Disappointed:

Manic_Repressive: Disappointed:

They didn't say he was canceling his.

The Europeans just aren't thinking. They need to find a town square, put up a billboard of those old Danish cartoons and women dressed business-casual, and wait for Muslims to show up and blow themselves up. Instant fireworks.

When do we get to celebrate independence from the sight of our own shadow?

Expect more of this crap in the run-up to the election.

Yet again. Our cowardice is helping the terrorists win.

Should have used the 'Sad' tag instead.

Europe cancels massive New Years fireworks display over terrorist threat, the fact that theyre farking broke

FTFY

To pinatas the world over, Mexicans are terrorists.

Think about it.

I think the real reason is just nanny state-type fear over the remote possibility that, during a highly regulated fireworks show conducted by trained professionals, somebody might get a boo-boo.

"Europe" cancels fireworks display? Since when did freakin Belgium equal Europe?

Belgium, Europe, what's the difference?

"Europe" cancels fireworks display? Since when did freakin Belgium equal Europe?

From a long distance away, everyone looks the same anyway.

If only there was a song by some "Europe" group that could be used to count down to the New Year.

"Europe" ?

TFA refers to parts of one city in one of europes 48 countries that have canceled their fireworks. Massive FAIL Subby.

Lord Summerisle: I was writing the same thing but with more words.

I'm usually not too anal about stuff like this and accept Europe == EU or even Europe == Western Europe, but this time... I mean, it's not even the whole Belgium, but just one city.

It's sad to see them chicken-out, but then I guess it was wrong to expect otherwise from a city full of EU bureaucrats.

Luckely there isn't a 'Belgium' tag, or we all could be ashamed once again... First no government, now no fireworks, what will tomorrow bring, no terrorists ?

I don't get the link between the fireworks and the terrorist threat...

Were they suspecting the terrorist of trying to replace the fireworks with some of their homemade stuff ?

AFAIK, fireworks near a crowd of people are always very strictly organised, with draconian security measures by default...

Is it because of the big masses of people concentrated there? I bet there are plenty of other places where there will be loads of people together as well, with no increase in security...

If one tries hard enough, one doesn't even need terrorists to harm oneself and other bystanders, just some alcoholic beverages and a small whiff of Darwin could make the roof go off...

But all in all, I guess it's done for the good of the people, we'll see what tomorrow brings. I hope to see some pretty fireworks elsewhere...

/I r in nanny country ?

Stupid Flanders.

What a bunch of Walloons...

Who knew that Europe would be the one to buy Bush's Terrorism ploy hook, line, and sinker?

simpsonfan: Stupid Flanders.

Heh heh heh. Good one.

Now everyone go back to eating your fries with mayonaisse.

The turrists have Won.

terroristen 1 - brusselaars (vlamingen) 0

The photo caption says:
"Fireworks illuminate the sky over the Atomium to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Europe, in Brussels,on March 24, 2007 file photo."

Europe's only 50 years old?

Manic_Repressive: Disappointed:

I agree. He had two great shows (complete with music!) and then ...

Too soon?

'Belgium' is just a city in the country called Europe, right?

My grandfather on my mother's side is from Belgium so I'm really getting a kick out of..these.... To be honest, I'm not getting any kick at all.

/In fact I'm a little more embarrassed now.

JewZeppy: My grandfather on my mother's side is from Belgium so I'm really getting a kick out of..these.... To be honest, I'm not getting any kick at all.

/In fact I'm a little more embarrassed now.

I don't get it because they are taking their own security considerations into account when making decisions you are embarrassed to be a quarter Belgian. I've given up trying to understand the American mentality, terrorism exists or doesn't exist depending on whether it suits the situation. The city has had legitimate terrorist threats and has taken the prudent decision not to spend a night blowing up fireworks which could be used as a distraction for a terrorist attack, and you are criticizing them for it. I don't see the problem, atleast they are manning up enough to take threats seriously, unlike a certain president who was warned over and over about Al-Qaeda's desire to attack the U.S. and didn't do fark all about it.

Caesar1313: ... unlike a certain president who was warned over and over about Al-Qaeda's desire to attack the U.S. and didn't do fark all about it.

Indeed. Clinton allowed Bin Laden to flourish. Had at least one genuine chance to kill him, and did not allow the CIA to do the job.

