The rise of terror

A hundred years from now, one of the most distinguishing features of this decade will be the dominance of terrorism in current affairs and everyday life. Even before Guy Fawkes, civilized societies have for centuries been cursed with terrorism and the ramifications it brings. Despite the lapse of time since then, concealed figures from within and outside our Isles still attempt to use terrorism and its bitter fruits to gain a strangle hold of power over our society. For most Britons, never have the words: “the price of freedom is eternal vigilance” ever ring so true.
The merchants of terror who mercilessly plague us offer up many reasons for their actions. These range from the “pursuit of freedom”, publicity for their cause or just revenge. The public perception of them holds as much variety as their supposed reasons. In some circles they are feted on as heroes and modern martyrs, with a bountiful reward promised in paradise. Conversely, others whom I am most inclined to agree with view them as the murderers and hate filled vipers they really are. Surely, the slaughter of innocents holds no higher ideal worthy of the accolade of Heroism? How can any same human being see murder as a quality for martyrdom?
In an attempt to resolve many of the problems terrorism brings, the “we do not negotiate with terrorists” stance has been somewhat scrapped by our government. This was most recently displayed with kidnappers in Iraq, with many representatives from a wide spectrum of our society pleading for the lives of their victims. On the whole this strategy has unfortunately proved mostly unfruitful. In the case of Norman Kember a conclusion has still not been reached. Some would argue that although noble, these negotiations are pointless. No compromises can be reached with the outrageous demands these kidnappers make. As harsh as it may seem, there are no governments on this earth who would change their foreign policy or release thousands of prisoners for the sake of a few citizens. Kidnappers are certainly aware of this and must view the demands they make as a form of justification for their barbaric actions. The demands are a feeble attempt to spare the lives of their victims and their murders are rationalized using the unwillingness of their governments to compromise. This clearly emphasizes the point that there is no pleading with men corrupted with blood lust.
The fire and brimstone approach is another method commonly used to deal with terrorists. A classic example was the attempt of American and British governments to capture Osama bin Laden using all their military and technological might. Five years on, bin Laden is still at large and Al Qaeda is still thriving. This is despite the tons of bombs dropped, the millions of dollar in rewards promised and the many terrorists reportedly killed. The lack of success with this method of combating terrorism shows that terrorists cannot be fought like the conventional enemy. They do not wear uniforms or attack in battalions and regiments. As troubling as it may seem, they are an enemy from within, who dwell in our villages, towns and cities. They strike with quick and merciless force and live in the shadows. Unlike Western commanders, million dollar fighter jets and tanks are not they weapons of choice, instead they inflict crippling casualties and wreak havoc using just human bombs.
In my opinion, terrorism is a battle fought and won in the hearts and minds of the young .They must be educated from their first breath that debate and protest is the noble path and that violence ultimately accomplishes nothing. With a firm grounding in life less will be so easy swayed by radicals who ask for much but only yield hate and suffering. Governments must also come to realise that an eye for an eye is not always the best way, as they often get the wrong eye and fuel the simmering fires of hate.

Prom Speech Summer 2005

This year has been full of surprises and has gone very fast. I would like to thank the assistant Head boys and Head girls who have done a lot of hard work on the ground. I would also like to thank Mr Richards and Mr Wahab for their good advice and their immense support, even when sometimes they did not know what I was on about.
Ladies and Gentlemen we came to St Mary’s as boys and girls, without a doubt we leave as men and women of integrity who will be a credit to society. At St Mary’s we laughed, cried and some of us worked our cotton socks off. We had opportunities, we had help, but nothing was ever given to us on a plate and things were not always easy. All of us surely have a brand of St Mary’s fighting spirit which has helped us persevere through the hard times and will prove useful in life. Also we all have something in common; St Mary’s in terms of the people and teachers has moulded us into who we are today. I think that makes us all family, we all have a tint of St Mary’s blue running through us. Something to remember as we may never meet in this way again. So before you leave tonight give everyone a hug or a handshake.
I wish and pray you all have long life and success in all you do. Remember success is not how much you have, but your level of contentment.