A New Year Has Now Begun

A Happy 2010 to my readers and visitors!   I hope all went well for you over the Christmas and New Year's holiday seasons.

It is a bit of a snowy day here in Upstate New York.   Outside the library window, it's gray and cold.   I drove here in a bit of a snow shower, and the road was a bit slick.   But that's winter in Upstate New York, and it'll be going on for at least the next three months.   Ah well....

Just now, I was surfing through the BBC News Web site for something to write about, I found this story:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/wiltshire/8437658.stm

It appears a UK-based Islamic group called Islam 4UK, with ties to extremist organizations, is planning to march through the town of Wootton Bassett, and carry 'symbolic coffins' to represent civilians killed in Afghanistan.   This is the very same town that holds a moving repatriation ceremony through the high street, to honor UK service personnel killed in the line of duty.   As the article states, the locals, and a Wiltshire MP, do not think it is such a good idea, even though the group's spokesperson claims they will not march during a repatriation ceremony.

Is it just me, or does it seem that this group is trying to seek maximum publicity for its 'cause', by marching through this town?  I doubt seriously it cares that much about "Afghan civilian dead', and more about embarrassing the UK.  Wootton Bassett has rightfully gained a great reputation for what started out to be an impromptu ceremony.   And what if Islam 4UK's  proposed march brings trouble in its wake--namely, every Islamic radical who lives in the UK, and wants to spout his hatred for the 'infidel'--namely, everyone who isn't Muslim, or who doesn't subscribe to their lunacy? 

If this group wants to demonstrate--then go to Hyde Park Corner in London.   Don't do it in Wootton Bassett.   I hope the mayor and the local council put their feet down, and not let this group into their town. 

On second thought: if the march does take place, I hope the Wootton Bassett citizens literally turn their backs on them in silence, and give them the proverbial cold shoulder.   Then, when they've left the High Street, the good citizens come out and give their town a good scrubbing!

One of my good British friends think it's just a 'ploy'.   I'd like to believe that.  But I'm not sure.

An update on this story: I just read on the BBC Web site today (11 January 2010), that this group has decided not to go ahead with the march through Wootton Bassett.   The UK Home Secretary, Alan Johnson, has decided to outlaw Islam 4UK, in accordance with the UK 2000 Terrorism Act.   This is very good news indeed.