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July 08, 2005
Terror Hits London - Take Two
Yesterday I wrote a rather angry response to the vicious attacks on public transportation in London by what appears to be religious fanatics. The problem with angry responses is that they often capture only half the emotion of the moment. Yesterday's post only hit part of what was going through my mind.
No grievances justify any of the attacks on London and the many other cities around the world that have been so brutally attacked. But London is special to me. Aside from Tokyo, I have visited it more than any city outside the U. S. London welcomes foreigners with an unparalleled hospitality. Her people are friendly, helpful and engaging. My heart goes out to the injured and the grieving.
Once I had to make an emergence business trip to the UK. I was upset about the trip for two reasons. First, the business issue was, at best, contrived and second, I was scheduled to arrive in London on my birthday. Birthdays are important family events for me, particularly my birthday. So after a direct flight from Los Angeles, I wasn't in a very good mood when I landed at Heathrow Airport on the morning of my birthday. But that changed rapidly. I handed my passport to the agent, who smiled, looked at my passport and then at me and then at his computer without saying a word. Then he stamped my passport, handed it back to me and said, "Happy birthday Mr. Smith and welcome to the UK." My attitude toward the trip and the coming events changed instantly. I can think of nowhere else in the world where a passport agent would provide such a welcome greeting.
London, I mourn for your losses but I am still angry.
Posted by DuaneSmith at July 8, 2005 10:03 AM | Read more on Current Events |
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