British Tough

If Osama thought he could scare the "soft, decadent" British with his signature coordinated attacks, it is because he and his operatives know famously little about London or Britain. During World War II, yesterday would have been a relatively calm night. During the Blitz, Londoners were being bombed night after night. They toughed it out - taking to the subways, blacking out their windows, they turned in one of the most heroic turns of any civilian population - ever.

That London, British tough, is showing itself today. Roller bladers are skating, commuters are incredibly riding the re-opened Tube lines, and tourists are hopping on double decker buses. They are not, perhaps, acting as though nothing has happened. But the steely resolve to live everyday lives is not an act - it is the natural ability of a Londoner, as my grandfather witnessed during the Battle of Britain. Hitler threw a lot more at them than you will ever be able to, Osama. You're going to have to pick a softer target closer to home, I'm afraid, for this particular one will not be fazed by your impotent terror. You do not - and never have - understood enough about Britain to harm it.