Thread: London Riots

I thought I would start a thread on this since it is a massive thing going on right now. Why is this happening? What do people think about it being a kick off caused by social conditions?

"Just because rioters do not have political aims does not mean the causes of the riots do not lie in politics" (from twitter)

This article by the Guardian is food for thought:

There is a context to London's riots that can't be ignored | Nina Power | Comment is free | guardian.co.uk

What do people think?

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I had lots to say on this this morning, but I'm all talked out. I'm meant to be having a break and it's too much like being at work for me!

I work with young offenders and troubled kids from disadvantaged backgrounds, we (meening the service providers) bend over backwards to help, get paid comparitively little, are constantly at risk from violence from our service users... I am a compassionate person, I want to help and I realise frome much experience that I have had in my life, that there are social problems that need addressing at the root which get largely ignored.

However, I am struggling to muster much symapthy for anyone who distroies someones home and livelihood (which they probably worked hard for) just becaus they are angry. I've been angry in my life, and I have had very good reasons to be so, it's some of those reasons that lead me into the work I do. The distress and distruction that is being caused in inexcusable!

I do think that we are too soft on crime in the uk. I also think the roots of social problems need addressing and tackling, not just the sypmtoms. People need clear boundaries which are firm and fair, chances to rehabiliatate, but real conciquences if the chose not to.

I was doing some painting with a 15 year old boy recently, froma horrific background, very violent etc etc, but we were working calmly and having a chat. I asked him what he fancied doing when he left school. He said 'Errr, don't know. I'll peobably try prison for a bit. It's pretty good, my brothers been, he likes it.' I felt really sad. This is considered a valid career choice for someone. I'm not from a middle class background, I've worked for everything I have and grew up well below the poverty line, but this attitude really schoked and upset me. It's this sort of thing that needs addressing, and when it is, properly, we won't have these situations arrising.

The people invloved at the moment need dealing with, swiftly anf decisively. I might have respect for, care for sypmathise with and even care for the lads I work with, but I sure as hell wont take any crap from them! And it's those boundaries that let them know that I care, about their well being, care enough to want to see them do the right thing. If people are allowed to carry on rioting, they will just get the message that the country has given up on them. Then what incentive have they to stop?...

I could go on, but I've already spent most of my suposed summer holiday working in one capacity or another! So I'm going to leave it there. Sufice to say I'm angry and disheartened with the whole situation and my heart goes out to the people working to keep communities safe at this time.

Personally, I think the riots were engineered by the powers-that-be to justify the eventual materialization of a mini police state in the capital - coincidentally of course, the terror-magnet that is London 2012 less than a year away now...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKRPM8VsrNs (viewer discretion advised)