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"London Calling" - 18 August 2005 #1
By Dr Dave McIntyre, Director, Integrative Center for Homeland Security, 18 August 2005
“This is London Calling. . .” As those words snapped and crackled across long distance radio, an entire generation of Americans was introduced to the reality of war. Correspondent Edward R. Murrow brought the bombing of civilians and the horror of the London Blitz right into American living rooms in 1941. It was a frightening message. But it steeled American hearts for sacrifices to come – sacrifices they could not avoid. Once again, attacks on London are carried into our living rooms – this time by television. Once again, London is Calling. What is the message this time?
Well . . . I’ll tell you . . . if you will give me “Just a Minute . . . for Homeland Security.”
I’m Dave McIntyre from the Integrative Center for Homeland Security at Texas A&M. Here are several lessons we ought to take away from the London bombings.
First, understand the Nature of the Enemy. This cold blooded murder and maiming of random men, women and children, Jews, Christians and Moslems, was not born of poverty or despair. It was born of a corrupt idea, a contempt for human life, and a vision for world conquest as deep and dark as the fascist vision of World War II. The idea must, as British Prime Minister Tony Blair said, “be plucked up by the roots” where ever it resides. That means finding those who spread the idea, and stopping them.
Second, we should be reminded of the Danger of Attack. As the reality of 9/11 fades, we must remember that the London bombings killed more than 50 -- Bin Laden said he hopes to kill four million. It was not an idle threat.
Third, we again see the Difficulty of Prevention. We are an open society. We encourage the free flow of people, products and ideas. Filling our lives with guards and check points means not just inconvenience, but changing the nature of who we are. The threat of terrorist attack is terrible. But solutions that create a police state are worse. The challenge calls for better intelligence and law enforcement, not just more guns, gates, and guards
Fourth, we see in London the Value of Preparedness. London’s first responders, many trained at the National Emergency Response and Rescue Training Center at Texas A&M, were quick and professional. Police rapidly blocked off dangerous areas and prepared for more attacks. Medical facilities were ready for trauma injuries. And average citizens, steeled by years of IRA bombings, showed determination as they moved to help the wounded.
Finally, London showed the Importance of Resolve. Terrorists count on public terror to achieve their goal. They can be denied that goal by people who refuse to be terrified. The Blitz in the 1940’s was defeated not by the London bomb shelters, but by the attitude of the people in the shelters. The London bombings of July 7th 2005, failed on July 8th, when determined Londoners got back on the busses and went to work.
Once again, “London is Calling” – with a lesson for our future.
I’m Dave McIntyre from the Integrative Center for Homeland Security at Texas A&M, and I hope you’ll join us next week on “Just a Minute . . . for Homeland Security.”