Ka-boom, she said
I guess most of you have heard by now about the bomb explosion in downtown O-town and the shooting at a youth camp this afternoon. The whole Government Quarter looks like a scene from a Hollywood movie, everything is such a mess. Thank God this happened during summer vacation, I dare not think about the casualties otherwise.
My family, my beloved friends and I are all OK, albeit shaken by today's events. After the bombings in Sweden earlier this year, I always knew it was a matter of time before something like this would take place in little Norway. Deep down, though, I'd hoped it wouldn't and now that it has, I find myself quite taken off-guard. I could easily have been one of the victims. On Fridays at that particular hour, I'm usually on my way to the gym, which is located a mere 200 m (219 yd) away from the blast site. Luckily, I was on the bus to work when it happened. I'm sure a lot of people are thinking what I am right now, that someone was really looking out for me today. I'm so sorry there are others out there who can't say the same. My prayers go to those afflicted, directly or indirectly.
No one has taken "credit" for the attacks yet, but most people seem to think that they're both a result of a terrorist attack. And by terrorist, I mean Muslim. We're so quick to assume that they're behind every explosion that I pity those who are normal, innocent believers. There are plenty of crazy patriots in this country who could have easily done something like this. I'm kind of hoping it is, just so that the Norwegian Muslims can get a break. At the same time, I'm wondering why anyone would do this to their country. Or come to think of it - why AT ALL? That goes to show that a terrorist is a terrorist, no matter his (or her) nationality and/or belief. Until we know for sure, let's not jump to conclusions. Now is the time to stand united, but let's not get fanatical about it.
I must say that I'm mighty impressed with the Norwegian government in terms of how the Emergency Medical Services has handled the crisis today. As far as I can tell, they've been organized and efficient, they seem to have been well-prepared. The Norwegian press also deserves a thumbs-up for not reporting anything slanderous. Kudos to all!
My family, my beloved friends and I are all OK, albeit shaken by today's events. After the bombings in Sweden earlier this year, I always knew it was a matter of time before something like this would take place in little Norway. Deep down, though, I'd hoped it wouldn't and now that it has, I find myself quite taken off-guard. I could easily have been one of the victims. On Fridays at that particular hour, I'm usually on my way to the gym, which is located a mere 200 m (219 yd) away from the blast site. Luckily, I was on the bus to work when it happened. I'm sure a lot of people are thinking what I am right now, that someone was really looking out for me today. I'm so sorry there are others out there who can't say the same. My prayers go to those afflicted, directly or indirectly.
No one has taken "credit" for the attacks yet, but most people seem to think that they're both a result of a terrorist attack. And by terrorist, I mean Muslim. We're so quick to assume that they're behind every explosion that I pity those who are normal, innocent believers. There are plenty of crazy patriots in this country who could have easily done something like this. I'm kind of hoping it is, just so that the Norwegian Muslims can get a break. At the same time, I'm wondering why anyone would do this to their country. Or come to think of it - why AT ALL? That goes to show that a terrorist is a terrorist, no matter his (or her) nationality and/or belief. Until we know for sure, let's not jump to conclusions. Now is the time to stand united, but let's not get fanatical about it.
I must say that I'm mighty impressed with the Norwegian government in terms of how the Emergency Medical Services has handled the crisis today. As far as I can tell, they've been organized and efficient, they seem to have been well-prepared. The Norwegian press also deserves a thumbs-up for not reporting anything slanderous. Kudos to all!