London Bombings Inquiry

There is progress ahead in the push for an inquiry into 7/7. Rachel North has a detailed update on her blogsite http://www.rachelnorthlondon.blogspot.com/ entry Wednesday July 08, 2009.

I have supported this move, not because it will change anything for me, or my family, but because there are questions to be asked and answered, if we hope to successfully avoid further incidents, such as 7/7.

The series of investigations so far, come to the conclusion, that given the way the Intelligence Services work, given the funding and staffing resources they have, other than hindsight, there was little else they could do to counter the plans of the four successful suicide bombers.

This may or may not be the case, and hindsight, as we all know plays little part in analyzing such brutal events. Yes, maybe they could have put the pieces together better, maybe they should have been aware of the intensity and purpose of these four suspects and their alleged, though proven not guilty conspirators (Operation Theseus Trial).

Changes have been made, both to way the Security and Intelligence services work together and the way the Emergency Response services work together. This is all good and hopefully, will lead to a more co-ordinated, speedier response to multiple scene events and overwhelming numbers of those requiring assistance. I hope so.

This does not devalue the point of a full Ministerial Inquiry. There are such matters as the delineation of policed areas and the lack of the sharing of information. This is horrific to me and completely nonsensical. Why do the powers that be not view the whole country as one and set up data bases that make readily accessible all the tit bits of information about various individuals? Is it a matter of guarding your own power base? I am certainly left wondering how logic does not win this argument.

I would like to see a fair and just system that does not take away the rights of the individual but also does not squander information and render useless, the purpose of the Security and Intelligence services.

The use of torture abhors me, and I have already made comment about George W Bush, having the audacity to claim the support of families of the 7/7 dead and injured, to prop up disgusting practice.

17/02/2008 Pukekochic

As for Bush – I can’t believe he has used the 7/7 London bombings to prop up his support and justification for the torture process of “waterboarding”. How dare he use any of my family to prop up his argument. I do not condone torture nor do I appreciate his stating that he is sure families of the 7/7 victims would endorse or support this practice. He hasn’t even called me to ask me!! That’s is partly what I mean about media, making hay out of every possible scenario without any thought to the sensibilities of those he is invoking. Absolute rubbish and a disgrace. I was going to email him but thought the SIS may descend on my paradise and throw me into a bath of water!! Coward I know but I really prefer showers. Maybe he will read this and send me an apology. Ha ha.

If we are calling this, the war on terror, then surely the tennents of the Geneva Convention and justice should prevail. Persons should be detained in humane settings, faced with evidence and the right to defend themselves judicially speaking, and deal with the consequences. The processes should be transparent, not clandestine nor should they add to, man’s inhumanity to man.

Rendition should not be enacted in anyone’s name.

Enough said for now.
Arohanui

KG
XX

Shelley 7/7 2009

Shelley,


I look in the mirror
and see a person
that may be me

she
looks like me

somewhat older
working on being thinner
an ex drinker
(ah but still a smoker
well I am not a saint!)

I do not understand
who I am anymore

part of my soul
has been ripped out
by your murder

I think
maybe
you have
a piece of my soul
with your soul

maybe
it is something you
can wrap around yourself
and know
you are loved

it is a comfort

I will think of it like that
I can live with that

in my half shadow world

with a piece missing


XX always

7/7 Fourth Anniversary

The 7th July dawns in NZ, one day ahead of London.

Today, we will huddle, as Shelley’s small family, linked by the love and friendships
Shelley created on her life’s journey.

Tomorrow in London, at the Hyde Park unveiling, an amazing group of people will stand, in Shelley’s name, to honour Shelley and all those murdered on 7/7.

I could not be more proud or humbled by the love shared and displayed.

My thoughts and love are will all those present, and of course, with all the families of the 51 murdered and the hundreds of survivors and injured.

The special friends we have made, will know who they are, and are in our hearts today as always.

Much love
Kia kaha

KG

XX