This is our stomping ground, hubby works a stone's throw from Borough Market. It is a thriving, trendy, bustling area full of youngsters using bars and restaurants. My kids and their friends hang out there frequently.
I honestly honestly don't think this is about religion, it's a lunacy that drives fanatics. Look at the history of these attackers, they are virtually always poorly educated petty criminals with a history of violence, drug taking etc, life's non achievers. This is not in the name of Islam, or any religion, this is just an excuse for barbarism. A desire for self importance, a chance to stand out from the crowd.
I don't know what the answer is but I won't allow them to cower me. I will encourage my kids to live their lives and not lock themselves away frightened. I've lived and worked in London all of my life and experienced the many threats we've been subjected to over the years. If armed police or army patrols are necessary, so be it, we'll adjust to that, it will become our norm just as it is in Paris. We are going to have to adjust, make changes, most definitely employ protection from vehicles being used as weapons. And I think we will have to stop pussy footing around the subject of how to deal with this threat. I know that there are members of the Muslim community who are afraid to speak out for many many reasons. We have to give them the confidence to be a voice, to be heard.
My heart goes out today to all those poor souls affected by this horror, I feel crippled with sadness for them today.
