It doesn't hurt for people to be alert and diligent and report any suspicious behavior to GO Safety at 18772970642 I think a lot of people are nervous around the world. What happened is very upsetting.
I've always been of the opinion that if someone wants to do something and go through all the work to prepare and smuggle the necessary materials that they will always prefer the biggest target, and somewhat lucky for us, that is the USA.
That said of course we should always maintain a certain degree of vigilance.
Here, the political and even the demographic situations are completely different from France. We do not have the same type of ghettos/no go zones that exist in France.
If we had a higher muslim population, which comes with a higher chance of returning jihadists or potential jihadis, then I would be scared.
I think the risk is that some numbnut radicalized Canadians want to get in on the action and make some news over here. I don't see any ISIS organized events happening here - not enough panache - but some local hoodlums might get jiggy.
Watch out for men in bulky jackets looking shifty.
I must admit, I do feel worried at times coming into and leaving from Union Station. However irrational that fear is, it's there. Especially felt it the day before Sept 11th when they close off the LSE line because of the parcel found at Exhibition Place, made me wonder if someone was testing response time.
did we miss the recent trial of the two gentlemen who tried to blow up a VIA train? Yes - vigilance is required. Yes - the downtown core should be extra vigilant - BUT similar to post 9/11 we cannot allow fear to rule our lives. And we should recognize that it seems to have been an "out of country" planned attack which, due to the borders and closer proximity is easier to pull off in the Eurozone, but could still apply to us.
I will say though It is my understanding, that different to Al-Quaeda - the ISIS has a Caliph, and with a Caliphate their beliefs call on them to actively expand their territory and, as such, we see a true "offensive jihiad", which we haven't seen previously. The Atlantic has a long, but fantasticly informative article if anyone is interested in learning more about ISIS - how they came into being so quickly, what their beliefs and goals are, and how they differ from previous terror organizations (for want of a better word).
It is always good to remain alert and aware, but fear? No. We can't live our lives in fear of what may be. Do you stop driving because you are afraid you will get into an accident? Do you stop crossing the road because you are afraid you will get hit by a car? Do you stop taking the train because you fear a derailment? Do you stop flying because the plane may crash?
Your chances of being hurt in a terrorist attack are much less than your chances of getting into a car accident. Terrorist attacks are so, well, terrifying because they are unpredictable and happen at places where we generally assume we are safe. If you live in fear, or change your life to avoid those fears, the terrorist win anyway.
For those of you who use Union Station on a regular basis you can call Union Station Security at 416-338-8000 if you see something suspicious while you are there. They patrol everywhere on the property, so they will respond no matter what part of the station you are in.
I love how the most vocal 'don't let them in' proponents seem to come from small towns, and don't even visit the big city. Guess what kids - you're safe! Ain't nobody going to gun down the Orangeville Arndale Center anytime soon.
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It doesn't hurt for people to be alert and diligent and report any suspicious behavior to GO Safety at 18772970642
ReplyDeleteI think a lot of people are nervous around the world.
What happened is very upsetting.
Should edit the post Cj and put it the number for Transit Safety.
ReplyDeleteIt's in the comments so I think that's good for now
DeleteThere is nothing to worry about.
ReplyDeleteCarry on.
i'm nervous. we are working in the downtown core close to everything that's a potential target.
ReplyDeleteI'm terrified.
DeleteI've always been of the opinion that if someone wants to do something and go through all the work to prepare and smuggle the necessary materials that they will always prefer the biggest target, and somewhat lucky for us, that is the USA.
ReplyDeleteThat said of course we should always maintain a certain degree of vigilance.
I get why people are scared, but I wouldn't be.
ReplyDeleteHere, the political and even the demographic situations are completely different from France. We do not have the same type of ghettos/no go zones that exist in France.
If we had a higher muslim population, which comes with a higher chance of returning jihadists or potential jihadis, then I would be scared.
You are so wrong. Have you visited France? Paris?
DeleteYour opinion or facts are sadly wrong
I think the risk is that some numbnut radicalized Canadians want to get in on the action and make some news over here. I don't see any ISIS organized events happening here - not enough panache - but some local hoodlums might get jiggy.
ReplyDeleteWatch out for men in bulky jackets looking shifty.
Let's not forget the Toronto 18. Homegrown radicals all.
ReplyDeleteI must admit, I do feel worried at times coming into and leaving from Union Station. However irrational that fear is, it's there. Especially felt it the day before Sept 11th when they close off the LSE line because of the parcel found at Exhibition Place, made me wonder if someone was testing response time.
ReplyDeletedid we miss the recent trial of the two gentlemen who tried to blow up a VIA train? Yes - vigilance is required. Yes - the downtown core should be extra vigilant - BUT similar to post 9/11 we cannot allow fear to rule our lives. And we should recognize that it seems to have been an "out of country" planned attack which, due to the borders and closer proximity is easier to pull off in the Eurozone, but could still apply to us.
ReplyDeleteI will say though It is my understanding, that different to Al-Quaeda - the ISIS has a Caliph, and with a Caliphate their beliefs call on them to actively expand their territory and, as such, we see a true "offensive jihiad", which we haven't seen previously. The Atlantic has a long, but fantasticly informative article if anyone is interested in learning more about ISIS - how they came into being so quickly, what their beliefs and goals are, and how they differ from previous terror organizations (for want of a better word).
Forgive all errors in spelling & grammar please!
I don't live in fear but I'm more aware of what's happening around me.
ReplyDeleteExactly what I was thinking today :(
ReplyDeleteIt is always good to remain alert and aware, but fear? No. We can't live our lives in fear of what may be. Do you stop driving because you are afraid you will get into an accident? Do you stop crossing the road because you are afraid you will get hit by a car? Do you stop taking the train because you fear a derailment? Do you stop flying because the plane may crash?
ReplyDeleteYour chances of being hurt in a terrorist attack are much less than your chances of getting into a car accident. Terrorist attacks are so, well, terrifying because they are unpredictable and happen at places where we generally assume we are safe. If you live in fear, or change your life to avoid those fears, the terrorist win anyway.
For those of you who use Union Station on a regular basis you can call Union Station Security at 416-338-8000 if you see something suspicious while you are there. They patrol everywhere on the property, so they will respond no matter what part of the station you are in.
ReplyDeletehttp://www1.toronto.ca/wps/portal/contentonly?vgnextoid=a3e5962c8c3f0410VgnVCM10000071d60f89RCRD&vgnextchannel=f50e962c8c3f0410VgnVCM10000071d60f89RCRD
I love how the most vocal 'don't let them in' proponents seem to come from small towns, and don't even visit the big city. Guess what kids - you're safe! Ain't nobody going to gun down the Orangeville Arndale Center anytime soon.
ReplyDeleteI was talking about Canada (obviously). Europe is an entirely different matter.
ReplyDelete