London Riots

[The Legendary Shark]

You don't need a deep-seated knowledge of economics to know that gold and silver are worth more than money.

[Matt Timson]

It's also worth noting that "not having much" in the '70s isn't quite the same as "not having much" in the 21st Century.

Really think about it for a minute.  What did your rich friends have that you didn't?  Holidays abroad- or even at all?  Central heating?  Two cars instead of one?  Even the right clothes weren't the big deal that they are now (yes, there were exceptions).  Your rich friends basically lived in better houses, their parents had nicer cars and they probably had a BigTrak for Christmas.

There's so much more to want these days- things that we're all conditioned to want that are hopelessly out of reach for a lot of people.  Ipods, ipads, laptops, smart phones, Sky TV, designer clothes (as everyday wear).  You can easily argue that none of these things are a right- that they're not essential (and they're not), but we're sure conditioned to want them- and to think of them as essential for modern life.

Again, none of this makes stealing for stuff right, but I can understand why people are tempted.  Most of these things aren't even classed as luxury items by the people that own them- but that's exactly what they are if you're bringing home 200-300 quid a week- or if you're on the dole.

I find it absolutely staggering that those of you from shit backgrounds that have done well (or at the very least, haven't resorted to just taking what you want) are unable to imagine how you might have fared if you'd fallen in with the wrong crowd, or you weren't encouraged or helped by anyone- or you were just too thick to do any better on your own!  We're all different!  How is it none of you losers can draw?  I can draw- why can't you?  I bet you arsed about during art, when you should've been paying attention to the way that shadow and light creates form.

[The Legendary Shark]

Excellent post, Matt.

[Matt Timson]

Oh Twitter, how I love you and all you provide:

http://nathanieltapley.com/2011/08/10/an-open-letter-to-david-camerons-parents/

[Richmond Clements]

How is it none of you losers can draw?  I can draw- why can't you?

Don't know how to use filters.

[johnnystress]

I'm waiting for someone to post about all the cool stuff they looted

[Richmond Clements]

Oh Twitter, how I love you and all you provide:

http://nathanieltapley.com/2011/08/10/an-open-letter-to-david-camerons-parents/

Awesome.

[Matt Timson]

How is it none of you losers can draw?  I can draw- why can't you?

Don't know how to use filters.

I WILL KILL YOU!!!

[Matt Timson]

Excellent post, Matt.

Cheers- but it really just strikes me as a bit of common sense and just- you know- looking at the world around you.

Again, I can't make it any clearer that I do not, under any circumstances, think that it's ok to loot stuff that you want- or set fire to people's homes and businesses, just because life might have dealt you a duff hand.

[locustsofdeath!]

I was in absolute shock - absolute shock, I tell you - when the rioters went so long without taking any tea breaks. This is England for crying out loud!

[mygrimmbrother]

Oh Twitter, how I love you and all you provide:

http://nathanieltapley.com/2011/08/10/an-open-letter-to-david-camerons-parents/

Yeah, thanks for that Matt. Brilliant.

[The Big Man]

They wouldn't dare riot here, we'd set this guy on them. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNxhaVkyvro&feature=related

[JayzusB.Christ]

There's nothing I don't agree with in the preceding posts, or the excellent tweet.  It is of course essential to understand the underlying causes of social unrest and crime, and to highlight the faults of the ruling classes.

All the same, when an environment is created where scumbags think it's ok to drive cars into crowds of innocent, unarmed people who are only trying to protect their local communities, I can't help thinking it's just time to get as many of the bastards off the streets and into prison as soon as possible, whatever the cause.

By the way here's another ned getting a hiding, for real this time:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2k1gu-OAgV4

[johnnystress]

I love that clip

[The Legendary Shark]

"It is a complete lack of responsibility in parts of our society, people allowed to feel the world owes them something, that their rights outweigh their responsibilities and their actions do not have consequences. Well, they do have consequences. We need to have a clearer code of standards and values that we expect people to live by and stronger penalties if they cross the line. Restoring a stronger sense of responsibility across our society in every town, in every street, in every estate is something I am determined to do."

David Cameron getting tough on the victims of bankers.

Also; I hope nobody here needs this but here it is just in case: Riot victims help: personal insurance, business insurance, crisis loans