819

Does HE have the right to speak and to politicalize what occurred today?

[Lannes]

2. Amen

We can always come up with some group or country that is suffering more at the time of some tragedy with a few exceptions.Thats no excuse not to show compassion for the victims.

[redqueen]

58. Thanks... n/t

[The White Tree]

3. People greive in differant ways

Some do it by getting angry. It's part of a process.

Just an FYI.

I'd suggest just ignoring those posts if they bother you.

[redqueen]

15. Yeah, I should just stay out of GD

*sigh*

Getting angry? FINE.

Yammering about BUSH and how he benefits or whatever other shit *today* ... before the victims are even counted... that is disgusting.

[JanMichael]

20. You can bet Rove and Rice are going to exploit it; sorry

but, the dems better jump on this shit NOW....TODAY....and point out that the world is more dangerous because of Bush.

[Misunderestimator]

39. I agree with you.

And it's not callousness OR political chicanery to point out the truth... it's called TRUTH. Sitting back and saying nothing won't prevent the next attack and won't change the fact that Bush's "War on Terror" has made the world more terrifying.

[JanMichael]

49. I also don't understand why anyone would put such

emotional importance on what is written on a political discussion board after a tradgedy such as this, to be honest.

I don't think it makes anyone...especially anyone I haven't even met....a "disgusting" person if they post their political thoughts on a political human tradgedy--

In fact, I think the original post is out of line.

[crispini]

23. I agree, it's disgusting.

And to be perfectly honest, although our political leaders have to think of this sooner, rather than later, we, the people, do not have to think of this, at least not today. Nobody on this board is a big ol' Dem honcho, and we don't have to guide the Democratic party response or anything.

I personally find it disgusting.

[redqueen]

29. THANK YOU!

[merh]

109. You can sign off of DU for the day

and honor as you need. This is a political message board.

[Goldmund]

4. The tragedy is intrinsically political.

Nobody can "politicize" it. We can only discuss its inherently political nature.

[redqueen]

16. Today? While the victims are still being counted?

We can only discuss the politics surrounding the situation?

Bullshit.

Talking about terrorism and ways to combat it makes sense... talking about bush and looking at it from a political angle is fucking sad.

[Goldmund]

27. Interesting

How exactly do you talk about terrorism and ways to combat it without talking about Bush? How do you talk about Bush and terrorism without a "political angle"?

Nobody is saying "we can ONLY discuss politics". I haven't seen anybody trying to shut up people who were only trying to send good vibes to Londoners, to the contrary.

When you hear of a 100 dead civilians in Iraq, what is your reaction? That's the question that keeps being asked and y'all "shut up" contingent aren't answering it. Do you discuss it in terms of causes and consequences and how it fits into the global, inherently political, puzzle? Or do you simply send hugs to Fallujah?

The former, of course; indeed it would be callous to do otherwise.

[redqueen]

37. Ridiculous.

[Goldmund]

40. Eloquent.

[amazona]

72. I like your post, Goldmund

I don't think it is quite fair to ask concerned people of conscience to quit asking the hard questions about who profits and why these terrible crimes happen.

Great quote: Do you discuss it in terms of causes and consequences and how it fits into the global, inherently political, puzzle? Or do you simply send hugs to Fallujah?

The former, of course; indeed it would be callous to do otherwise.

[redqueen]

77. It's ridiculous.

No one is saying not to EVER discuss politics and how it fits in to blah blah blah rant blah...

[Goldmund]

84. Okay, it's ridiculous

So then, finally answer the question: why do you not call for the same when 100 Iraqis are blown away? Or, for that matter, 100 Israelis? Palestinians?

[redqueen]

90. Do you really need this explained?

Those tragedies happen every day, so taking time off the partisan maneurvering out of respect for anyone greiveing who happened to visit this site would mean we could never discuss it. This tragedy is something that does not happen every day, so we have the luxury of being able to take a break from partisan political maneuvering out of respect for anyone visiting whose pain is still fresh in their hearts.

[Goldmund]

97. This tragedy IS something that happens every day!

That's my whole point. Why do you put those other tragedies I listed in a different drawer? They're a part of the same process. Same value of human life. Same fucking human beings.

And it's so cynical to call it "maneuvering". It's not a chess game. It's not a sport. We're in it precisely because we're concerned about the fate of human beings such as the ones who died in London today.

