I have to say, the new guy's approach sounds like a triumph of common sense over the feel-good phrases and knee jerk reactions that we've gotten used to on both sides of the pond.
Gordon Brown doesn't do charisma. In contrast to Tony Blair, the new British leader has offered no emotive sound bites, no promises of tough new laws and no talk of a "war on terror" since the failed attacks in London and Glasgow.
The stern Scot's few public statements have been somber, measured and brief. Many Britons welcome the change, saying the lower-key approach may better reassure a rattled nation and prevent racial tensions from exploding.
(snip) Brown's message-in one brief televised statement and a longer TV interview-can be summarized as "keep calm and carry on." Speaking in the gruff Scottish brogue that is his trademark, he said the country faced a "sustained" threat and urged Britons to "stand together, united, resolute and strong."
(snip) Instead of announcing new anti-terror legislation-as Blair and Reid did after the July 7 bombings-Brown has said he wants to work with opposition politicians to build a consensus on what steps to take.
"This is not the time for rushing into new legislation," said Brown's official spokesman, Michael Ellam. So here you have a leader who wants to work with the oppostition to do what's right for his country, and believes in the need for a comprehensive approach to fighting terrorism, not just using catchy sound bites or calling for sweeping legislation? I don't suppose Mr. Brown and President Bush could change places?
No comments:
Post a Comment