General Chat

They said on the radio this afternoon that these Olympics will be remembered by everyone! I think they will be remembered as the Olympics where public transport totally collapses (it can't handle Saturday afternoons now) and I will certainly remember it when it's still on my tax bill in 20 years time. The Americans are the only people in living memory to have made a profit from them. Also, what now happens to the one and a half million we have already spent on a bid for 2016, in case we lost this one? Rob

I think the danger is not a terrorist attack at the games, but as security is being focused on the games, another less obvious place may be targeted. But i agree with others, we cant live our lives in fear, if we do so, then the terrorists have won. Elaine x

In the next 7 years, world politics could change dramatically, so today's terrorist threat may not exist by the time the Olympics come to London. Look on the positive side - if G8 and subsequent talks can sort out problems between nations, maybe the terrorists will back down and see that they can't win. Anyway, there's been a 'ring of steel' around sensitive parts of London for quite some time now, so the security services are well-versed in how to prepare for the Olympics. CB >|<

Maz in the East End, I take offence at your remarks about 'paranoid Americans'. Perhaps if the financial district of London had suffered a devastating attack like the one we suffered on the world trade center or the world watched while your elected leader had his brains blown out in Dallas, you might lean towards paranoia!

Two other points. 1. Terrorism is not a new thing. All through the Victorian age there were bomb campaigns by various groups. There were 3 assassination attempts on Queen Victoria's life. 2. As for not trusting security in this country, we only hear about a bit of what goes on - so we know about Buckingham Palace being invaded etc. I bet there are lots of events that we never get to hear about. It's a bit like the Yorkshire Ripper. There was rightly an outcry when it was discovered that he had been questioned about attacks on women before he started murdering. But if he had been caught earlier, no one would have said, Oh here's a bloke who attacked a woman with a hammer. We'd better lock him up and throw away the key as he is bound to turn into a serial killer'. There are lots of organised groups and individually sick people who might be a risk. But life is risky. A hundred years ago our life expectancy would be less than it is now. Personally, I think our biggest threat today is not terrorism, or being hit by a meteorite, or an earthquake, or global warming, but an outbreak of Asian flu. But I don't intend to lose any sleep over it. nell

Sorry Carol, it wasn't aimed at ordinary Americans, I didn't intend offence. I certainly wasn't referring to 9/11 in any way. I will amend my posting. Maz. XX

Maz, Thank-you.

I don't think there is any more of a risk then if the games were held in any other country, If they are going to be attacked its irrelivent to the terrorists where it is held. Sue

Helen, You're right about terrorism, and it goes back further than Victorian times. 'Remember, remember the fifth of November - Gunpowder, treason and plot' and that was in 1605! London's people are at far greater risk from soaring rates of gun crime than from terrorist attack, although there is no room for complacency.CB >|<

Vancouver has the 2010 Winter Oylmpics. Since it was announced, I have never heard in the media of any concern regarding security, but the thought of terrorism is always there, I'm sure. A lot of things can happen in the next 5 years................... Deb

This thread is really spooky - 'they' did not wait til 2012 to cause tragic and cruel devastation to ordinary people. What in the world goes on in people's minds, to do this kind of thing?

Just a different mentality luv.......brainwashing I suppose..... and no 'respect' for others!!!!.....easy answer that one...... but would love to know how anyone can be sooo cruel????? I am at a loss here having waited for news of my rellies till 7 tonight!! Stel.xx

Lisa, Looks like your thread turned out to be prophetic rather than theoretic .... psychic or coincidence? Although this was a cynical move whilst security attention was focused in Glasgow on the G8, it has proved how easy it is to cause destruction. The Olympics will also give a focus to any sickos who have delusions of notoriety - or a glorious eternity. This will be the concern of every one involved. Although in a desperately sad way, it has proved just how well our emergency services can respond - I am full of admiration for the way the handled it yesterday and certain that there would have been more fatalities had they not stepped up to the task so brilliantly. Praying for a peaceful day and for solace to all those affected by yesterday. Jane