I'm quite dissapointed with ISU behavior during all this situation.
I was sure they'll announce cancellation of Exhibition immediately and will focus on LP (with spectators or not). But instead they wanted to carry on Exhibition as well, to avoid money loss, not realizing that it's quite immoral after what happened in Paris!!!
This certainly seemed inappropriate to French autorities therefore they refused even to discuss some kind of trade-off agreement and cancelled everything (and did it right in fact).
ISU must have been more flexible, and in fact they're partly responsible that situation went like this.
I love figure skating, that is why I am here, but with everything that had transpired last 16 hours, figure skating is far from my mind. I can only imagine how those young sensitive skaters are going through.
London Gatwick had a bomb scare this morning, I expect other Major Cities around Europe and beyond are on high alert too. Having drove through the city this morning everytime I hear some police/fire siren, my mind wonders, nerves are on edge. As you walk on the street, you can feel sort of muted silence for a Saturday. You can even sense alot of undercover vehicles in groups too en route somewhere. Deeply troubling with the state of the world.
Syria crisis - practically a time bomb readying to go off. Had everyone dealt with it sooner before it got so crazy, it may have been different. People need to be educated on the issues more. Extremism can happen everywhere. If people are in trouble, go and help, do not neglect. Had the world motivated less by practical issues such as money, power (what is in it for me) and resources, be more by humanity and empathy, outcome may have been different. Think of the vulnerable, the children, women, elders who are no different than your or my family, just ordinary people who became part of these atrocities committed by power hungry religious/political fanatics. Extremists exploit everywhere where there's neglect and vulnerable to further achieve their agenda.
I think it is the right decision to cancel given everything that has transpired, and seems it wasn't down to ISU anyway. Where there's shock, there need time to recuperate and regroup. Actually if they continue with the Gala, it is simply wrong. I doubt the skaters are in the mood for it either, these are young people who probably not experienced terrorism, think about it. They are not some circus animal that ISU can whip. Say: jump. They ask how high. Smile. They ask how much. If such event is to happen, they better ask their permission and may be on a voluntary basis instead of some commands.
hwell:
