London Burning - The Colour of Frustration

It's been a terrible few days in London. A man shot by Police in Tottenham. A frustrated family arrange a peaceful protest march and, as I write this, we have had three days of riots and looting.

The papers and most of the politicians are full of the fact that it's just criminals. Gangs and extortionists. And of course there is a criminal element who will always exploit a situation. It's been the same since the Goths in Ancient Rome. And who can not be moved by the sight of poor, local residents and shopkeepers moved to tears by the destruction of their homes, habitats and livings. It's all a terrible personal human tragedy.

But hang on a minute. Am I the only person to wonder why the last time we saw scenes like this in the UK was during the last Tory government. And that's not to be party political (although I suppose it is) but the last serious civil unrest we saw was... hang on, let me think... oh yes - when the police were heavy handed in the 80's, when whole industrial communities were being destroyed for the sake of the free market economy and when a hugely unpopular poll tax was being forced through in spite of the 'will of the people'.

The government and politicians are all on holiday. Apart from Ken Livingstone it seems. Boris's assistant Mayor wouldn't even let on to the TV interviewer where he was.  "He's far away, but will be back soon," said Kit thingy, the Asst something. Why is it a big political secret where Boris has gone on holiday? I don't know.

Sadly, I've experienced first-hand the misery of poverty. The Govt tells us we're all in this together. I don't believe them, or their off-shore banking, non-tax paying millionaire mates.  They are a government without a mandate, cutting, slashing, dismantling the NHS. Now I don't advocate violence in any shape or form and as a society we all have to take responsibility for our own actions. But as a working class, non-political lad meself, what do you do if you are frustrated and see absolutely nothing good for the future?  If you feel you are being cheated somehow, that there are two sets of rules, one for the rich and one for the rest of us.   I  know what poverty and unemployment is like. I don't think you worry too much about lashing out.  Prison? Well at least the food is free.