Envy

It has been an interesting few nights in the UK.  Riots have broken out and spread.  Initially, it was felt that this was due to people protesting about the cuts that the government have imposed.  Only now it is apparent that it is the act of criminals.  That there are so many is shocking, though when you think about it, not really surprising.

We live in a consumer society, where we are encouraged to covet the latest goods and gadgets and yet they are priced beyond the reach of many.

What is sad is the way that people have turned upon each other. Yes, it is only a few, but those few have shamed our nation and shame themselves. A vicious stupid minority of our nation, of all colours and surprisingly, from loads of different backgrounds. While this may have started due to racial tensions and the death of a man who was armed at the hands of the police, this is no longer an issue about the way part of the community has been treated. Yes, I do think that there is an element of annoyance at the cuts, and to be fair, this has brought the cuts in the police to the fore. People had warned that reducing the numbers of the police would result in more crime. I was one of many who felt that cutting police numbers would be a good idea. But, apparently, the Home Secretary felt that a fall in the numbers in the police service would result in a fall in the amount of crime.  Well that worked out well eh?

The conservatives refuse to accept that they cuts that they have made may be to blame for these acts.  And they are right in that the cuts are no excuse for these actions, but I do think that for some, it may be a factor.  When you are young, you need hope and an alternative.  When the future is bleak, you look for alternatives.  And when there are no alternatives, if the opportunity arises, you make them.  These crimes, and they are that, are inexcusable.  But for some, some of the acts are understandable.  But there is no excuse for attacking family run businesses.  There is no excuse for arson.  And there is no excuse for violence towards others, be they members of the police force, the fire service, or just everyday people.

God willing, these riots will be brought under control, and I hope that the people who have taken part in the looting and organising them face the full force of the law.  Quite simply, they are scum and they deserve everything that they get when it comes to punishment.

Envy, anger, boredom, cuts, poor parenting, whatever these criminals say is the reason, there is no excuse for this. Greed is not good.