A Tragic End To A Great Week

As I write details are filtering through to the UK about the tragic conclusion to the Beslan school seige in Russia. After 53 hours the almost predictable nightmare has happened, and 150 are dead.

The images on the TV are horrifying. Bombs and bullets. Naked, and semi-naked children fleeing the building. Blood soaked babies. Men and women wounded and killed. Its just too much.

One child who survived was so traumatised that he couldn't remember his name. As the bodies piled up, parents and relatives searched for unnaccounted for loved ones. What a tragedy.

President Putin is to appear on Russian TV tonight. In order to deflect any criticism, guaranteed he will attempt to apportion blame on some organisation or other.

But before any investigation has been conducted.

The last person he will point to will be himself, and his fellow politicians. However it is they who have created the conditions of such outrage.

Blame will lead to retaliation. That retaliation will lead to greater outrage. And so on and so on until the end of time unless the cause of such carnage is addressed. You have got to talk to the 'enemy'.

Accommodations must be made. Look at South Africa. Look at Nothern Ireland. They are both getting to somewhere far better then the chaos they had before. However unpalatable, you have compromise around why the terrorist has taken to the gun. You, and we will never get peace and harmony otherwise.

Kind of takes the gloss off what has been a superb week. This is because I'm back at the chalk with a vengeance. I've met all my classes, and they have met me. So far no problems, but that never lasts for long in teaching! I'm looking forward to teaching them all the very best I can.

I do hope they pick up the vibe in the Last Chance Saloon of FE.