September 1666 a careless baker set fire to London. 345 years later, mindless gangs are doing their best to burn the city to the ground. Are they disenfranchised? Gripped by desperation through economic and social factors?
Nah. It’s because they can.
I’m sure that a lot of these kids have it tough. Broken families, broken homes, lots of misdirected anger and frustration and I sympathise. But this current movement is motivated by greed and destruction. These kids don’t care who gets hurt or who is left homeless or without a living. They’re there for the rush; the buzz; the bragging rights.
And who’s to stop them? The terrified residents? The timid police too afraid to get physical lest they get sued for excessive force? The echo of Ian Tomlinson rings loudly in their ears. They’re commanded to hold the line and watch while shops are looted and vehicles set alight.
Word has spread. The police are spread thin to the point of transparency. Even those present aren’t doing much. Wear a hoodie and a mask and take what you want. No one is going to stop you. This is a volatile situation that can only get worse when the real organised criminals get involved to take their slice or to use the riots as cover while they extend their networks.
So what is to be done? How can this be resolved? Even the most liberal citizen who would consider hugging a hoodie now scream for the army, tanks and guns. The internet is throbbing with anger. How long before the people take matters into their own hands?
A show of strength is needed now. Show these kids that this behaviour will not be tolerated and there are consequences. This is very real and people are suffering. The cost of the clean up will run into millions and the cost of maintaining the emergency services even more.
I don’t envy the police. They are vilified by the media in times of peace and lauded as heroes when action is needed. Let us give them the respect they deserve and do our best to help them when it is needed.
