Anger at Cameron / Politicians

[AngusOg]

Two stories have me spititng feathers this morning:

Telegraph

Whether or not this is the attack that sparked the riot, the fact that a paramilitary mob of thugs felt they had state approved sanction to beat the shit out of a 16 year old girl like this tells you something is very, very rotten.

And The English Prime Minister's response? (sorry, it is the Mail)

Mail

I liked this comment from underneath though:

Has no-one yet told this stupid, stupid vainglorious, self-seeking buffoon that there is a problem in England's capital city? His arrogant self-publicity here is a shining example of why politicians in higher offices ought to be at least 10 years older than this immature twit.

• Ken, UK, 8/8/2011 12:29
  

I hope Cameron reads that one.

[CogitoErgoSometimes]

That story is a rumour and has not been confirmed so the PM can't comment on something that may or may not have happened. And at what point in the year is any PM meant to take a holiday? There's always something going on. The Home Secretary is back in the country. The PM is easily contacted. If you don't like Cameron, fair enough. Just say so rather than making out there's something 'rotten' going on.

[AngusOg]

You will see from the use of 'whether or not' that I indicate this may or may not be the story. However, the clip does indicate thuggery on the part of the police. Assume you find this an acceptable method of policing?

As for the Cameron comment, again, there was nothing unclear about it. He is the Prime Minister, not Joe the plumber - it is part of the job description to be onhand when something serious kicks off. Sorry if that seems a little difficult for you to grasp.

[EdithWeston]

An investigation into events connected with the riot has been announced (Withern?), in addition to the IPCC investigation into last Thursday's Op Trident shooting.

I don't know how long those investigations will take, but until there is at least some version of events, he doesn't have much to go on.

The YouTube clip (and any other footage) will have to be part of the Withern investigation if it is to have any credibility at all. The events in that clip however cannot be a "cause" as rioting began before 8pm (when it was still light), and the footage posted on YouTube was shot in full darkness (probably after say 9.30 at this time of year).

[CogitoErgoSometimes]

It doesn't 'indicate thuggery' if it didn't actually happen.... Assume you don't believe every bit of rumour you hear?

Even PMs need to take a break. He has ministers on the ground and he is fully briefed. If the problems escalate beyond a few London boroughs, I'm sure he'll be back in the UK.

[AngusOg]

The events in that clip however cannot be a "cause" as rioting began before 8pm (when it was still light), and the footage posted on YouTube was shot in full darkness (probably after say 9.30 at this time of year

Fair point about the time, it doesn't get dark here till nearer 11pm, so should have thought of that - but it does not detract from the actions it shows - it is that that has really appalled me.

Assume you don't believe every bit of rumour you hear?

You assume correctly. I was viewing news reports and videos posted on newspaper / BBC sites, not rumours. However, I am not young enough or naive enough to automatically think the police are wonderful.

[CogitoErgoSometimes]

I'm struck by the statistic that, despite wearing protective clothing and using shields, over two dozen police were hurt on Saturday, some seriously. No rioters appear to have been injured, by contrast. The actions of the rioters are what really appalls me.... and no, I don't think the police are always wonderful. Just extremely brave to put themselves in the front line.

[Hellishday]

"paramilitary mob of thugs".

I take it you wouldn't call them if you were burgled then.

[AngusOg]

I take it you wouldn't call them if you were burgled then

Probably not, no. But then again, I would be extremely surprised if this happened, given where I now live. The animals would be a damned sight more effective.

I trust you ladies are never on the receiving end of this kind of 'policing' - good luck to you all.

[CogitoErgoSometimes]

I've made it a lifelong personal strategy not to throw either rocks or insults at policemen. So far, so good....