People in London are angry that the US Air Force have told its personel to stay away from central London - with that attitude, in essense, the terrorists have won.
"Cindy Dorfner, a spokeswoman at RAF Mildenhall, said: "The order was made in a battle staff directive from our wing commander. Military members are not allowed to go to London until further notice. They are not being allowed to go anywhere inside the M25."
Captain Jason McCree, a spokesman at RAF Lakenheath, said: "We are taking prudent measures to ensure the security and safety of our airmen, civilians, their families and our resources." Captain McCree said that military personnel were still being allowed to drive around the M25 to reach Heathrow or Gatwick.
A villager living near RAF Lakenheath said: "This is a typical overreaction by the Americans and sends out completely the wrong message."
This is all so familiar. Back in '86, the London press had a hayday with all the big name American celebrities who were avoiding London, especially the macho ones, thinking it to be too dangerous because of some bombings. In particular, Sylvestor Stalone was reported as being a 'scaredy cat'.
Stars and Stripes report: On the day after terrorists detonated four bombs in central London, U.S. military personnel were steering clear of the capital city, as much to stay out of the way of British authorities as for security reasons.
UPDATE: the ban has now been lifted, citing that the situation has now 'stabilised' but one wonders if the negative publicity had more to do with it than anything else...
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I am a born-again atheist who is pro-life (I don't eat animals) and I agree with the Dalai Lama when he says "There is no creator".
Those are certainly good words of common sense. It tells us that "spirituality" has nothing to do with a belief in things supernatural. But then, those of us who grew up in the seventies watching "Kung Fu" already knew that being a vegan, atheist who follows the path of the buddha can reach enlightenment.
All kidding aside, what does a vegetarian atheist have to say? Stick around and you'll find out! Politically I'm rather liberal, but I do like to listen to staunch conservative talk show host Michael Savage (real name 'Wiener') so I'll probably be mentioning him from time to time in my weblogs. So for now, how about some talk of broccoli, carrots and peas? Recipe's anyone??
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"As mankind becomes more liberal, they will be more apt to allow that all those who conduct themselves as worthy members of the community are equally entitled to the protections of civil government. I hope ever to see America among the foremost nations of justice and liberality."
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