Intergalactic Summit

I seem to remember killing the last bunch of thugs who fired on unarmed freighters full of Caldari citizens. Those were from the security services of my own home corporation, to boot. If it turns out that freighters full of citizens are being attacked by State leadership for reasons of political point scoring or just out of plain despotism, then guess which side I'll be on?

The side of the Citizens of the State - just like last time.

That said, there are MANY reasons this might have been done. There has been no statement from the Navy or the CEP. That is not unexpected at this juncture - making a statement before the facts are in would lead to a statement that would either be false or unsatisfactory in its brevity. It does suggest that the action was reactive and not planned, however, as a statement would certainly have been in place were this to have been premeditated.

Holding the survivors without statement is also not illegal, at this stage. There will need to be a full accounting in time, but this is still very early days. Certainly a protest can be lodged, if you think it warranted, but right now you'd be protesting against your guess as to what happened.

Please don't mistake the above for the words of an apologist - it's just that most of those screeching and carrying on are owed no apology regardless of what happened. According to what we know, this was the death of State citizens at the hands of State security services. It'll be the Citizens of the State who are owed the apology, should the action have been unwarranted.

What do we, as the individuals here, owe you an apology for?

Go back and actually read what I said then.

My views on this event have already been clearly expressed.

My apologies. I saw Kim's statements first, and the red mist descended.

I understand that perfectly well, actually. I was much the same before I realized it wasn't worth wasting my red mist.

That said, I'll state my current frame of mind plainly; I find this event absolutely detestable on many levels, but like many, I see many inconsistencies and questions that need answers. Badly. If it IS as simple as presented, I hope they line up the ones responsible in front of a firing squad.

I feel like if there was actually something classified or dangerous or gank-worthy on the vessels, the State would have made that very much known, especially to garner the support of those who did not support the border closing. Maybe? I honestly have no idea how anything works, so don't listen to me.

You do not truly stand for something if you can be easily manipulated. Memorable slogans don't survive for long if they are not true at least to some extent.

Well she's not wrong in my opinion, if you wanted to hear that.

I dunno. Have I 'attacked' anyone or am I asking to hear the other side of the story before I come to my own conclusion?

Especially when I've been informed that it's up to me to sort this out..

No Pieter, you have not and I thought to mention your statement as a good example but felt it was better not to begin the road of picking people out individually. Others have though. In hunting for other explanations, in preparing a strong defense, they have gone on the offense and that is the sum of the problem and argument in this thread. The extreme views have already spoken and been ignored as usual so now it is many people who very nearly agree with each other nearly to threats.

And Makoto, we are reading the same thread. I said in my post that people tend to not read when they are upset or have some bias against the writer and you have done just that. Your sideways comment to Pieter just makes me tired, I am not here to fight anyone and I wonder if you are? I know that many of the Gallente pilots came here for that reason. I know for certain the Provists did. And all but the provists agree on the appraisal of the situation: Something horrible has happened and we all hope there is a better explanation. But you and Arrendis dislike me, so you do not read what I say and just assume my intent from enough words to confirm that bias. It is in all of our nature to do so and it is blameless. I am only asking you to be aware of it.

We can all talk past each other for days or you can just re-read what I wrote. I see the Caldari prepared to denounce the actions of Caldari Customs but looking for more information out of faith in their State. A Gallente pilot with their blood up is going to see a token gesture to reason and the beginnings of blaming the Federation or changing the narrative of what happened.

I know it is not what you came here to do, you know it is not.

But for people in the heat of the moment they will read what they fear to hear. An insult spoken at the same volume as a compliment travels twice as far. Open, clear communication and an effort to understand the other point of view is the only sure balm against the coming of war. And as much as you think I would revel in a war to weaken who you think are my enemies, I know what war brings and I do not want to see it come to anyone. People at each other's throats and non-partisan aid to people being forced to end are just a beginning. It only becomes worse from here.