A Son of the Rock

I am much impressed by the way Norway as a country has come together in reaction to the recent dreadful events there.

In particular the determination they seem to have to carry on as normal.

Compare the response our politicians have had to the various attacks the UK has been subject to. Curtailment of civil liberties is their first instinct. Sometimes it seems the only one.

Think of the introduction of internment in Northern Ireland – and how successful that was! – through the gradual increase in the time police can hold people before they are charged and now CCTV cameras everywhere. Not to mention the gunning down of suspects in the street or on the subway.

If we’re no better than those who kill without compunction then we’re worse – because we profess to be democratic and ruled by law. Summary executions and incarcerations have no place in a democratic state (and ought not to anywhere come to that.)

No measures will ever prevent a determined terrorist or deluded inadequate from carrying out atrocities. And have any of the measures above (as opposed to good intelligence) ever prevented such an attack?

Via Ken MacLeod’s blog I came across this site where you can sign to give condolences and offer solidarity for those who died in Norway.

Please do.