I like the sound of this petition – might even work. “No taxpayer should have to contribute to those who have destroyed property, stolen from their community and shown a disregard for the country that provides for them,” the petition argues. So far the petition, which had more than 90,000 signatures at 6am, will be referred to the backbench business committee of MPs if it gets 100,000 signatures “to be discussed”.
I’ve heard many discussions about what should be done (generally depending on what age bracket you fit in to) ranging from how badly the police handled it, about whether we should use rubber bullets, tanks, armed weapons, tear gas, cold water spray, tasers and so on. All manner of prevention. My son was threatened with a taser gun by an armed security guard if he dared get in the pool at his party villa after 9pm in Cyprus so I think most people find that a “stand and observe” rule during four days of rioting simply isn’t enough.
But how do you resolve the underlying issues of a disaffected youth? Discussions last night were mainly concerned with how liberal and softly softly we had become both as parents and as teachers and there was even a “bring back the cane” rally (not from me obviously). I do have to say that when I read that teachers are having to wear shin pads to give themselves protection from the kicks they are receiving from the children then something has gone horribly horribly wrong. Where is the respect? How do you get that back if indeed it was ever there in the first place?
Ministers have warned MPs not to “ignore” the public’s suggestions and I hope too that they will be very aware that voters will not accept cuts to the police at this time. In fact I would go so far as to say BRING BACK THE POLICE COMMISSIONER – all is forgiven – what’s a little phone hacking amongst friends compared to this?
Slightly alarmed to see that the e-petition to make Jeremy Clarkson Prime Minister is now up to 50,000. Will MP’s really have to debate that if he doubles his numbers?
fd
August 11, 2011“No taxpayer should have to contribute to those who have destroyed property, stolen from their community and shown a disregard for the country that provides for them,”
If they have destroyed property, or stolen then it is quite clear that they will have to be put before the law and the courts will likely give them prison terms if they are old enough. Increased policing…whatever happens they will cost the taxpayer money. But if you remove benefits from the squeezed family budgets, surely you are giving some people with pretty bleak outlooks and hopes in life, even less room to breathe as they scrabble for survival and even less room to dare to dream for a better future for themselves, to invest in something better and giving them more reason to act out.
I’m not saying the benefits system isn’t broken, that society hasn’t gone badly wrong somewhere, that the rioters have a warped sense of responsibility, little stake in their communities…
“But how do you resolve the underlying issues of a disaffected youth?” I have no idea. But removing benefits is absolutely no solution – its just too simple I think. Entire generations of youth cannot be compared with ill-behaved children by say removing the pocket money from them. Just my two cents…
Family Affairs
August 11, 2011Although removing pocket money always works quite well…..
Yes, I see your points though and it may in fact hurt the wrong people but still, it is perhaps a threat that would put some people off? Or maybe even get the parents more involved if it was their money that was at threat?
fd
August 11, 2011Yes you’re right getting the parents more involved seems important, but I wonder how much time/opportunity they have?? But the point about pocket money is that really it is just a consequence for the child and the child is usually lucky enough to be presented with alternative ways to entertain him/herself (sports, outings etc…). Like you said, taking benefits away has an impact on the whole household economy and it seems clear that many of these young people dont have much to do…