Riots. Why England should stand firm against selfish thugs

Most decent, law abiding people in this country were appalled, sickened and dismayed at the London riots this week; and the escalating violence, theft and thuggery displayed by a small minority of individuals.

We know that the riots were sparked by a tragic death. However, I think we can all agree that the backlash which caused millions of pounds worth of damage isn’t justified. But what can the decent majority DO about this?

The majority of law abiding citizens (despite the austere economy), should continue to pull together to keep the UK thriving and competitive. Most people aren’t wimping out and and grabbing what they can. They are prepared to work hard to pull this country up from it’s boot straps, no matter what!  Still, discussion will continue as to the cause, but destroying small businesses in the High Street isn’t helping.

Most people are not taking to the streets on a violent Flash Mob rampage. 

Laughing whilst innocent people watched their homes and livelihoods burn to the ground wasn’t the act of a disaffected youth.  It’s the act of selfish criminals.  

The people who did this do not represent the majority.

The rioters do not speak on behalf of the nation. The rioters do not represent thousands of decent young people who are making a contribution.  

The rioters, plain and simple, are criminals.  They have no pride. Thousands and thousands of people are working long hours to keep a roof above their head.  They are doing everything they can to survive.  They do the decent thing. They aren’t sitting at home playing computer games and whingeing about how society has let them down. 

Let’s be clear on a few things:-

• This isn’t Libya. This isn’t Syria where the quality of life and civil rights are virtually non-existent.  Making comparisons between these riots and the Arab Spring is frankly misguided. Sadly, however, here in the UK many rioters will escape with a slap on the wrist or a suspended sentence. Unlike our Syrian cousins who are facing tanks and machine gun fire for daring to express a legitimate protest.
• The rioters made the excuse the ‘we were only targetting rich people’.  Excuse me – someone running a corner shop couldn’t exactly be described as rich – especially if that person works 90 hours a week!
• Those so called ‘rich people’ create jobs that feed families! !
• Those so called ‘rich people’ pay taxes that pay for things like Youth Services!
• The rioters said “We’re bored. There’s nothing for us to do.”  Again – that is utter crap!  If they really wanted to do something worthwhile they would find it, whether it was volunteering,  or having the guts to start their own business – yes even at 14!  If you want to achieve something – you can find a way.
• There aren’t enough jobs for them.  They need to take a look around them.  Well, I am sorry to break this to you, but it’s tough for everyone right now.
• This crime spree was partly driven by technology.  But correct me if I’m wrong, but I didn’t realise that if you’re under-priveleged you can still run amok with a Blackberry Smart Phone?

If ever there was a time for decent people to show some courage, and press on regardless despite these selfish and thoughtless acts by mindless vandals, it’s now.  Because the rioters are wrong!  Wanton looting fuelled by greed doesn’t have any part to play in British society.  The 100′s of people who turned out this morning to sweep up afterwards clearly demonstrates that. 

In my opinion these riots are an utter disgrace and a stain on the British character.  We’ve all worked hard to establish Great Britain as a decent place to live – the latest incidents sadly could threaten the Olympics.  Don’t let that happen. 

Boris Johnson had the last word.  He said that London retains it’s spirit and stands resolute against this threat.  So should the rest of England.