That Imam’s rant is annoying to me. I worked not far from where this happened and left about the right time, but fortunately, I headed in a different direction to go home. Didn’t realize all this happened until my husband told me later. Didn’t realize how close it was until I finally checked those messages sent by concerned colleagues that had my phone buzzing at the time.
You should be thankful that someone in his position with his native understanding of that community is willing to share his perspective. It also seems your situational awareness needs to be improved.
To be blunt, before terrorism, I feel at greater risk from druggies and perverts than I do the terrorist. Also, not sure why I would worry about the ‘spread’ of crazy, vindictive or unhappy people. You can’t exactly get rid of that very human problem. If it’s not terrorism, it’s something else. Loserdom is prolific and terrorism is just a convenient fit for some. I don’t feel we’re anymore immune than any other country from crazy, depressed, angry people.
Why be concerned about the spread of terrorists, Muslim hardliners, and sharia practitioners? Dunno. Allowing virtually unchecked immigration, growth of enclaves, and the like has worked out quite well for Germany, Paris, and the UK.
I said I feel safe in the knowlege that authorities are doing their job. I have no doubt a few will slip through the cracks and cause some havoc. But I fail to see how our authorities are going to have a lightbulb moment listening to this Imam rant. I’m still trying to figure out what suggestions does the people of this forum who agree with him expect our authorities to take on board. What reasonable and actionable steps can be taken from his rant, besides he knows his people? It’s so easy for people to passively agree to his angry statements, but what would they suggest to be implemented?
I wonder if people who use the phrase "feel safe" understand that feeling safe is quite a bit different than actually being safe. In fact, the two are often contradictory...people feel safe at Disney World or in airports because of metal detectors and security theater, but neither of these things provide actual safety or security.
There are numerous things Australia could do to improve its security vis a vis terrorism and crime in general that don't involve the imam's recommendation for summary executions (although stricter measures would certainly be helpful). The off-duty policeman who was the first one to lay hands on this terrorist was unarmed, something that would be highly unlikely (and a matter of personal choice) for an American police officer. Australian police have been demanding the the ability to have body armor and to carry weapons off-duty for their own safety and that of the Australian public, but they are routinely denied--particularly in Queensland. If you want a recommendation, look no further than that.
Also, I like these new initiatives. Whether they end up using the alert system or not, I see no harm in having them there. I’m not going to complain about being more informed. That very morning when the incident happened, I was actually thinking how crowded the streets were. I had jumped onto the road multiple times to overtake smokers. If there was trouble further down the street, I’d want to know about it, so I can turn around and re-route.
I’ve got no complaints with how things are being handled so far.
Being informed and aware is a good thing, yet you say you were not cognizant of what was happening despite being in the area during the event and having multiple people text you about what was going on to see if you were safe.
I mention this not to chide you, but to emphasize that safety--which is your responsibility, not the government's--begins with situational awareness.