[redqueen]

102. No, the truly concerned don't see the value in clucking over partisan

politics, while the bodies are still warm

[northzax]

99. so grief is a luxury, one reserved for westerners?

arabs aren't worth expending the grief on? You really need to make this arguement about time more clearly, right now it sounds as if you are, completely out of character, more concerned with one random act in london than the same act multiple times in baghdad. That's unlike you, please try again to explain this luxury concept, I don't think I'm the only one who's not getting it.

[redqueen]

104. It is not that I'm more concerned with this act.

It is that I seem to be able to grasp that my sadness and outrage about the deaths everywhere else cannot cause me to take time off for the feelings of those victims... or else nothing would get done.

In this case, I have that luxury, and I will take it. It has only been hours... just a few hours...

[Goldmund]

110. What's different?

Why is this case unique? Where do you get this idea that these deaths are in a de-facto different category?

[northzax]

112. your sensitivity is admirable

but I wonder what someone coming to this board who had lost a son in Iraq would feel, knowing that her loss wasn't enough for you to take time off to grieve, but this one was? You actually have the luxury on any single one of those incidents, you cannot stop after each one, why did you choose this one, in particular, to take time off for? Why do you think this one seems to have affected you more than 80 people killed in a car bombing in Fallujah? Either one is a good time to take a minute and step back to mourn, you chose this one, why?

[redqueen]

134. It is not that it is "not enough"

it is that it happens so often that we don't have the luxury of taking time off for each troop lost, or for each Iraqi lost...

As I've said repeatedly already... this time I do have the luxury of taking the feelings of those hurting into consideration (and not post PARTISAN political angling about these casualties).

[northzax]

140. right, my point is that you always have time

if you look at things from an isolated event perspective (as you seem to be on this one) any particular event is as horrific as this one, for what other mass murders have you taken a day off from politics? you, not anyone else, you. I know you think you can't seperate out the individual acts in a war zone, but this one, too, is part of that same war, so we don't actually have the luxury of taking time off for this event something lese will happen this afternoon, in either Iraq or Afghanistan, I wager. it's all the same conflict. You chose this particular event to take aday off from politiking, and I was wondering why? it is only seperable from any other terrorist/insurgent attack on a civilian population by the location, the unpredictibility and the victims. so why did this one, in particular, grab you so much?

[Zuni]

5. There are a lot of London DUers here

I wish we could lay off the tinfoil shit for one day

[redqueen]

19. .

[merh]

120. There are DUers that have family in Iraq

family members in the military and/or civilian workers. They risk death daily and some DUers have known the loss. Why is today any different than any other day?

This is a political message board. Those not comfortable with the discussions are free to sign off for the day or the week. Honor as you chose, but please don't try to dictate how others should behave.

Edited to add - there is the option to stay out of potentially upsetting threads and just remain in the lounge to hug and give support.

[ret5hd]

6. go ahead...nobody's stopping you...

however, i will continue to multitask.

[swag]

7. You know, I hear you,

but our own military will kill that many Iraqi civilians day after day, and we'll all just move right along like nothing much happened.

Nevertheless, for myself I feel a need to shut up, read (not GD), try to learn, listen.

Best to you, redqueen.

[Cocoa]

8. the question repeatedly asked

and for which I haven't seen a good answer:

Why don't people demand this when 40+ Iraqis are killed in a day?

[LeftPeopleFinishFirst]

10. Good question

nt

[Goldmund]

14. For a simple reason:

because politics is inseparable to the reason why those 40+ are killed that day, and without attention to politics they will ultimately continue to be killed.

Same as in London.

[LeftPeopleFinishFirst]

34. He was asking why people DON'T question the 40+ killed in Iraq.

It's not the same as London. The news makes these London killings breaking news, but when are 40 Iraqis killed ever breaking news?

[Goldmund]

36. Read my post again

I'm agreeing with you.

[LeftPeopleFinishFirst]

42. I see what you're saying now.

Yeah, agreed.

[crispini]

73. I'll be perfectly honest and answer your question.

I have friends and family in London. I have longstanding ties to the UK that go way back. I am having an emotional reaction right now over the people and places that I know. And it disgusts me to come onto DU and see people whose first thought is, "How will this affect the American political situation?" I find it disgusting and indescribably self centered. Forty dead and the first thing somebody can do is post stuff this tinfoil shit in GD. They're posting MIHOP theories over THIS and it's THE SAME DAY! Can't they wait until tomorrow to post MIHOP theories?

