This is a long read. There are different perspectives and through the whole piece, I’m working through the fear I have and somehow looking for hope and a resolution to move forwards.
I thought about what to write tomorrow.
I figured a week after where people were looking for answers and easy solutions, may be a good time to talk about the principles I grew up with Up North and the practical actions to ensure we are not overrun with hate and violence.
Only God is the best of judges. Not a human among us can do the same as God. So revenge isn’t even on the table for me.
But then this instance of unnecessaary, senseless and ignorant anger I saw today informed me of the climate of fear. And the Militarisation of Manchester.
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Armed police don’t make me feel safe.
I walk in defiance, but then I hear her voice in my head, asking me to take leave from work so that I don’t have to go into Manchester in case I get shot or blown up and come back home in a body bag.
To the officer who saw my face and got angry this morning, you need to understand that not everyone respects your authoritah. You’re a human with an instrument of murder in your hands.
Nothing to be proud of in and of itself.
For those who blindly believe the authority and goodness of the “security forces” read this. I remember reading this and hearing about this on the news back when I was at uni.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2_June_2006_Forest_Gate_raid
On a notional level: The only reason you’re here is to make a show of power, that the government is doing something to combat terrorism.
On a practical level: You’re here to make sure that if anything else happens, you can quickly and swiftly execute the perpetrator, so that no questions are asked and no trial can take place.
“It were a Muzza but we got ‘im. …innit.”
And if you’re angry at a Muslim/Asian woman for not cowering or smiling at you; you need to ask yourself what kind of person would cower and smile.
It’s called Stockholm Syndrome.
Don’t think that your aggression can beat me down into submission. I don’t believe in your supremacy.
I do not bow to humans.
Use your brain before you get angry, and we might not have another senseless killing to mourn, from your itchy trigger finger.
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For those of you who think I’m angry, I’m not. I’m sad and seeking hope.
I already know what I would do, if I were able to wield any useful influence in politics, to seek truth and justice. And ultimately closure for the attack on Manchester last week.
Once you understand why somebody hurt you, it hurts less. Doesn’t make it right. But it hurts less.
There’s a part of me that knows that I will not be listened to and this government will keep on perpetuating the cycle of violence and fear.
There’s a part of me that wants to reach out and give you hope.
As it stands right now, we haven’t gone to shit.
All it takes is better judgement than before, that way we are moving forwards.
We need a proper investigation and trial in the UK.
I’m guessing he’ll be deported by PM May.
He needs to face the families that are left behind.
Should I write? Should I not write?
Those lyrics come back to me.
“It’s so loud inside my head with words that I should have said.
As I drown in my regrets, I can’t take back the words I never said.”
I don’t want to get pulled into politics. I am humanist.
Politics devoid of any connection with the best of human compassion is worthless.
Or if it’s connected to false-face humanism – Tony Blair, War Criminal Not Yet Apprehended
It’s just words from politicians at this point. Some comforting. Some disconcerting.
At the same time I can’t stand back and let the idiot war machine take yet more victims, whether it’s “ours” or “theirs”.
Every innocent slain is a tragedy. Every adult forced to fight is a tragedy.
I remember us when we didn’t allow this on our neighbours.
Back when we didn’t have to live in this fear.
Do you remember?
We can’t go backwards.
But we can go “home”, to where we used to be as a City. And just be.
Remember when we had a Peace Garden?
Some people think it takes an enormous effort to change, but all it takes is to recognise the key principles that serves all of humanity (Gods’ Wonderous Variety as I like to see it) and commit to them.
Actively live with compassion, respect and seek the objective truth in all things.
We’ve got a chance of surviving this. And thriving.
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And before a certain section of you call me a terrorist for advocating peace, my weapon of choice is the pen, my bullets are questions that challenge your bullshit.
Is it really peace if it came at the cost of an innocents’ life?
Even if you want war, murder and segregation in the name of the slain, a) the families don’t want that and b) you become the terrorist.
We need justice. Habeas Corpus. Observe the Geneva Convention even if the jurisdiction does not ” traditionally” apply.
We need every MP and every Human Rights lawyer we can find.