From The Margins

[poliphilo]

Reading the reports this morning, I'm struck by how unserious (in one sense) last night's rioting seems to have been. The kids on the streets aren't protesting against police brutality, they're looking to score a free pair of trainers from JB Sports. There are stories of looters trying on clothes before making off with them. 

According to the police, there were no break-ins in our area last night. I guess that's because all the burglars had taken time off to go "shopping" in Manchester. 

Comments

Haslam you nonce!

[ron-broxted.livejournal.com]

Disagree - two cop shops burned, the reporting is heavily censored. Tune into Al Jazeera. Indy blocking comments on the uprising (yes lots of wee scrotes looting, this is not revolutionary).

Re: Haslam you nonce!

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Really, how interesting. Do we know which cop shops?

Re: Haslam you nonce!

[ron-broxted.livejournal.com]

One in London, one in Nottingham

Re: Haslam you nonce!

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Cheers.

[chochiyo-sama.livejournal.com]

Makes one think public flogging should make a come back, doesn't it....

Sigh.

Humans are stupid beasts.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

One of my friends suggests culprits should be sentenced to dress up as fairy princesses for a year.

[veronikos.livejournal.com]

Threats of a good time wouldn't work on me. :D

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Ah, but you're not a gangsta. :)

[cucumberseed.livejournal.com]

This whole situation is such a mess.

I hope things remain safe in your area.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Thanks.

Thus far the trouble has been confined to the big cities. There were twitters yesterday evening about gangs of youths assembling at the far end of our town, but nothing seems to have come of it.

[michaleen.livejournal.com]

http://www.dangerousminds.net/comments/london_riots_dont_expect_the_bbc_to_replay_this_clip/

I've tried several times to say something about this embarrassing exchange, but honestly I'm at a loss for words.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Erm, yes....

[solar-diablo.livejournal.com]

I got a similar sense of things about the rioters in Los Angeles in the aftermath of the Rodney King trial. It was less about frustration over police brutality and racial injustice so much as a fine excuse to break things, beat up other people, and score free loot.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

It's an outbreak of anarchy- very liberating if you happen to be one of the anarchists- not so much if you're the person who
gets in their way.