When I hear about Iraqi dead or Americann war dead, every death I hear of, I try to take a moment to think of their life and death. But I do not have as strong a reaction because I do not have intimate family ties and a strong cultural connection to Iraq. That's just the way it is.

[Cocoa]

113. thanks for the answer, but...

that only explains your own reaction.

These demands are for EVERYONE to react a certain way.

[crispini]

121. Well, I guess what I'm trying to do is explain where the demand

is coming from. The demand is coming out of an emotional reaction, out of this real sense of repugnance, of, "Ick, I can't believe that people are discussing political theories about this while they're still digging people out of the rubble."

Is it a realistic demand or request? No, but it's an *emotional* reaction. That's where she's coming from.

Honestly, instead of all of these people bagging on the OP and saying, Of course we're not going to shut up about politics, this is a political message board, why not try a little sympathy?

[northzax]

142. I personally, have strong ties to both London and Afghanistan

but I don't demand other's compliance with my grieving schedule (and I see that you don't really either) I also don't recall any of this after Madrid. I just find it interesting, that's all.

[crispini]

11. Just don't go in GD, that's what I'm doing.

I saw a couple of threads there earlier -- they both thankfully got zapped -- that were WAY over the top, just tasteless. So, say your prayers -- it could be worse...

[redqueen]

52. I know it could...

[benburch]

12. I have to say I agree with you.

Tomorrow will be time enough to bash Bush and Blair.

[redqueen]

56. Thank you. n/t

[JanMichael]

13. Let me ask you this:

Why should people be ashamed of discussing politics on a political forum?

If it makes you mad, why are you reading the threads?

I am sad and horrified about the news in London; but how is it going to help anyone, anywhere if I don't post about politics?

Stephanie

[redqueen]

67. Answers:

1. Perspective is a good thing. People are still dying. Cold, callous political consideration of "angles" can wait. Of course, some people don't care about class or consideration for anyone's feelings or any of that... it's all realpolitik... it's sickening. It's beyond stupid to think that just because it's on a message board that it won't be seen by someone whose pain is so fresh.

2. I'm not reading them. I don't have to. All I have to do is see the subject line to detect the callousness.

3. I'm not saying not to post about politics FOREVER. I'm saying ONE FUCKING DAY, while the BODIES ARE STILL BEING COUNTED.

[northzax]

17. sure, if you promise to do the same thing

every time anyone is killed anywhere. Bomb in Baghdad? no political comments for a day. Of course, then there'll be another bomb, so we'd never get to comment on anything.

Or are Londoners intrinsicly more valuable, and therefore more worthy of grief than Iraqis, Sundanese, Colombians or Sri Lankans? I don't think you'd say that, but that's the message you're giving out. 40 people were killed in London, that they're reporting so far, and every single on is a tragedy and a crime, but that's a medium busy day in Iraq, Darfur or Colombo.

[IrateCitizen]

22. Exactamundo!

You took the words right out of my mouth, northzax.

[northzax]

25. oh gee, I'm sorry! :) you want them back?

I've barely chewed them at all!

[jobycom]

24. Good argument. nt.

[Goldmund]

30. Great points

And terror mongers of the world would love nothing more than if we were to stop discussing "politics" every time they commit an act of violence.

[redqueen]

71. Laughable comparison.

Londoners aren't intrinsically more valuable, but they AREN'T BOMBED EVERY FUCKING DAY.

Bush I bombed Iraq, Clinton bombed the fuck out of Iraq, now we're bombing the fuck out of them some more...

[Malikshah]

and somehow that makes it OK that 100s of Iraqi citizens are killed

???

OMG...sometimes folks better just sit back. breathe. reflect. THen type.

[redqueen]

91. NO.

It does NOT make it OK... it makes it IMPOSSIBLE to take time off from partisan political maneuvering out of respect... we have that luxury in this instance, because this DOES NOT happen every day in London.

[northzax]

92. so because they're used to it

you don't grieve? that really is a different standard. do you feel worse when rich babies die? after all, the poor are used to higher infant mortality rates, so it's not big deal. maybe you should grieve more for a world where daily bombings would attract attention, instead of being the background noise to a busy life.

