Death Toll Mounts in Russian School Catastrophe
If you have not followed the hostage taking and subsequent murders in Russia, I must urge to do so. Unpleasant as it is, as a member of humanity, you must bear witness to this. 322 dead. At least 155 of those killed were children. CHILDREN!
The terrorists had taken over 1,000 people hostages. First reports indicated that most of the deaths occured when Russian security forces blew holes in the building to storm it. But as details emerge, we find that many of the dead were shot in the back, presumably while trying to flee. The terrorists had herded the children and staff into the gymnasium and planted mines filled with metal bolts. Eyewitnesses said that at least one suicide bomber blew herself up in the gym.
The children were deprived of food and water. It was so hot, that many were forced to disrobe. Boys drank their own urine, because they were so thirsty.
The attackers were "protesting" the election of a pro-Moscow candidate in Chechnya. Chechen rebels have been believed to be affiliated with Al Queda. But this time, the links were undeniable. At least 10 of the hostage takers were from Arab countries.
I cannot begin to express my outrage and the sorrow that I feel. I chatted with someone on line, who began to equate the terrorists with soldiers. It doesn't work. The terrorists deliberately targeted a school full of children. It was not accidental, they prepared for weeks. Their goal was terror. If you are parent (as I am, my daughter is the same age as some of the kids that were shot while fleeing) you know how I feel.
British Prime Minister Tony Blair said so eloquently "It is hard to express my revulsion at the inhumanity of terrorists prepared to put children and their parents through such suffering."
President Bush said "This is yet another grim reminder of the lengths to which terrorists will go to threaten the civilized world."
Vladimir Putin said "Even alongside the most cruel attacks of the past, this terrorist act occupies a special place because it was aimed at children."
The monsters that did this must be punished.
