SUMMER OF RAGE OR JUST SCARE MONGERING?

Superintendent David Hartshorn (Paul Lewis, The Guardian) Britain's most senior police officer with responsibility for public order raised the spectre of a return of the riots of the 1980s, with people who have lost their jobs, homes or savings becoming "footsoldiers" in a wave of potentially violent mass protests.

He said that banks, particularly those that still pay large bonuses despite receiving billions in taxpayer money, had become "viable targets". So too had the headquarters of multinational companies and other financial institutions in the City which are being blamed for the financial crisis.

And cited the Riots in Greece and France, as well as the “wildcat” strikes by refinery workers as the basis for his “armageddon” statement.

And said that “middle-class individuals who would never have considered joining demonstrations may now seek to vent their anger through protests this year.”

Hartshorn said he also expected large-scale demonstrations this year on environmental issues, with hardcore green activists "joining forces" with middle-class campaigners over issues such as airport expansion at Heathrow and Stansted. With the prospect of angry demonstrations against the economy, that could open the door to powerful coalitions.

Well: what can you say?

It seems to me that Mr Hartshorn is giving some nice ideas to the “rebels”, the thought of “middle class campaigners” taking to the streets is hardly something that will make us quake in our boots, but it may be enough to procure more funding for the Police forces, and give a reason for inappropriate action by the said police if anyone has the temerity to actually protest about the abysmal state of our green and pleasant land.

Don’t get me wrong I am on the side of law and order, but trying to scare the pants off ordinary Brits isn’t the way to make the “Powers that be” more acceptable in our eyes.

And to be honest who has the time or the inclination to “invade” the streets and produce a “Summer of Rage”

“The public good is in nothing more essentially interested than in the protection of every individual's private rights.” William Blackstone

Angus

NHS Behind the headlines

Angus Dei politico

DO WE REALLY GIVE A TOSS?

I received a comment yesterday from Christina in Greece, asking if I had seen what was going on in her Country.

My reply was- “Oh yes, I have been watching the news.

My slant on it, I don't think it would happen in the UK today, maybe 10 or fifteen years ago but not now. Since Thatcher, greed, self-need, and sod you I'm all right is the order of the day.Or in other words nobody gives a toss anymore, they wait for someone else to sort it out, and that includes the Government- they rely on the EU to fix the problems, because they can't or won't do what is necessary.Take to the streets! Good god that would entail actually getting involved!Not very likely I'm afraid.”

It was an off the cuff reply, but now I have had the chance to think about it, I stick by what I said.

And it makes me feel guilty.

I would fight to the death to protect someone dear to me, as we all would, but not for someone else.

We don’t as a society really give a toss, we all have our own problems, especially now, and other peoples problems seem remote and insignificant.

There are some-a lot of bloggers and campaigners that do, but they tend to “specialise” or focus on the “big” things.

Would we “get involved” if a teenager was shot dead by the Police in this country?

Did “we” after the Mendes shooting?

I certainly don’t think we would take to the streets, maybe write some letters to the “appropriate people” or sign a petition, but actually join a crowd of people in protest, and throw bricks and petrol bombs: No. We would I think expect justice: We would expect the perpetrators to be punished, and if that didn’t happen we would depend on the Media to highlight the injustice of it.



But actually get involved? Would I take to the streets: No. I wouldn’t because like most people I am law abiding and would expect the “authorities” to deal with it so that I could get on with my life.

A lot of people “complained” about the “Woss” thing, but he is still in a job, did we do enough ?

Have we become so insular in our lives that other peoples’ problems are no longer our problems?

If someone broke into our houses while we were there we would defend our property as best we could. But if someone broke into our neighbour’s house while they were not there we would call the Police. That is human nature, self-preservation is probably THE most basic thing to us, the second is the urge to procreate, and “other people” come a long way down the list.

I, like most people care about others, but would I “get involved”? Would I actually prove that I care? I sit in my nice warm room and write (when I can afford to have the heating on), and think I am “doing my bit” and maybe I am in my own way.

I have fought battles with the “Powers That Be”, intellectual battles, but I wouldn’t physically “get involved”, not because I am a coward but because I have seen the repercussions of such behaviour.

As I said to someone yesterday “I have learned that it doesn’t do to piss people off in those sort of circumstances”.

I have seen the damage it causes, not only to property, but to people as well. I have learned that in this country, the way to change things is from within, bit by bit, in a way that “they” don’t notice. Using the power of words, and opinion.

And don’t forget there will a general election before too long.

Perhaps we have evolved past the point of “demonstrations” and violence, or perhaps it is as I said at the beginning- As a society-Nobody Gives a Toss anymore.

If you want to delve into the Greek problems take a look at http://newcitizenship.blogspot.com/2008/12/riots-in-greece-what-is-not-reported.html

Angus