"greed not rights drives the copycat rioters"

[redrobot]

so says brian reade in today's mirror. that may be true in one sense - ten year olds scampering down the street with bottles of looted scotch etc - but its also the statement of a complete cretin. as well as seeming to be fun for those that do it, rioting and looting are also an indirect appeal for more equality. "i want a big tv set just like them. why should i believe in the law when bankers, politicians and the like are on criminally obscene wages?" massive social inequality will breed this kind of behavior.

[urchin]

You are right in one sense, but among the looters were people with good jobs, people from wealthy homes
and even a serving soldier. There has always been inequality and deprivation particularly during the great
depression, and they didn't riot, loot, assault and burn. Those individuals particularly the violent arsonists
do need severe punishment. That said, I also think the irresponsible gambling Bankers and the expense
fiddling politicians should also be severely punished. As should ministers who preside over the dismantling
of the education, health, general welfare, and social events for those disenchanted young people.