I really don't see what frequency of occurence has to do with anything. either the murder of 33 people in random violence is cause for a day off to mourn, or it isn't. why does it matter to you if it happens once a decade or once a week? are not both the same horrific act?

[redqueen]

94. Read post #91.

[northzax]

114. read #112-

[jonnyblitz]

106. you make no sense. we should only grieve people who

don't get bombed as much?

[jonnyblitz]

18. yeah how DARE people discuss politics on a political board!!

THE NERVE!!!

[Shell Beau]

26. I really don't think that is what she means. Out of respect

for those from London, could people, for just one day, leave the shit at the door and let people just grieve?

[sniffa]

31. no

why? because every day there is some grieving reason to Leave shit at the door.

[Shell Beau]

35. Well that is fine! I, for one, will let the families of those

still being counted have 1 fucking day!

[redqueen]

45. Thanks, Shell Beau

[Shell Beau]

65. Anytime! I guess we are few and far between!

[northzax]

47. you think the families are taking time off from grieving

to read GD?

[Shell Beau]

53. I don't know. Do you?

I don't care either. I am respectful. I think of how I would feel.

[northzax]

66. and I assume you show the same respect

every time a soldier is killed in Iraq, or civilians in baghdad? did you have a mourning period for the almost 100 children killed in automobile accidents over the weekend of the 4th?

Look, I love London, I spent 4 years as a kid in London. My sister lives there, my cousin attends LSE. this is a horrific event, but it's just one more in a long line of horrific events. I know exactly how I would feel, enraged at the goverments that let this happen, pissed off at the media not holding that government accountable. Maybe that's how people feel, and by not discussing the implications we are letting them down?

[Shell Beau]

70. I mourn every day! I mourn for all of the lives lost in

this ridiculous war! But I try not to make up shit about what has happened until I have some facts and if there are people who may be connected to those lost, I always try to think of them and try not to say things that may be hurtful.

[northzax]

103. I don't see how

wondering who murdered 33 people is hurtful to anyone, except maybe the murderer. Claiming that the victims deserved it? beyond the pale, and, in my opinion, a good case for tombstoning. but wondering about the timing? why is that hurtful?

[Shell Beau]

107. It is some of the things that I have seen said that could be

hurtful to people. I do mourn everyday. I am not saying this wasn't political and that we should NOT talk about it. But just let them count the bodies, get some facts, and a clear head.

[redqueen]

135. Wondering who is not the issue...

I clarified my OP to communicate that it's the partisan bullshit that's irritating.

It is hurtful because it conveys that the poster is more concerned with how the incident can benefit their party.

[StopTheMorans]

60. exactly

[jonnyblitz]

115. well aren't you special and so much better then the rest of us

I am so humbled.

[jonnyblitz]

50. i think you all need to get a fucking grip.

and get over yourselves..thisnt isnt a fucking church...go there to grieve...deaths occur EVERY DAY due to terrorists bombs!! do we shut down every time a bomb goes off in Israel??

[Shell Beau]

59. I need to get over myself? And get a fucking grip?

I don't have to grieve at church. I can grieve where I want. I can also have respect. I guess we can't all be the same!

[JanMichael]

68. You can grieve however you want; but it's not ok for others

to show their anger and grief in the way they see fit?

I am very angry at the world leaders for this crap...so, I am not supposed to post about it?

Maybe you and Redqueen should post some etiquette rules for dumbasses such as myself. In the meantime, the Bush administration is going to use this to their advantage....while people like you are going to be covering yourself in sackcloth and ashes.

When the Republicans sweep the midterms AGAIN next year, it will be a combination of voter fraud, and pussy behavior.

Stephanie

[Shell Beau]

75. People like me, huh? Well, since I am a pussy, I would

like to know what facts you have on this particular incident that JUST happened?
I never thought I would have to write rules about RESPECT! Maybe I should look into that.

[redqueen]

85. "Pussy behavior"

That's nice... really nice.

[Shell Beau]

87. One more reason for an etiquette book, huh? LOL

[redqueen]

93. It's a reason for something...

[redqueen]

88. "PUSSY BEHAVIOR"?!

Nice.

Really nice.

FYI, Stephanie, I didn't say to 'cover ourselvs in sackcloth and ashes'... I said to take ONE FUCKING DAY off from the partisan bullshit out of respect for the victims and their families, as well as anyone visiting this site who may still be in great pain.

