Saturday 13 August 2011

Post Mortem

Well, well, well. Even I am surprised at the way the riot aftermath has been handled. The Press have run and re-run images and CCTV footage of the individuals responsible for looting and criminal damage, shaming most of them very effectively and sending a clear message to them all about the way we, the people, feel about their behaviour.

I got a lot of feedback, as expected, from my last post and a few of you did not agree with my opinion but that's fine. It is, after all, only my opinion. However, I received emails and messages from young people; teenagers and school children, who agreed totally with my rant. Some of them feel embarrassed to belong to the same generation, social class or geographical area as the idiots that torched and stole their way through last week.

The Government and the police got together and decided to name and shame all those that could be identified. The newspapers listed them, along with their charges and sentences, and the TV news made spectacles of them bumping into lamp-posts and hiding their faces, as they tried to avoid the kind of mass publicity that would ruin their lives.

Not one person has moaned about the 'rights' of these thieves; nobody has complained, as far as I know, about their names and faces being publicised for the whole country (the world in fact) to see. And that makes me feel very glad. Would a Labour Government have allowed this? Who knows... but it worked. It created a contrast for the people involved in the trouble, so that they could measure themselves and their actions against rising public opinion, which was hugely against them. We have, in effect, done exactly what was required of us - we put our badly behaved hooligan kids on the naughty step and told them to think about what they've done. We have commited our little criminals to the media stocks.

But, there are a few anomalies. Those that did not 'fit the bill' for this type of feral behaviour -  like the millionaire's daughter who acted as the getaway driver for a gang of looters. she was obviously bored of daddy's money and wanted a bit of low-life excitement. Then there was the out-of-work musician who called the cops 'facists' because they arrested him. He'd stolen a musical instrument. Or the ballerina who decided to steal while it was possible, and then gave herself up when she saw her face being publicly advertised as part of a rogue's gallery. She'd asked herself why she'd done it.

This wasn't all about the usual suspects. This was about opportunism and spleen-venting against authority, as if the individual cop on the street had anything to do with University fee hikes, or unemployment levels... or the price of a ballerina's clothing.

Among the unusual suspects, we had the real hardcore problem; arsonists, serial criminals and murderers. They are going to face justice very soon and when their faces are revealed - especially the ones who mugged the injured student - they will understand that something is changing in this society. People are no longer going to allow them to rule the roost.

For mowing down three innocent young men who were protecting their community, there must be a very long sentence, without parole - please. And for murdering an ageing man who was unilaterally protesting against the behaviour of these louts as they mobbed around him, the individual(s) responsible should never see the outside world again.

We need to examine the underlying problems of course, but for now, I think those affected directly by this need to be punished properly.

Xf

22 comments:

Katie said...

I'm glad that they are naming and shaming people. I hope they get what they deserve. As for the people who were killed trying to protect their communities, I believe that the people who are responsible need to face the correct punishments-I hope they get years and years for what they did. You're very right when you said about putting them on the naughty step, and I agree.

You know what Stuart, I had only found your blog yesterday, and I'm so glad I did. I read the whole blog and I agree with everything you say. It is great to get your, a paramedic's, point of view on everything. I've been thinking a great deal about becoming a paramedic when I am older. However, I've been searching and the LAS aren't employing anyone and I am worried that if I do get my degree in Paramedic Science, that there will not be any openings etc. Your blog is really influencing me to become a Paramedic. Sorry, this second paragraph is really off topic! Anyway, thank you for this amazing blog.
Katie

Josie said...

I was a little nervous of reading this in case i got all angry-liberal... but i actually agree with what you've said here.

I find it particularly shocking that priveleged people participated - those in good jobs, those who are old enough to know better, those who are rich, those who are students. I just don't have any understanding of why they would do it.

Xf said...

Josie

Nice to know that what I write makes people nervous :-)

Xf said...

Katie

I did a post on this subject earlier in the year I believe.

More than a dozen people have gone on to become paramedis as a direct result of reading this blog and I'm proud of that fact, but there are very few vacancies, even if you do qualify. Money is tight everywhere and recruitment into the public sector has slowed to a halt.

However, it is an honourable profession and you should, if you still have the heart, pursue it, because you can work in the private sector... or things might be looking better in three or four years time... who knows?

You do what your heart tells you is right for you. I wish you the best of luck.

Katie said...

