Riots...in England, Greece, Portugal

Spain and Israel.

Yep it is shiftless youth only.

Disclaimer, getting it does not mean condoning it.

:kick:

I would condone widespread demonstrations. However I would condemn the rampant destruction of property and violence.

Why the disclaimer now

"Would you be talking to me now?"

That kid made

No hyperbole on the DU.

As was the rioter's. There are many ways to attract attention. Violence shouldn't be one of them.

I wish people would understand that.

Changes from riot to riot.. But none (in government) is asking the obvious question. WHY? This is par for the course though.

And until they do pressure cooker is an apt analogy.

(Sorry -- couldn't resist)

You're right, a lot of the commentary here and elsewhere doesn't really get it. Scolding individuals for bad behavior overlooks what's happening at the social level: these countries are experiencing some serious civil unrest.

One thing we know about civil unrest is that it doesn't just happen out of the blue, or from the sheer cussedness of a few bad actors. The governments need to take responsibility for their part in it, as well as identify and penalize individual window-breakers, looters and arsonists for their part.

increasingly and I have said this before, this looks like 1848

I don't condone looting & destruction; I was deeply embarrassed & outraged when I saw it happening on tv in my neighboring city after Katrina.

But until there is more priority placed on examining & remedying the cause & effect of the government policies born out of corporate greed that are putting disadvantaged people in a deeper hole out of which they can never climb, those affected will only get angrier & angrier.

I've thought about this disparity that's been building for years. The rich people are striving for more luxury items & larger, hidden bank accounts as a measure of their success, but how will they be able to enjoy it when those who are already poor continue to have more & more taken away from them? Something's gotta give. There's going to be festering anger & breaking points.

WHY? And the answer is complex as you know and far form comfortable for the rest of us.

It also means that for a few (or many) the system has failed them. THat is not something people want to consider.

It's like people have been living under a rock & haven't taken the time to consider the big picture. Those who watch Fixed News' trumped-up, corporate spin are clueless, bless their hearts, but we've been observing on a day-to-day basis since 2000. We know where this anger is coming from & why it's happening.

Those young people have a huge government foot holding them down. The roulette wheel of opportunity stopped with their generation. I'm afraid the time has come when things are only going to get worse for those who were born without a silver spoon.

We had a six hour riot in Tijuana... yes people went to jail. Unlike the PM... kids no longer respect his Authoritah... we went.. WTF over?

So we approached the community leaders from the affected areas, (they also took out side where their lived, which is also a violation of the normal pattern)

We asked THAT question, WHY?

I know only the little corner that I got to see... but here are three gripes I am aware off and how it was dealt with.

1.- Kids are running around and are bored. Oh and they are going to the gangs

We cleared a field, with the cops, and build a soccer field and got a league going. Think about it, the same cops who were in a street fight a moth or two before, and the EMS personnel who were behind the police line.

2.- We don't have access to any health care.

Extremely valid concern... a community health clinic was put in place.

3.- Jobs are scarse

The municipality got some jobs, not well paid but steady pay check

Yes short term it ran some cash. It was cheaper than having to keep the lid on...

And yes, I am aware that was a RARE response instead of what we are seeing... and we will, as a world now, pay for it.

I am aware far more was done, but that was what I am directly aware off. I am sure the answers are not what these governments want though.

:thumbsup:

Thanks for sharing.