Is that clear?

[JanMichael]

144. What? Did you get more outraged the third time you read my comment?

Could you be anymore melodramatic?

I doubt that victims, their families, or anyone else "in great pain" is thinking, "Damn, I am going to go visit DU and see what Stephanie is writing."

Jesus Christ on rollerblades, you need to calm the hell down.

[sniffa]

146. JESUS CHRIST ON ROLLERBLADES!!!!?

how dare you! HOW DARE YOU!

that's going in the etiquette book.

[JanMichael]

147. Thanks! Could you make sure you quote me?

This is Stephanie, not Michael.

[sniffa]

148. you are so getting quoted

[redqueen]

74. Bombs go off in Israel ALL THE TIME.

FUCK why are people making such IDIOTIC comparisons?

This place...

[StopTheMorans]

78. does that make those deaths less important, or any less worthy of

"taking a day off," than the London tragedy?

[redqueen]

83. Yes.

FUCKING DUH.

[StopTheMorans]

86. that makes sense then; i'd been operating under the assumption that

one life was just as important and deserving of respect as another. silly me...

[redqueen]

95. Read post #91

I'm tired of EXPLAINING THE COMPLETELY FUCKING OBVIOUS

[StopTheMorans]

105. it's not obvious from that post, nor your post here.

that's an opinion, and nowhere near fact. if you want to pick events to get crazy over and demand "days of respect", what criteria will you use? does it have to be an event that hasn't occurred in 50 or 60 years, the last 30 years, or maybe the last 10? does it have to involve 10 or more people, or can it be less? do they have to be in an English-speaking country, or not? does the tragedy have to be from an external influence, or can it be from a domestic group? this whole thing reeks of an arbitrary decision which you are attempting to impose on others as fact, when it is simply your opinion. that being said, i have my own opinion, and i'd appreciate not being belittled when i express it too, although i understand if you're not willing to afford others that respect.

[jonnyblitz]

111. what you consider as obvious MAKES NO FUCKING SENSE

and THAT is what is OBVIOUS!!!!

[jonnyblitz]

98. unfuckingbelievable eh?

[bicentennial_baby]

33. Agreed

C'mon folks...

[Shell Beau]

41. C'mon and what? Have respect for others? What was the OP thinking?

[bicentennial_baby]

46. No, it's just that

this is par for the course on DU. Every time a tragedy happens, and I do mean EVERY time, people want to dissect it and examine it, and others chide them for their insensitivity. Nothing new...

[Shell Beau]

61. Okay.

[redqueen]

82. Idiotic.

Did I say not to discuss politics? There ARE other political things to discuss besides partisan political bullshit about a tragedy that occurred mere hours ago.

Unbelievable...

[sniffa]

21. i dunno, can other DUers stop posting these kinds of threads?

for ONE DAY! ONE FUCKING DAY!!

[redqueen]

100. How many have there been, sniffa?

Are there all that many?

Should I go count the ones in GD for you? The ones that weren't so fucking sickening they had to be fucking deleted?

[sniffa]

127. if you fucking feeL Like it

go ahead and fucking count them.

[Boo Boo]

28. Maybe you need to take a break?

[johnnie]

32. I don't really agree with all that is being said over there

But I think that expecting people not to talk politics at a political website might be asking a bit too much.
No offense to anyone that is pissed at what people are saying there today, but if you want to grieve without the politics, maybe it's best to take a day or two off from the political websites.

[redqueen]

108. I did not say not to talk about politics.

I'm talking about the PARTISAN POLITICAL ANGLING. That's all.

[Bridget Burke]

38. Bush has already politicized the tragedy...

Instead of a heartfelt message of sympathy, he pointed out the "good" the G8 was planning. As he referred to issues which the US is opposing...

[Shell Beau]

43. Well, redqueen, maybe I am the only one, but I agree with you!

[northzax]

44. are you duct taped to your keyboard?

if not, please feel free to take all the time you want to grieve, without your holier than thou interpretation of what other people are doing. That little box in the upper right hand corner of your browser shuts it off, and you won't have to read any more comments.

maybe it's time to take the afternoon off?

[Shell Beau]

48. Jeez!

Some people can be unbelievable!

