A nonet inspired by the awful happenings of last night…
When will all this fear and hatred end?
Lives taken for no true reason?
Evil, you will not break us
We are tougher than that
We will not run scared
We stand as one
Together
London
StrongRitu 2017
Last night I went out for the first time in a long time. And the end of my evening I was made aware of these happenings at London Bridge and then Borough Market.
It saddens, and sickens me, and pretty much all of those around me too. My kids question why?
Lil Man, this morning, said, “When I grow up, I’m going to put posters up everywhere saying ‘Where is the love?’ That’ll help.”
If only it were that simple.
It’s the repercussions that worry me.
Take today. There is a BIG cricket match. India Vs Pakistan.
For those with not much sense, what a great target for a revenge attack!
Pakistan – Muslims!
India – Brown faces!
But most of these terrorists haven’t been of Pakistani descent, and aren’t from India either.
Yet that is not the point either.
I am already having flutterings of panic about going to London next week for the ABBA’s. Still, I won’t let it beat me, and we can’t let these idiots ruin life for us. As long as we, the majority, stand together, wherever we are, humanity will win.
“An eye for an eye will only make the world blind.” Mahatma Gandhi
Peace out there Peeps, to you all.
Stay Safe London, and everywhere.
Margret Hopkins
Jun 16, 2017 @ 22:21:27
That was beautifullying written. My name is Margret. I’m from the U.S. of America. You added your name to my Google Community
(All Things Political). Please speak up on anything you choose. Your writing is something to be shared, and I Thank You for doing so. I’m so sorry for the atrocities that have been occurring in Europe. We are living in times of weakened empathy. As you stated, we must stand on the top of of the mountain! The more, the merrier; I am more than willing to stand amongst those willing to fight those who harm us. Thanks again
Ritu, for sharing those beautiful words ♡♡. Your “little man” seems special (and wise), and I love the quote from Gandhi. Have a fabulous weekend.
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Ritu
Jun 16, 2017 @ 22:25:26
Hi Margret ! Thank you so much for your lovely words. 😊 The world is not what it once was… and we can only hope to all stand together to combat the evil out there.
My Lil Man is a sweetie 💗
Have a great weekend too !
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Judy E Martin
Jun 05, 2017 @ 20:07:36
Beautiful nonet Sis. It is awful trying to explain these atrocities to our kids when we don’t understand why either.
Brilliant quote by Gandhi too. Revenge attacks are pointless especially as half the time they are also innocent people that have been targeted!
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Ritu
Jun 05, 2017 @ 20:10:53
Thank you, sis. These last few months we have seen three atrocities here..You have to somehow explain them to the kids of today, or else they learn the wrong stuff from the internet and misinformed friends…
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hotmessmemoir
Jun 05, 2017 @ 01:18:16
Reblogged this on hotmessmemoir.com and commented:
Here is a thoughtful yet sad post from the wonderful Ritu at But I Smile Anyway blog. Please check her out. America is thinking about you England. You are in our hearts!
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willowdot21
Jun 04, 2017 @ 23:51:54
Beautiful Nonet, great thoughts and I love the Mahatma quote ,I used it the other week! Perhaps he should of said and a tooth for a tooth keeps the world silent and hungry. … I refuse to let these evil people curtail my life. God bless everywhere! God bless us Sis 💜
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Ritu
Jun 05, 2017 @ 06:50:16
Thanks sis. He has some amazing words to live by… ❤
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willowdot21
Jun 05, 2017 @ 06:50:40
Yes indeed 💜
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Marje @ Kyrosmagica
Jun 04, 2017 @ 22:27:52
So sad, I cannot begin to process the terrible things that are happening in the world. It seems to me that beautiful days happen, simple moments of happiness that remind us of the wonder of life and then the very next day we hear of some new atrocity. Like you I feel a flutter of anxiety about visiting busy places in the capital but if we close the door we stop living so we have to go on. It’s the youngsters I worry about the most, the future generations.
