Interesting view of the raids in Belgium

[Suff]

Looking at the map and the location of the raids, this all went down about 500m or so from my work building. I had thought it was further out, but actually it's not.

We heard sirens going all day long and loads of police racing about the streets. But there was nothing really other than that, I went out shopping with a friend at lunch and then for a quick sandwich before heading back into work. Nothing really visible although I guess if I had gone to the 11th floor restaurant, I would probably have seen a bit more.

Interesting to note how Schengen is allowing the terrorists to hide and strike. Also more interesting is the price and availability of assault weapons so close to my work building.

[Workingman]

But Schengen is not the problem, as such.

Get into the USA and you can travel to any state. The same is true of Canada or Australia or any other 'territory' big enough to need internal 'states' or regions.

The problem is with the external borders. Try queuing at San Fran, Scheremtyevo or Toronto Pearson to see how others deal with such things. They could not care less that you might wait 4, 5 or 6 hours - you will be checked.

I land in San Fran and go to the Euro gates. If you are from Africa, S, America or Asia they have their gates as well.

I tell them why I am there and who I am working for. A phone call is made to my temporary employer. My employment is confirmed and I am in, but am told that I must also report and confirm my departure.

In Russia I am stopped on my exit and have to hand over my €s or spend them on goods in the airport. So I buy some cheap cigs, perfume and good quaity Vodka. My change is in totally useless Rubles with - 'have a nice journey'.

Things can be done if 'human rights' are at the bottom of the list.

It is Europe's external borders where the checks need to be thorough and absolutely secure. No pussyfooting about, no soft touches, no excuses - if you have no need to be in you do not get in.

It needs to start now... though it is already too late.

[meriad]

Totally agree Frank - the external borders need to be tightened; but as you said in your last sentence; it's already too late

[cromwell]

The external borders do need to be tightened up,but there has to be the political will to do so, right across Europe. At the moment there isn't, quite.

Isn't it interesting about the Paris attacks - since they happened I haven't heard a single word from the likes of Benedict Cumberbatch or Yvette Cooper?

Stay safe Suff.

[victor]

i have been wondering -exactly how many "immigrants" is Cumberbatch offering to house HIMSELF?

[cromwell]

He will house none. They will all get dumped in the poor areas of England, like Middlesborough and Barnsley.

[KateLMead]

Looking at the map and the location of the raids, this all went down about 500m or so from my work building. I had thought it was further out, but actually it's not.

We heard sirens going all day long and loads of police racing about the streets. But there was nothing really other than that, I went out shopping with a friend at lunch and then for a quick sandwich before heading back into work. Nothing really visible although I guess if I had gone to the 11th floor restaurant, I would probably have seen a bit more.

Interesting to note how Schengen is allowing the terrorists to hide and strike. Also more interesting is the price and availability of assault weapons so close to my work building.

Thank God you are safe Suff. On my Facebook yesterday I put the outburst of a brave Muslim who has openly condemned the actions in Paris, his English is amazing mostly consisting of the 'F" word.. Below I placed the article and photo of Muslims thanks to Cronwell of mostly hate preachers approved by the Mayor of Bedford a Liberal Democrat, inspite of objections he gave his approval to these preachers of hate and inspite of the objections and horrors occurring in Paris they were still given permission to conduct an anti British meeting to over 240 people. Today the news of this meeting is in "The Daily Mail" I was born in Bedford, went to school there, the area where I lived is virtually a no go area. We are truly at war., and what has consecutive governments done about these individuals who hate everything we stand for.. Nothing! Yes
we are at war,

[TheOstrich]

He will house none. They will all get dumped in the poor areas of England, like Middlesborough and Barnsley.

I think I read somewhere that proportionately, more are going to Scotland than anywhere else. It was something like (crude figures) they are getting 40%, whereas by population it should be 10%.

[cromwell]

I didn't know that Os. I was fairly sure that Hampstead, Barnes and Islington wouldn't be getting too many though.

[Aggers]

I cannot understand the mentality of the people whom we elect to run this country of ours.

If you invited anyone to come and live with you in your house, you would expect them to
respect your way of life. If they didn't you would be quite entitled to tell them to leave.
That is the way we should treat foreigners who are allowed to take up residence here.
If I had been in charge of this country, that is the principle I would have adopted, and I
defy anyone to gainsay me. I would also have insisted that this is a Christian country, and
other religions would not be allowed, except within the confines of private houses. No doubt
many people would not agree with my stipulations, but I'm sure that if they had been applied
we would not be in the frightful state we are today.