Terrorist attacks in Mumbai, 26th November 2008

People have died. Human beings have died. I am sick of the news, the micro-blogging, the opinionated monologues and incessant negativism. Everyone who is anyone seems to have covered the ‘event’ with accurate news as well a rumors. There have been photographs from the brave Vinu and then the entire planet’s news channels and newspapers descended on Mumbai. Thanks Vinu and I’m sure this will reward you well. A part of me is envious that you did this and I was unable to. The other parts of me are glad I did not see it first hand.

I am thankful for the Indian Armed Forces – Army and Navy on the scene and the Air Force in the background – for being there. I feel for the officers who have not rested in the last 48 hours and counting.

I am sad. Leopold’s is a cafe I’ve hung out at hundreds of times when I lived in Mumbai. I am sad that I was not there to help. The only support I have been fortunate enough to have been allowed to lend [ and I'm sure he didn't need it ] was and is to a very close friend who is a Naval Officer, by texting him pretty much all night yesterday as he sailed, patrolling the Arabian Sea.

I am glad that the people I know in Mumbai, are safe. And I feel terrible for the people who lost their lives – people I did not know – their families, their friends – their lives. The pointlessness is overwhelming.

And I can do pretty much nothing about it.