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Ritu
Jun 04, 2017 @ 22:29:34
I sat there today eith my kids discussing exactly that… trying to explain why we should be cautious but not afraid, brave but not stupid… you know? 🙂
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Marje @ Kyrosmagica
Jun 04, 2017 @ 22:38:43
It’s such a shame that there is so much strife, sadness and disharmony in the world considering how wonderful our planet is. You only have to stare at the stars to get an inkling of that. Sigh. If only….
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Ritu
Jun 04, 2017 @ 22:48:00
If only indeed Marje…
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fattymccupcakes
Jun 04, 2017 @ 22:25:01
Stay strong, Ritu! Don’t let them win by not going about your life. Sending positive thoughts!
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Ritu
Jun 04, 2017 @ 22:28:08
Thanks Katie. I will not let em rule my life 😍
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fattymccupcakes
Jun 04, 2017 @ 22:28:22
🇬🇧❤️💪
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Cher
Jun 04, 2017 @ 21:46:07
Thinking about you and sending huge prayers and energy.
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Ritu
Jun 04, 2017 @ 21:46:59
Much appreciated Cher 💜
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Sue Dreamwalker
Jun 04, 2017 @ 18:13:06
Thank you Ritu for your love, Our hearts and prayers are with the victims.. Its horrific.. 💜
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Ritu
Jun 04, 2017 @ 18:15:53
It is indeed horrific Sue. 💜 we are all in this together xxx
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Sue Dreamwalker
Jun 04, 2017 @ 18:20:22
We are Ritu.. And through Unity and Love we will overcome these evil-doers .. Love to you xx
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Ritu
Jun 04, 2017 @ 18:20:57
💜 to you too!
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Diana Frajman
Jun 04, 2017 @ 17:53:27
I so wish that there was an answer to all this Ritu.
I watch the news, safe in my little world here on Vancouver island and then realize that that is a false feeling. WE are all affected by this senseless hate. Stay strong dear friend. That is all any of us can do.
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Ritu
Jun 04, 2017 @ 18:02:36
We are indeed Diana…
And a total aside… I didn’t know you were on Vancouver Island! My great aunt and uncle live there! I visited like 30 years ago! She was the head of a school there for a long time! The world gets smaller still!
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Diana Frajman
Jun 04, 2017 @ 18:05:41
Well the island has changed a lot in 30 years so you need to come back again and visit 😃
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Ritu
Jun 04, 2017 @ 18:06:20
Oh I should I know! My great aunt says that all the time!!! I loved it when we came. I was 11 then!
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Diana Frajman
Jun 04, 2017 @ 18:07:46
I live in the city of Nanaimo give me a ring when you come 😃😃😃
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Ritu
Jun 04, 2017 @ 18:08:35
Will be sure to look you up!!!
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davidprosser
Jun 04, 2017 @ 17:20:49
Stay safe wherever you are Ritu, your words are needed.
xxx Massive Hugs xxx
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Ritu
Jun 04, 2017 @ 17:35:01
Thank you David. These words stretch to be there for everyone 🌎💜
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angelanoelauthor
Jun 04, 2017 @ 15:45:07
When I heard about this last night, I thought of you and all my new “Big Up” UK friends. I thought of your poems and how important your voice and the voices of others continuing to spread messages of connection and community truly are. Thank you.
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Ritu
Jun 04, 2017 @ 15:49:00
Thank you for your words Angela . We are all one.💜
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Ruth Daly
Jun 04, 2017 @ 15:42:40
For so many of us trying to find the words, you’ve said it beautifully. Thank you.
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Ritu
Jun 04, 2017 @ 15:48:19
Thank you for saying that Ruth 💜
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Fourth Generation Farmgirl
Jun 04, 2017 @ 15:24:05
Thank you for your thoughtful post, Ritu. xo
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Ritu
Jun 04, 2017 @ 15:25:56
Thank you for reading Tonya xx
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anhistorianabouttown
Jun 04, 2017 @ 15:22:24
My thoughts are with everyone, what a sad place the world is in 😓 Standing together in love is all that we can do!
