London Burning

It is very disheartening, disturbing and distressing to see many areas of London ablaze.  Rioting and looting has also been taking place in many areas of London, Birmingham, Bristol, Nottingham and Liverpool. The last time such disturbance took place was the early to mid 1980s.  Whether these activities are a result of the politics of the day, political grievance or not, it certainly isn't pleasant and it is not a way of protesting.  These are criminal activities in whatever way they are described.  Although, it is understandable that many sectors of the community feel disenchanted with the austerity measures, and job prospects being extremely poor, particularly for young people.  These activities cannot be condoned and it is highly unlikely that it has anything to do with the shooting of Mark Duggan by the police in London.

It is also distressing to see how inadequate the police and particularly the fire service is.  In Croydon, a very large fire was being tackled by three fire engines.  Under normal circumstances there would have been at least a dozen fire engines if not more.  Many areas report lack of police and fire services.  There has been cutbacks in these services because of the austerity measures.  One hopes that the thin spread of services is due to the number of incidents rather that a lack in service personnel.

The political leaders are all returning back cutting short their summer holidays and emergency meetings are taking place across relevant ministerial departments to assess the extent of the problem and how best to resolve it.  Whatever has triggered these uprisings is not as simple as it seems.  Underlying all the discontent and the despicable behaviour lies predictors and precipitants that are complex and highly likely to be fuelled by the general economic downturn that is affecting most of society.  There is also a gap developing between the rich and poor.  While most middle and low earners and the unemployed are being squeezed, there are some whose affluence is increasing beyond belief.  This is evidenced by the profits of some major companies but even more so by publication of the rich list in the national papers.  Prominent politicians may have also inflamed the situation by stating that multicultural society in Britain has failed.  However, these cannot be used to promote crime.

Whatever the predictors and precipitants, we all have a responsibility.  First and foremost we must utterly condemn these act of criminality.  All of us rich and poor, affected and disaffected should work to resolve the problem together.  Let us not posture and  threaten each other. Let us communicate our grievances in a lawful and responsible manner.  This applies to all of us including the rioters, the communities, the businesses and the politicians.  We are all in some way responsible and we must act in a responsible way.  It is bad enough for the global economy to  be spiralling into decline.  It does affect all of us not only the investors.  We are literally in it together and we all have to unite to get out this mess.  Divisions and subdivisions will only create acrimony, disrepair and despair.  If you wish to protest, remember Mahatma Gandhi, peaceful protest is much more powerful than violence.

Good Bye and Good Luck until the next time and may peace and serenity be with you.

Knight Owl