Posted on 08/19/2011 6:43:01 AM PDT by magellan
A once civil and orderly England was torn apart by rioting and looting last week — at first by mostly minority youths, but eventually by young Brits in general. This summer, a number of American cities have witnessed so-called “flash mobs” — mostly African-American youths who swarm at prearranged times to loot stores or randomly attack those of other races and classes. The mayhem has reignited an old debate in the West: Are such criminally minded young Americans and Britons turning to violence in protest over inequality, poverty, and bleak opportunities?
The Left often blames cutbacks in the tottering welfare state and high unemployment. In this view, the havoc and mayhem visited upon us are a wake-up call in an age of insolvency: Do not cut entitlements or we will reap the whirlwind. Instead, tax the affluent and redistribute more of their earnings to those who have been unfairly deprived.
The Right counters that the problem is not too few state subsidies, but far too many. The growing — and now unsustainable — dole of the last half-century has eroded self-reliance and personal initiative. The logical result is a dependent underclass that spans generations and becomes ever unhappier and more unsatisfied the more it is given from others. The rioters were not fighting for survival. Today’s looters have plenty to eat. That is why they target sneaker and electronics stores — to enjoy the perks of life they either cannot or will not work for.
(Excerpt) Read more at realclearpolitics.com ...
This is the most telling factoid about the entire issue of looting.
Who would or ever could condemn someone for stealing FOOD?
And, as far as THAT goes, there are many social agencies and groups who will donate food and basic necessities to any one.
NOW.... if you have access to all this, and you STILL want to loot, your conduct is indefensible. I am sorry but mayhem and theft should NOT be tolerated.
Lack of bullets. Couple of store owners distribute some lead anitiseptics and flash mob cured.
I support free-fire zones in the event of riots. No charges will be filed. A riot area should be the most dangerous place on earth — so everyone should desperately try to get out of the area (except the business owners who can hunker down inside their business, holding a weapon).
It is not just that too many people have been dependent on the state (taxpayers) all their lives and don’t know the meaning of work and losing what you work for. It is that we have a culture of consumerism that grants status for what you have, not for what you do, and that fosters unrealistic expectations (i.e. middle class households on TV and movies look well-to-do by ordinary standards.)
Very good read.
You gotta fight, for your right, TO PARTY !
Beastie Boys
Although I don’t take issue with Victor’s points, it’s not quite as complicated as that. The very heart of the issue is that the rioters don’t have any skin in the game. People who never have to provide for themselves simply don’t appreciate the stuff that’s given them. They don’t even appreciate the society that does the providing. They have contempt for it. That’s about all there is to it.
Granted, envy, greed, being rewarded for failure and being repeatedly told that they are victims of those who foot the bill contributed to their mindset, but the not having skin in the game thing is the heart of the matter.
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