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Ritu
Jun 04, 2017 @ 15:25:11
Yes! An international love in sounds perfect! 🌍💜🌎💜🌏
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Aimer Boyz
Jun 04, 2017 @ 14:56:25
You are absolutely right, Ritu. The only way through this is together 🙂
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Ritu
Jun 04, 2017 @ 15:16:51
Exactly. Thank you for appreciating xx
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niasunset
Jun 04, 2017 @ 13:55:02
I am so sad to hear that scary night. Peace we all need but how… My thoughts, my heart with you all there dear Ritu. I pray for the peace… Thanks and Love, nia
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Ritu
Jun 04, 2017 @ 14:12:49
Thanks Nia. Peace to all 😍
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You Can Always Start Now
Jun 04, 2017 @ 13:27:12
Great words/post. You are right if we let them divide us we are done. Always stronger together. Positive thoughts from across the water
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Ritu
Jun 04, 2017 @ 14:12:21
Thank you sweetie 💜
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Erika Kind
Jun 04, 2017 @ 13:17:38
I am sorry, to hear that. I did not know that London was attacked again before I read your post. I need to check that out what happened. But what I am convinced about is that we must not let the terror control us. Because then they would succeed and make us a slave to them. I don’t know if I was afraid of coming to London if I had booked but one thing is for sure, I would not change anything about it but keep up my plans even more determined than before! The world (not only London) has to stand tall together and show the terror that nothing can break us!
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Ritu
Jun 04, 2017 @ 14:12:05
Absolutely sis. I was a little nervous at the thought of going but no. Nothing will stop me living life and that should be the same for all xx
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Erika Kind
Jun 04, 2017 @ 14:29:40
Yep!! Cheers to life (and the Blogger Bash)🍷🍷
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Ritu
Jun 04, 2017 @ 14:31:18
Whoop whoop!
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Erika Kind
Jun 04, 2017 @ 14:35:03
😄😄
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Traci York
Jun 04, 2017 @ 12:00:59
Hubby & I had the evening to ourselves last night (boy went to bed early, the girls were out with friends), and were looking for a movie to rent on TV when the news hit. We ended up watching bits of “BFG (Big Friendly Giant)” in between checking on the latest updates.
Beautiful poetic response, Ritu. My thoughts are with you and everyone across the pond today.
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Ritu
Jun 04, 2017 @ 12:05:10
Thank you Traci.
I was out with friends last night, and heard the news as we were getting ready to go home. I ended up until at least 2am watching the news… It is all so unnecessary… and sad…
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Dan Antion
Jun 04, 2017 @ 12:00:17
Beautifully said, Ritu. The degree to which we can share your sadness is sad in itself. No place is safe, but I think we will win.
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Ritu
Jun 04, 2017 @ 12:03:51
Thanks Dan. You’re right. No place is ‘safe’ really at the moment. You don’t know when the next attack will be announced or where it will be….
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noellekelly
Jun 04, 2017 @ 11:53:34
We all need to stick together and not let terror stop us from doing things. That’s beautiful Ritu x
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Ritu
Jun 04, 2017 @ 12:03:07
Thank you Noelle ❤
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The V Pub
Jun 04, 2017 @ 11:18:18
Such an evil sickness that has seeped into the lives of these people. I hope and pray that this scourge ends. #Londonstrong
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Ritu
Jun 04, 2017 @ 11:25:19
Thank you Rib Rob, don’t we all just pray that things will end soon…
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wendyunsworth
Jun 04, 2017 @ 11:03:37
When I looked at my phone first thing this morning The news popped up and my thoughts, ‘Oh no not again.’ Just a little while ago I was starting the day by checking on relatives in Manchester, this morning the same in London – all thankfully well and unaffected, except the way we all are, by the randomness and senselessness and the feeling that there is little we can do to change the minds so full of hate. What we can do, I think, is take good care of our young people who are so malleable and can grow up angry and disaffected. It’s a tough job for every parent and care organisation and authority wherever they are in the world, but those young people are the future of the human race. Thanks for the lovely words Ritu.