No Such Agency: Too soon?

Too soon or not soon enough?

/aisle seat, please

Europe's only 50 years old?

I don't think there was any semblance of a unified Europe before the war. Given that disaster, they thought it was a good idea.

gregormendel: Indeed. Clinton allowed Bin Laden to flourish. Had at least one genuine chance to kill him, and did not allow the CIA to do the job.

I don't doubt it, I'm Canadian so although I obviously favour one American party over another, I'm not a Democrat apologist. My point still stands though, why is Belgium's actions here something worthy of criticism? They are taking terrorist threats seriously, and not going to create any perfect opportunities for an attack, regardless of an arbitrary anniversary celebration that may piss some people off. I'd rather my government prioritize security in the face of real terrorist threats over that of a freaking fireworks show.

Fluid
I don't think there was any semblance of a unified Europe before the war. Given that disaster, they thought it was a good idea.

Do you know who else thought a unified Europe was good idea?

The terrorists have, indeed, won.

As someone who actually celebrated New Years in Brussels last year (fireworks and all), I really feel like I should be getting a kick out of these replies. Unfortunately, it is only making me sad.

Caesar1313: gregormendel: Indeed. Clinton allowed Bin Laden to flourish. Had at least one genuine chance to kill him, and did not allow the CIA to do the job.

I don't doubt it, I'm Canadian so although I obviously favour one American party over another, I'm not a Democrat apologist. My point still stands though, why is Belgium's actions here something worthy of criticism? They are taking terrorist threats seriously, and not going to create any perfect opportunities for an attack, regardless of an arbitrary anniversary celebration that may piss some people off. I'd rather my government prioritize security in the face of real terrorist threats over that of a freaking fireworks show.

Except that one has virtually no effect on the other. Hell, fireworks in a way make people even more likely to spot suspicious activity since many will be hanging out outside their homes or on balconies or what have you, rather than sitting inside having a party or whatever. Yes, they will need police to supervise the fireworks, but given that they apparently know where the attack would be anyway, I really doubt they're that strapped for manpower. Even if they didn't know where the supposed attack would be, one fireworks show isn't going to use up every police officer in the city.

You also can't really argue that the noise of the fireworks impedes anybody because I should think that those working at the prison/whatever place would be attacked would not only feel the ground shake should a bomb be used but would also be able to tell the difference between a bomb blast a couple hundred feet away and a firework miles away.

Hell, the fireworks would even light the night up more than it'd normally be, allowing security to far more easily see any attempted sneak attack or what have you. Fireworks are as much of an aid as they are a hindrance(if they are one at all) to security.

Hmmmmnn, Europeans acting intelligently? The US Government must take note of these "independant thinkers" and keep a careful eye on them.

BELGIUM!!! ZARKING BELGIUM, MAN!!!

/42

what do i know about terrorists?

don't they come from Antwerp??

Its a good thing they canceled it before we got into the final countdown.

Hypnosphere: Its a good thing they canceled it before we got into the final countdown.

oh, i see what you did there

I like Belgian waffles, so I'm getting a kick out of these replies.

mmmm, Belgian waffles, slurp...

Yay, let's treat our citizens like children!

SoxSweepAgain: Expect more of this crap in the run-up to the election.

Election? Where? When?

mobby_6kl: it's not even the whole Belgium, but just one city.

No it isn't, it's national, and has been for weeks. Combined with hightened alerts in Germany.

mobby_6kl: It's sad to see them chicken-out, but then I guess it was wrong to expect otherwise from a city full of EU bureaucrats.

Who have ziltsj to do with any of this.

NancyGracesTesticles: put up a billboard of those old Danish cartoons and women dressed business-casual, and wait for Muslims to show up and blow themselves up. Instant fireworks.

Newsletter, Madam or Sir? Subscriptions?

Its always good to see a totally failing dumbass subby get a greenlit.

/happy newyear anyway

The surrender monkeys did this in Paris this past year (Jan 2007). Fortunately every frog seemed to have brought Roman Candles in illegally and there were some fireworks and a hell of a lot of honking.

Bring back the Spanish Inquisition and light up all Muslims who won't get out. That would be a New Years to remember. ;)

Let there be peace in Europe. End Islamic immigration.