[northzax]

54. so you are duct taped to the keyboard?

seriously, I don't see anything wrong with walking away and taking time to grieve, if someone wants to. so the answer is yes, you can take one fucking day off to grieve take all the time you want.

or did you want a snappy monosyllabic reply?

[Shell Beau]

64. No you took care of that earlier!

[northzax]

69. oh, such repartee! such witticisms

however can you think of them from the depths of mourning?

[Shell Beau]

79. I manage, just as you manage to be sarcastic.

[jonnyblitz]

80. good post!!

[redqueen]

116. Not for ME, goddamnit! For our visitng friends who are HURTING!

Y'know what?

Fuck it.

[northzax]

125. before you leave, I would like an answer to #112

if you'd be so kind. Someone is hurting every day (and let's be honest, the odds that someone is related to or knows one of the victims is almost zero, so they may be hurting abstractly, the way you are, but it's probably not directly personal for anyone on this board. Maybe it is, but I doubt it. This is really a US centric community, this criminal act happened outside the purview of the US. To be perfectly honest, I don't know any of the victims, as far as I know, so this doesn't make me feel any worse than any other time 33 people are killed, and it pales next to Madrid (where I actually was, at the time) as much as I am connected to London through family and friends, I am just as connected to Baghdad, since my army happens to be occupying it at this time. Or Sudan and Sri Lanka, where I have friends doing relief work, or Israel/Palestine, where I have friends on both sides of the fence. This one is no better and no worse than blowing up a bus in Tel Aviv, or a market square in Tikrit, or a helicopter crash in the Khyber Pass.

[redqueen]

136. answered above

[DS1]

51. Clearly you're not from London

-> directed elsewhere

[Zuni]

55. I love that pic

what was the name of their mascot? Was it Eddie?

[DS1]

63. Yes

The local radio station in these parts did a Priest/Maiden marathon. It reminded me of this flag, and the fighting spirit and will to survive as demonstrated by genuine Londoners.

[redqueen]

117. .

[arwalden]

57. I Think People Can Do Both...

... it's not an 'either-or' situation. Although I, too, dislike the ridiculous over-the-top paranoid hyperbole, I wonder why should we put ourselves at a disadvantage and do-nothing or say-nothing merely for the sake of appearances and so that we can pat ourselves on the back for making a gesture of silence.

[redqueen]

118. Over-the-top, paranoid hyperbole is in the eye of the beholder

I guess.

I just think all the partisan shit can wait.

I guess I'm in the minority.

[leftofthedial]

62. nope. the bushturds are already politicizing it

FEAR is their weapon against us

[Serial Mom]

76. With respect, I disagree with you ...

We need to talk about the politics of this world that cause hate.

And to me, the inane, silly threads in the Lounge today shows less respect and grief for those who died or were injured in London, in Irag, in Afghanistan, in Darfur, etc. etc.

Can't people take one fucking day off from the Lounge during a tragedy?

[redqueen]

119. "Can't people take one fucking day off from the Lounge during a tragedy?"

[kick-ass-bob]

133. Because everyone everywhere has to be morose and depressed

all the time, but especially during a tragedy. Right?

Fuck that bullshit. You can keep it for yourself - some of us don't want to live thinking about pulling the trigger on ourselves every fucking day.

[ms liberty]

81. I've been here all morning, and this is about the 5th time...

I've seen someone start a thread expressing that exact sentiment.

My answer is: NO, we can't...

I've already emailed the British Consulate in DC to express my sympathies and support.
I've posted several times in threads expressing same, at least two of those to British DU'ers who started those threads.

I doubt there is anyone who is thrilled about people being injured or killed in these horrible attacks. But if we "take the day off to grieve" what good will it accomplish? Will it help the Brit's who've been injured or killed? Will it help the innocent dead or injured Iraqis? Will it help bring our troops home?

NO IT WILL NOT.

All it will do is to allow those wingnut's who are ultimately responsible for these attacks to frame the issue - and to frame us as the enemy and take political advantage. And they will - we all know this to be a fact.

We can still discuss, speculate and argue about the issues - and we need to in order to come to an understanding of this tragedy. For us it is contrary to our nature to sit around wringing our hands, and decrying the injustice of it all. It's part of our nature to think about this and to want to discuss those thoughts. And a lot of us have no other place we can go to discuss it, no other place where we can express our thoughts, no where else we can trust and know others who understand and share our beliefs.

