Britain riots: my two cents (or rather a rant)

[alexandral]

I rarely rant about political matters, but I do so occasionally. This is the day for ranting because I have not seen anything as scary as current British riots in my life (and I lived through the fall-out from the collapse of USSR which at the time I thought to be the scariest time of my life). I do find it doubly-scary because I have always thought that the level of life and opportunities existing in Britain (even now), even in the poorest places, are much higher than in many many places in less developed countries. So I can not quite understand: why? When there is rioting in third-world countries, like China, it is often attributed to the countries' "regime". What are we to attribute the British riots to? Democracy?

I find the situation scary and I find it appalling. But the thing I do not understand personally is what is happening with the Police and other forces responsible for keeping the peace in the country. Where are they?

For example, there is an article explaining "What could the police do to stop the rioting?" on BBC: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-14459127. What it says is that Britain is not comfortable with the use of Water Canons, Baton rounds or Army forces. This is a typical phrase: "British policing traditionally did not rely on such methods" and that "In other countries they'd be deployed in the blink of an eye" (meaning Army forces). But seriously, may be this is the time to reconsider?

Comments

[issy-chan.livejournal.com]

First of all, Welcone back :-)
yeah, it's scary what happening these days. last night, it was in Ealing, my local shopping centre and very close by. they burned cars, broken shops widows and robbed stores. I don't see the point in their riot now. if it was a massage at the first day, now it's long forgotten. they don't think that us people have to pick up the cleaning bills afterwords. I am just speechless.

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

I hope you are safe ** hugs ** . This is terrible and I wish I could help Londoners with the street cleaning.

I need a new Kdrama to take my mid off things. I might try Warrior Baek Dong Soo.

[issy-chan.livejournal.com]

Thanks alot dear.
I need a kdrama too. heehe I am re-watching Tamra Island. one of my most favourite drama to keep me happy in these times. best remedy. ;-)

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

I have never found time to watch Tamra. I must one day.

[issy-chan.livejournal.com]

You really should. I love this drama beyond imagination and had to buy its DVDs that cost me an arm and a leg last year and still not regretting it.
but if you decide to watch it, don't watch the 16 ep but the 21 ep DC version. it's on viki and withs2 (via).
it also made me madly in love with Lim JuHwan. hehe

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

Thank you for the 21 episodes rec. I noticed Lim JUHwan in "Winter Queen", he is totally my thing.

[dangermousie.livejournal.com]

Try The Princess' Man with Park Shi Hoo and Moon Chae Won. It's romantic and smart and gorgeous. I made a ton of posts on it if you want to check out whether it's your thing.

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

I have my eye on that one. It has only few episodes out yet - I am so inpatient so I prefer that I have at least 10 eps to start with. But when Princess' Man reaches 10 episodes mark I am going to be all over it.

[dangermousie.livejournal.com]

Yay!

Oh, and WBDS is excellent.

And keep safe!

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

Thank you! We have been safe so far, just Police helicopters flying overhead, not giving us any sleep.

I am starting WBDS today.