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Ritu
Jun 04, 2017 @ 11:08:52
All we can do really, is be as positive as possible Wendy. Thank you and stay safe too ❤
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Kunal Thakore
Jun 04, 2017 @ 11:01:27
Super like!
Peace, Ritu!
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Ritu
Jun 04, 2017 @ 11:01:52
Thanks Kunal
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Circle of Daydreams
Jun 04, 2017 @ 10:49:18
Beautiful words. I don’t know where it will stop, but it will not stop us from living our daily lives with hope. xx
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Ritu
Jun 04, 2017 @ 10:55:52
Thank you and indeed that is true! Stay strong and stay safe x
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Em Linthorpe
Jun 04, 2017 @ 10:44:24
The scariest thing is that there is no solution. Although terrorism is not a new thing, how can the population be safe from a threat that can happen anywhere at any time, and with no warning. How anyone can justify killing others is beyond my thinking. Many hugs to you, and stay safe and vigilant xx
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Ritu
Jun 04, 2017 @ 10:48:58
Thank you Em. This is just it… no one knows anything really. There is no true “leader” to try and talk to. Too many factions, too many victims…. but we all know this.
It has to stop.
Xxx
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Debbie H
Jun 04, 2017 @ 10:42:09
You’ve summed it up beautifully Ritu!
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Ritu
Jun 04, 2017 @ 10:47:34
Thank you Debbie. 💜
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Miriam
Jun 04, 2017 @ 10:41:56
Sad and scary times we live in, all over the world. My heart aches for all those innocent lives lost but we can’t let fear rule our lives. Well written Ritu.
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Ritu
Jun 04, 2017 @ 10:47:20
This is it Miriam. I have to explain this tongue children regularly as attacks happen in different places around the world. We can’t let fear rule our lives. X
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Miriam
Jun 04, 2017 @ 10:52:00
We definitely can’t. xo 💕
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abrightclearweb
Jun 04, 2017 @ 10:23:29
Beautifully written. What else can we do but be peaceful, kind, tolerant and carry on with our daily business? Anything else and evil wins.
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Ritu
Jun 04, 2017 @ 10:26:29
Thank you and very true xx
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Wafflemethis
Jun 04, 2017 @ 10:06:43
❤❤❤
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Candace
Jun 04, 2017 @ 09:57:56
I really have just gone numb. I just don’t know what to think anymore. Just so shocking. When will this all end? It frightens me what will happen Thursday when we vote
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Ritu
Jun 04, 2017 @ 10:08:11
I know… there are so many situations… where you wonder what is going to happen. they think is no one really knows how to deal with what is happening.
It’s not as simple as Stop Immigration! So many of these terrorists are home grown…
But I know what you mean… you just don’t know what to think or feel…
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emfletche
Jun 04, 2017 @ 09:50:05
I felt safe last weekend in London; I walked this very path, crossed London Bridge and popped to Borough Market. I will do the same again. Unfortunately we live in a world where this could happen at any time, in any place. I refuse to live in fear.
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Ritu
Jun 04, 2017 @ 09:53:22
I think this is just it Em. We need to stay strong. We all feel the sadness, and anger, and fear after attacks like this, wherever they happen. What counts, at this stage, is how we react. If we can continue living, and show that we are stronger, and that these mindless attacks won’t affect how we live, that may make ‘terrorists’ realise that their terror, however hateful, will not silence us.
But we can’t forget either….
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Colors of my life
Jun 04, 2017 @ 09:46:42
Yes that’s what exactly happened in the 90’s at our end. Sectarian violence between two group. It was done just to create rift in the 2 factions of religion. A lot of credible scholars from both side where gun down.
