Looting aside, the attacks on the police force are not that surprising. Approval of the police in the UK seems to be at a massive low, with The Met facing fierce criticism from so many corners. The latest shooting is just one of a series of recent scandals, and although many of the rioters probably aren't that concerned with the actual shooting, it's acting as a catalyst and forcing all of the bad blood to the surface. Law needs to inspire either respect or fear (not the preferable option), and ours doesn't seem to do either.
We can criticise the rioters all we like (frankly I think they're a bunch of pricks) but there needs to be some serious discussion about why so many people have acted so violently.
It's a sad state of affairs.
Quote: sootyj @ August 8 2011, 7:11 PM BST
Seriously enough with the pussyfooting, bring out the water cannons.
That's the first sensible thing you've said in ages.