Intersection Logs

This morning's NPR story on the 2-minute silence in London today contained not one but two howlers that make me wonder about their reporter on the spot (not permanently posted in the UK, apparently -- on July 7th he was reporting on soccer-playing illegal aliens in Turkey). I went and listened to it again on the web because I couldn't believe what I thought I heard him say.

First, there's a reference to the 'National Cathedral' in Trafalgar Square. That would, presumably, be the National Gallery, possibly somewhat conflated with the church next door. Okay, I suppose someone who'd never been to London before might confuse it with St. Paul's Cathedral ...


Then came the reference to Charles Clarke as 'Security Chief' and 'Homeland Secretary'. I suppose there is some overlap between the modern duties of the Home Secretary and those of the US Secretary of Homeland Security, but it's a very old office, mostly concerned with domestic law enforcement.

I hasten to add that I'm sure British reporters -- possibly even the BBC -- can mangle American nuances just as badly, but ... aargh.

I feel very British tonight. Not in a jingoistic way, just ... a sense of recognition, the same that I get when I see the faces and hear the voices as people gather at the departure gate for a flight back to the UK. I recognize the way Londoners are reacting, in a way that I didn't recognize the reactions of some Americans four years ago.

It must be beginning to be daylight in London by now. My heart goes out to the people waking up to face another day -- those who have to deal with grief, pain, uncertainty over loved ones, raw nerves or just the decision of how or whether they're going to get to work today. And I have faith that the country of my birth will continue to be itself.

And thanks to brisingamen for the pointer to jslayeruk's brilliant icon!