I’ll be honest. The bullet-proof vests in the metro make me a tad bit uneasy. I’m not against “security,” per se. They are trained to notice things, act promptly in certain situations, manage crowds…
It just seems ironic that after a series of bombings, a new group of guys in uniforms pops up. Everyone is scared enough, and here is the added security to prove that their fears are not unfounded. Yep, it’s gotten dangerous around here. I suppose that’s the way it always is. I mean, one liquid-aided bomb and now we can’t carry our toothpaste on the plane.
Do I have a reaction to people who look like they might be Islamic militants? Perhaps. I’m not going to deny that certain thoughts cross my mind. But I also have a reaction to migrant workers constantly being pulled over for document checks. They just want to make a living. They are people.
So much of it is psychological. I don’t want my approach to life formed by what I’ve heard on the news. Life is too short for that.
I remember when we were in Moscow and St. Petersburg in the 90s and they were dealing with the burning of their white house/parliament building. There were tanks at the entrance to the city and guys with short barreled automatic guns at the entrance to our hotel. This was not a fancy hotel. I guess we really looked like tourist as they stopped others, but never questioned us. It was a little unnerving but I realized they were there to try to prevent anything from happening and their presents would hopeful discourage anyone from doing something foolish. Was it a sense of false security? Perhaps, but better than doing nothing. Pray for God's continued hand in your life and his wing of safety over you. Listen and if you sense a situation or train is not safe, wait for the next one. In my prayers.
ReplyDeleteHosea
"presence" typo
ReplyDeleteElizabeth, I'm trying to get two of my girls on a summer hosting program. Any ideas?
ReplyDeleteE-mailing you with contact details for me. Just wanted to give you a heads up here first!
Kate, I'll e-mail you.
ReplyDeleteI suppose it is true that a military presence is partly meant to deter offenders, although I wonder what effect it would have on a suicide bomber, who has nothing to lose? A sense of "security" is always false while we live on earth, unless of course it is the security of being in Christ. We can enter His rest even in the most precarious of situations. And yes, there is wisdom and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
That's an ironic typo, given the occurrence of bribery in Russia. :)
Elizabeth, Kate - have either of you ever heard of children from an orphanage becoming exchange students?
ReplyDeleteNope, haven't heard of it, Annie.
ReplyDelete