Thoughts on our response to terrorism

Earlier today I posted a collection of thoughts on Twitter in response to the tragic bombing attack in Manchester last night. My friend, Tony Hirst, pointed out I had neglected to link them through threading. They are, therefore, reproduced in order below. If we are angry, fearful, sad, vengeful or harboring all of these emotions and more, we should try to focus them on a renewed determination to value our shared humanity and open society based on fundamental rights and the rule of law.

2. But terrorists are not a special brand of evil monster they would like you to believe, they are just criminals and murderers

— Ray Corrigan (@raycorrigan) May 23, 2017

3. and terrorists should be treated as criminals and murders and not elevated to the pedestals of evil they desire

— Ray Corrigan (@raycorrigan) May 23, 2017

4. The most effective response to terrorism is to keep calm, carry on & show them they will not change the open communities they attack

— Ray Corrigan (@raycorrigan) May 23, 2017

5. Meet terrorism with more respect for and reinforcement of democracy and human rights, more tolerance and openness

— Ray Corrigan (@raycorrigan) May 23, 2017

6. Whatever the warped motivations of the people who poisoned the disturbed mind of the Manchester attacker it originates in hate

— Ray Corrigan (@raycorrigan) May 23, 2017

7. Hate is never going to be a sound basis on which to build an open society

— Ray Corrigan (@raycorrigan) May 23, 2017

8. Terrorist acts arising from that hate will cause instinctive revulsion, anger and a desire for revenge

— Ray Corrigan (@raycorrigan) May 23, 2017

9. What is more important is respect, care and compassion for the victims and their families

— Ray Corrigan (@raycorrigan) May 23, 2017

10. And calm and rational pursuit of justice for those victims and their friends and families through due process of law

— Ray Corrigan (@raycorrigan) May 23, 2017

11. Response, investigate, pursue, secure and prosecute the criminals involved and/or behind the attacks. They are criminals.

— Ray Corrigan (@raycorrigan) May 23, 2017

13. Don't compromise your basic values

— Ray Corrigan (@raycorrigan) May 23, 2017

14. States overreacting to terrorists attacks play right into terrorists hands

— Ray Corrigan (@raycorrigan) May 23, 2017

15. Don't attribute the disturbed & vindictive motivations of terrorists to the entire community race nationality or religion they belong to

— Ray Corrigan (@raycorrigan) May 23, 2017

16. Be wary of agenda driven politicians & media stoking up fear & hatred in wake of attacks - they are doing the terrorists job for them

— Ray Corrigan (@raycorrigan) May 23, 2017

16.2 Be wary of agenda driven & well-intentioned people & orgs peddling ill conceived something-must-be done schemes in wake of attacks

— Ray Corrigan (@raycorrigan) May 23, 2017

17. Jens Stoltenberg: "Our response is more democracy, more openness, and more humanity... We will answer hatred with love."

— Ray Corrigan (@raycorrigan) May 23, 2017