We're all emotionally shaken by this horror. But our brains don't just shut off because we're upset, in fact I believe the opposite to be true.

I understand where you are coming from, and I appreciate your sentiments, but I can't stop being critical of our so-called leaders because of those awful bombings. We shut up after 9-11, and it got us into Iraq. It's their fault, and the world should know it - and if we shut up now, where will we be in four years?

[crispini]

89. Ya know, that's NOT what the OP is asking for.

I went into GD earlier and I saw somebody post a MIHOP thread! Can you believe that? They haven't counted the dead yet and people are already putting out tinfoilhat MIHOP theories!

I just think it's disgusting that a tragedy like this occurs and the first thing that people are doing is thinking about MIHOP theories! It's indecent, IMO. It's political voyeurism of the worst kind. It's a cold and intellectual and inhuman response.

I don't care about posting about politics, or posting criticism, but jeez, posting a MIHOP theory ON THE SAME DAY? That's fuckin over the top.

[redqueen]

126. I'm sorry, I didn't see those...

All I saw were partisan bullshit threads in GD.

Mea culpa.

[Rabrrrrrr]

96. blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah

blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah

By the way, the bombing WAS a political act.

For some, the way to show grief is TO CARE ABOUT WHY IT HAPPENED.

Get off the high horse, which isn't very high to begin with, and let things be. It shows no disrespect to the dead to talk about the tragedy. It does no disrespect NOT to talk about it.

Let it be. Calm down. Have a glass of wine, and toast the dead.

Ever been to a funeral home during a wake or a visitation? Or a funeral? I've been to a lot - and you know what? There is, at any moment, one group of people who are crying, another who are merely morose, another who are laughing, another who are talking about something not at all related to the dead person.

And you know what? That's OKAY!

[ProfessorGAC]

124. Well Said!

The Professor

[Rabrrrrrr]

145. Thanks, Herr Professor!

[andyhappy]

101. but it was a political attack

it wasn't lex luthor trying to take over the world.

terrorism is political!

[aden_nak]

122. I guess that's not how I deal with a crisis.

I agree that what is happening in London right now is terrible. I am following the story and my heart does go out to those who have lost a loved one, those who are injured. But I cannot take a break, no. That's just how I am. When something terrible happens, my first reaction is not to mourn the loss but to stop any more loss than necessary. So when I heard about London, I was stunned. And then my "warrior mentality" kicked in. That's just how I am. I'll be objective, clear headed and perhaps even cold now. I'll grieve once the danger is past.

[Kraklen]

123. taking the day off to grieve is racist.

There's a lot more Iraqi civilians that die everyday.

[redqueen]

128. I'd love to take a day for the victims every time they're bombed...

however I'd have been doing nothing but grieving through much of the Clinton administration and this one.

This time, I have the luxury of being able to show some respect for the feelings of anyone visiting who's still hurting.

[jonnyblitz]

130. wow. so just because it's convenient for you to grieve today

you feel the need to scold the rest of us?

[Lavender Brown]

137. Did you see this post?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.ph...

I don't think the UK DUers want us to not talk about it. Anyway, what you're saying is that you see this as an opportunity to mourn - a lot of people are seeing it as an opportunity to discuss something when people are paying attention. Since tragedies happen every day in the middle east, they get little attention (and aren't even labeled "terrorism," especially when they are the result of US military actions). This happened in a place where it doesn't happen so often, so of course it generates a lot of discussion. And conspiracy theories, and everything else.

[Zuni]

129. racist?

[ElTexican]

131. Frankly we shouldn't even be involved in British politics ...

That is my view today. This is a British tragedy, not an American one.

[Chichiri]

132. I took a day off on 9/11.

And look what happened.

[Logansquare]

139. Do you think Karl Rove will take the day off?

They will be getting their message out right away. There will be many more to grieve for if we don't stop them.

[LaurenG]

141. This didn't have to happen

This didn't need to become what it has. Too many people are dying all over the world for the nasty agenda of our world leaders. This to me is a horrible tragedy, just horrible. I blame our leaders because they aren't leading or protecting any citizens. They are playing with human lives for a very bad reason. It is TRAGIC. Bless all those who have fallen victim to terrorists.

[redqueen]

143. I'm sorry... would a mod please just lock this.

[Midlodemocrat]

149. Locking.

Thank you.