Than I guess in 2000 or bit before, both sides sit together and said we are not targeting each other and someone else is playing.
Since than its not mayhem. Even if something like this is created, both sides comes together as one. The result a lot less stupidity.
Similar I guess it’s created to create an imagine. Else in my personal observations, a common person lives in harmony. I have Christian, Paris, Ahmadi, Sunni, Shia and Hindu school mates, we didn’t have issues even today.
Media plays the role of the airing the fire, so we all from different walk to life come together as one.
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Ritu
Jun 04, 2017 @ 09:50:32
If only it was so easy to end this violence with two sides sitting down and talking… Unfortunately, there are far too many ‘factors’ involved… but we can only hope, I guess…
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Colors of my life
Jun 04, 2017 @ 09:58:15
It wasn’t easy at all. Both sides lost many scholars after 20 years of incidents dating back to 80’s
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Ritu
Jun 04, 2017 @ 10:09:38
Oh gosh, no, I didn’t mean that in a bad way! ?It is never easy, but what I meant was that if only we could find two side leaders to talk it through… but there is no one who can really stand up as those two heads… know what I mean?
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Colors of my life
Jun 04, 2017 @ 10:23:32
I think the common folks religious leaders should play their part at your end. Which from time to time they did.
I didn’t take your meaning as bad at all. Just putting missing info.
The scholars of any school of thought, people usually listen to them rather than politicians since everyone believe they play politics and have bad reputation. In case of scholars of any religion they respect them.
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Ritu
Jun 04, 2017 @ 10:29:04
The thing is it’s not about religion now it’s extremism. The terrorists proclaim to be Muslim but the Islamic leaders don’t condone what is happening. The factions that need to ‘talk’ are the terrorists and the rest of the world. This is not just happening here. It’s worldwide.
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Colors of my life
Jun 04, 2017 @ 11:25:58
No as far as I am reading they do condone, what I observe the media shows its from a different angle.
A lot of time, the coverage is not provided at all. Showing as if the religious leaders are not doing anything.
The other issue is that the religious leaders are also threatened that if they raise voice they might get become the target. So they opted to speak very loudly against them.
So it’s not just one factor, but a combination of a lot. The end result we the common people suffers no one else.
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Ritu
Jun 04, 2017 @ 11:34:24
Islamic leaders here in the UK 100% do NOT condone this extremist terrorism.
They are horrified by the actions of these misguided few.
Muslims nationwide here do NOT condone these attacks.
It is very public here.
Acts of kindness are shown, by all members of the community, to show there is unity.
It is just sad that there is that small pocket of people who then round up on innocent Muslims, or brown faces, because they don’t have the correct knowledge either… then revenge attacks are born….
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Colors of my life
Jun 04, 2017 @ 11:47:53
Seriously bad, I tell you one thing, in Quran their is one verse, about which it says if the world stop doing this the day of judgement will come.
Amil Bilmaroof Waa Anil Nahe Munkar
Speak for the good deeds and stop from spreading evil.
When Muslims specifically it’s adressed stop following this principles anarchy in the ranks of Muslims will come. And that’s what’s it’s happening. The leaders stop doing their part, the common same, they thought it happened in one part of the world. It won’t effect them. Now it’s everywhere. With no end in sight 😔😤😧
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Ritu
Jun 04, 2017 @ 12:02:51
We can only hope and pray… and keep the faith that humanity will rise…
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thebeasley
Jun 04, 2017 @ 09:39:38
💔
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Ritu
Jun 04, 2017 @ 09:41:22
#Strong ❤
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robbiesinspiration
Jun 04, 2017 @ 09:10:53
I also learned of this new attach first thing this morning, Ritu. God bless you and all my English friends.
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Ritu
Jun 04, 2017 @ 09:33:13
It is truly scary.. but we are all stronger than that terror that they are trying to spread. Thank you for your thoughts Robbie #unitedwestand
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