Languedoc: a post-script
I returned on Wednesday - just a few hours before the precautions to guard against terrorist attacks came into force. I feel sorry for those who follow on after me. During the last few years, when I have been travelling extensively in order to research my books, I must have spent hours waiting at airports amusing myself writing into my laptop or reading a book, and the thought of having to spend hours alone without these toys hardly bears thinking about.
I keep wondering what will turn out to be the truth. The police must believe that they have strong evidence of a planned attack and I guess that it is far better to be safe than sorry. But there have been so many false alarms; it makes us complacent and it also makes us more accepting of our declining freedom.
I also cannot see why the names of the suspects have been released by the Bank of England and the Pakistan government. Nothing has been proved against these people as far as I can tell - and once named they will never be seen by some as truly innocent again (if that is what they turn out to be).
I keep wondering what will turn out to be the truth. The police must believe that they have strong evidence of a planned attack and I guess that it is far better to be safe than sorry. But there have been so many false alarms; it makes us complacent and it also makes us more accepting of our declining freedom.
I also cannot see why the names of the suspects have been released by the Bank of England and the Pakistan government. Nothing has been proved against these people as far as I can tell - and once named they will never be seen by some as truly innocent again (if that is what they turn out to be).
posted by Clare Dudman at 7:23 pm
6 Comments:
So glad you got back OK, Clare, welcome home.
I understand what you say about the dichotomy of the situation (is dichotomy the right word? Maybe I mean illogicality).
However, I am very much on the "better be safe than sorry" side, being of the belief that the vast majority of air travel is somehow compulsive and not actually necessary. Hope that does not sound po-faced, I usually have this thought in terms of compulsive business travel.
I loved reading your posts about Lanuedoc. This is just the kind of holiday I would adore. Are you likely to do something similar next year? And is it the kind of event a family could attend or would it be for adults only?
They are truly lovely posts, Clare, expecially with the pictures, which really add a dimension to the essays. I have bought Cathy's camera from her as she's upgraded, so I must get myself organised in terms of knowing how to use it before I go away myself.
best wishes
Maxine.
Like Maxine, I'm glad you got back safely too, Clare. I had a sneaking suspicion you were home due to your posts here and a couple of comments on my blog...
It's interesting what's happened this week and more so as the information unfolds. It also highlights the impact that the new laws introduced as a result of increased terrorism risk have on liberty. There is a very fine in the sand.
I just put a post up about the Cheltenham Festival as the brochure arrived today. In it, I noticed that Henry Porter is delivering a lecture on just this issue. I reckon that one might be a sell out within days. The Festival is looking particuarly good this year, by the way.
Best,
crimefic
PS - you won the competition for a bad first line for a crime fiction novel! I loved the satirical profiler and serial killer intro!
Maxine: Yes, I think you're right about most air travel being compulsive than necessary. I think that businesses are cutting down a little now - which must be a good thing - for the environment at least. I guess I should have really gone overland because it is so much less expensive on the environment - but unfortunately (and ridiculously) it is cheaper to fly.
Yes, I thoroughly recommend this holiday. It attracts people who are interested in the same thing - and they seem to tend to be bright and interesting.
I'm glad to hear about your camera. It does make such a difference. Sometimes I feel this blog turns into a kind of photo album with words. It is a great way to record a life,though, I think, something for myself to look back upon.
Thanks CFR: Yes, it is unfolding, and important, I think, to keep an open mind. I felt sorry for the innocent biochemist in Leeds after the foiled terrorist attack last year in London. He was innocent, it seems, and yet for several days he was a wanted man. I worry about that stigma ever going properly away. We have to be so careful and yet I know the job the police do must be so difficult and dangerous. It must be so easy to be convinced - wrongly- you have a suspect, when you so much want to have one, and it is so important that you do.
CFR: PS. I did? Oh I didn't know there was a prize, but thank you. I should love to read one of Debi's books. I shall be in touch.
So glad you escaped the wait and the removing of your laptop.
Yes I totally agree with you about the list of names - I saw it on the news tonight and thought I hope they realise some of these people may yet turn out to be innocent.
Post a Comment
Comments are subject to moderation.
<< Home