The papers for the past few days have been featuring the recent blasts in New Delhi. Upon reading the articles, one would ask why all these are happening. Then reading further through the pages, articles about derailed trains, murders, other blasts, etc, makes one wonder what is happening to the world as we know it. Maybe no one can fully understand why some people do the things they do, and what compels people to go around blowing other people up. It's a scary thought, to think that even at this moment, some organizations are planning attacks on other parts of the world. But what is scarier, is that here in Singapore, some people take her security for granted. I know not everybody does, which is a good thing, but there are people who assume that all these tragedies would never happen to them, only someone else. Unfortunately, we are all someone else to another person.
It's true that Singapore is blessed with the type of geography that shields this tiny country from natural calamities like hurricanes and earthquakes and volcano eruptions, to name a few. Years of protected security make people complacent. But what about the new threats that are able to trespass the simple boundaries of the airport and the shores of Singapore? For instance, people with bombs are not inhibited by the geography of any country. The fact that Singapore is completely accessible from any part of the world makes this threat even more severe. True, we have good defence and security forces. But what if they slip up? Or what if the most cunning terrorist is able to slip past them? Then what do we do? I chanced upon this quote recently:
"The secret to having an easy life, is never to take things easily."
Up till now, I had no idea what it meant. But I understand now. If Singaporeans take the country's current security for granted and leave all the vigilance to the appointed people in charge, and go about life not worrying about anything, then we're in danger. If Singaporeans are vigilant and do their part, then maybe we can sleep peacefully at night.
Back to the blasts in New Delhi, my condolences go out to the people there as pictures of their grief and pain are splashed all over the papers. It's sad to think that all these innocent lives are gone as a result of a few people and their warped disillusioned perceptions of what's right or wrong. I read about children as young as 3 being killed in the blasts and feel sad for their families, and also for the fact that their lives have barely begun and like a candle, so quickly snuffed out. Being Deepavali today, from yesterday's papers, I quote:
"These acts are made more heinous in that they [the bombers] deliberately target innocent civilians preparing for holiday celebrations." - Condoleezza Rice
There really isn't much anyone can do to undo the damage already done. All we as individuals all over the world can do, is to keep being vigilant and maybe we can stop other similar events from happening ever again.