This is yet another blog entry that I wish that I didn't feel the need to write, but I just could not allow this latest example of terrorism to pass without some form of comment. As I wrote the last time, if that offends any of my regular blog readers, I hope that they will accept my apology, and in due course return and read future blog entries.
My wife and I have been to Russia several times on cruises, and have spent time travelling around the city of St Petersburg. We even travelled on the Metro system, which was very impressive ... and very deep underground.
Other than the occasional examples of racism that we observed whilst we were there, we found the people friendly and helpful, and – when the opportunity allowed – very engaging to talk to. We are – in fact – returning to St Petersburg later this year, and yesterday's attack on the Metro made us realise that the ordinary Russians are facing the same threats to their daily lives as the rest of us.
We therefore wish to express our support for the Russian people – and especially those living in St Petersburg – and our sympathy for the families of all those affected by yesterday's bombing.
My wife and I have been to Russia several times on cruises, and have spent time travelling around the city of St Petersburg. We even travelled on the Metro system, which was very impressive ... and very deep underground.
Other than the occasional examples of racism that we observed whilst we were there, we found the people friendly and helpful, and – when the opportunity allowed – very engaging to talk to. We are – in fact – returning to St Petersburg later this year, and yesterday's attack on the Metro made us realise that the ordinary Russians are facing the same threats to their daily lives as the rest of us.
We therefore wish to express our support for the Russian people – and especially those living in St Petersburg – and our sympathy for the families of all those affected by yesterday's bombing.
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"...ordinary Russians are facing the same threats to their daily lives as the rest of us."
ReplyDeleteWell said, and an important thought to keep in mind at times like this.
Ed M,
DeleteThanks for your comment. I just felt that it needed to be said.
All the best,
Bob
Absolutely.
ReplyDeleteRoss Mac,
DeleteCheers!
All the best,
Bob
I'm with you on this one, Bob. I reckon the main stream 'news' media can lose their cynical attitude to it and all.
ReplyDeleteArchduke Piccolo,
DeleteI watched the coverage on RT (it used to be called Russia Today) which was much more informative than the BBC or Sky News. They seemed more concerned with the Gibraltar non-story than the events that were unfolding in St Petersburg.
All the best,
Bob
These events are becoming all too routine.
ReplyDeleteSad.
Jim Duncan,
DeleteVery, very regrettably true.
All the best,
Bob
Yeah. I feel for sympathy for anyone who was hurt or killed or their loved ones. Terrorism should be condemned wherever it happens.
ReplyDeleteFitz-Badger,
DeleteThanks for your comment. Whatever the motivation of the terrorist, nothing justifies the killing of innocent civilians like this.
All the best,
Bob
This reminds me of the appalling lack of coverage given by the BBC to the Volgograd bombing in which 34 people were killed going about their daily business. The BBC's lead news item (on TV and web)? Schumacher's skiing accident!
ReplyDeleteThey justified it, in response to a complaint I made, with the argument (I paraphrase) 'it's what people are interested in'. I can feel myself getting angry all over again.
Nundanket,
DeleteI wish that I could say that I was surprised at the lack of media coverage of the bombing in Volgograd ... but I'm not. News about 'celebrities' sells newspapers and tittle-tattle magazines, but real news about significant events doesn't ... and regrettably the non-print media has followed that same path over recent years.
All the best,
Bob