The military games

ATHER than a display of sporting talent the London Olympics is rapidly becoming a display of Britain´s military might. So far I have seen more photos of Typhoon jets, military helicopters and fast launches than actual stadiums or athletes. The fact that Britain seems to be publicising its security plans to anyone who will listen is also rather odd. The military has decided that a surface to air missile battery is to be stationed on top of an apartment block in the East End. Neighbours have already been informed. Surely a better location could have been found, health and safety must be having a field day. Also, major Royal Navy warships will be moored in the Thames, special RAF marksmen will be flying around London in a fleet of helicopters, the Royal Marines will be speeding up and down the Thames in their latest attack boat and the Special Air Service will be on standby. Then there will be thousands of police officers supported by army reserves. So perhaps the London Olympics should be renamed the Military Games! Now, obviously the Olympics is about sport and it is a fantastic showcase for world sport. But Londoners are not that impressed and the massive security operation is only adding to their fears. I feel sorry for the poor people of Northolt who now have four Typhoon jets flying over their roof-tops on a regular basis. A ring of steel is being placed around London for the Olympics four months before it starts!