The London Bombings

A little over two weeks ago, terrorists set off four bombs in the London transport system, killing over 50 people and wounding nearly 700 on three subway trains and one double-decker bus. I heard about the attacks on the radio as I was on my way to a subway station in Virginia after dropping off my son at pre-school. For a few minutes I debated calling my boss and telling him I wanted to work from home that day, but then I became angry. I decided to get on the subway and go to work as usual, as if the attacks had never happened and I had nothing to fear -- as if the terrorists were as inconsequential as toddlers having temper tantrums. Just as I ignore my son when he tries to get his way by screaming and throwing objects, so I would ignore what the terrorists had done and go about my life normally. Although I feel great sympathy for the victims of the London bombings and their loved ones, I will not reward terrorists for their actions by allowing them to affect my life.

Three days ago, terrorists tried to set off four more bombs in the London transport system, but this time the bombs did not go off properly and no one was killed. According to news reports, a group of subway passengers tried to capture one of the would-be bombers, but he ultimately escaped. I am glad to hear that ordinary citizens stood up for themselves. Trying to catch a terrorist must have required courage. But the commuters also behaved bravely by simply getting on the subway and going to work as if nothing had happened two weeks ago.