I'll have a look for that post. I'm really not surprised that quite a few have decided to become Paramedics. You're blog is really inspiring! It is a very honourable profession, and I have the hugest and most repsect for you and everyone else in the profession. Really, I owe the paramedics everything, as without the service I would not be here today. (I was a 27 weeks premie and after a few weeks of being out of Winnicot, St Mary's I stopped breathing and they said my heart stopped beating for a few minutes, so really I am so greatful for the service I can't say how much.) If I am unable to become one, I'd probably deicide to go into the private sector. Or I might pursue my other career of becoming a Graphic Designer and volunteer with the SJA as at least I would feel like I am doing something and giving back something. I've just realised how long this is and you are probably bored reading all of this. Sorry!

Katie said...

I'll have a look for that post. I'm really not surprised that quite a few have decided to become Paramedics. You're blog is really inspiring! It is a very honourable profession, and I have the hugest and most repsect for you and everyone else in the profession. Really, I owe the paramedics everything, as without the service I would not be here today. (I was a 27 weeks premie and after a few weeks of being out of Winnicot, St Mary's I stopped breathing and they said my heart stopped beating for a few minutes, so really I am so greatful for the service I can't say how much.) If I am unable to become one, I'd probably deicide to go into the private sector. Or I might pursue my other career of becoming a Graphic Designer and volunteer with the SJA as at least I would feel like I am doing something and giving back something. I've just realised how long this is and you are probably bored reading all of this. Sorry!

Esther said...

Watching all of the drama unfolding from Australia and I was reminded of the Cronulla riots that we had here just a few years ago. It's just so sad...
What is it that makes the line between right and wrong so difficult for people to see?? Or how can they possibly justify within themselves that they can torch a shop or home or bus and be fine with that?! I can't understand it, but then, who in their right mind can...?

Lil Pingu said...

Fab xF

Brock said...

England just sucks in general. You people's failing healthcare system has been displayed as some "model system" in America and our idiot president has rammed it down our throats against large public disfavor. Thanks alot, Brits. Also, most of your police don't carry guns? WTF is with that? How are they supposed to stop any criminals if they have nothing to stop them with? England is completely insane.

Xf said...

Sophie

All done!

If anyone else wishes to help Sophie with her study, please click the link

Anonymous said...

Hi Stu

nice blog.. love it..

I think I saw you on TRAUMA (youtube) today: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEpUR76hgZM but what a sad call, it really got to me..

You do a great job, keep up the good work, it is very much appreciated

Greetings from Brighton

Suzi x

Xf said...

Suzi

LOL, I remember this... it was 2004 or 2005 I think. It was my first one-under and I was recognised by my backside sticking out from under the train!

He was Scottish; I remember his tattoo. He was still alive when we got to him.

I'll post the link. Thanks for that :-)

Snoreezzz said...

Nice to know that what I write makes people nervous :-)
Thanks for sharing with us..

Osse said...

very nice .. yesterday i was looking for the same topic but i didn't find any thing .. but after reading this i am very happy because finally i got it :) and thanks for the links i would like to bookmark your site can I ?
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JT said...

Stuart,

Watched the one under link from above.

Obviously he was a jumper and to all attempts and purposes achieved his aim. When you were with him under the train was he regretting his decision or just wanting to die still?

Xf said...

JT

Actually, he was conscious but in no fit state to know what had happened to him. He lost consciousness soon after we arrived and went into cardiac arrest shortly after that.

Xf said...

Osse

yes, bookmark away!

Caroline84 said...

Hi Stuart,

I am new to submitting comments on here, but have been following your blog for some time.

I am 27 years of age and really want to train as a paramedic (hope I haven't missed the boat!), and wanted to know whether I would be able to work hours that fit around my two children, or should I take a position with bank hours until my sons are of a suitable age?

Regards

Caroline

Xf said...

Caroline

If you mean by your age that you may have missed the boat, then no, you haven't... by a long shot. But, whether you'll get on a course and have a job at the end of it... that, I'm afraid is another matter. Things are NOT good in paramedic land.

I hope you are successful, I really do.

Caroline84 said...

Stuart,

Thank you for the advice. I am nervous of the selection process for the course, as I believe the requirements have become a lot stricter to reduce intake numbers.

It saddens me that the public services are constantly having their funding cut, when there are people raking in more than the average yearly salary on benefits. I have worked since leaving school, and it's depressing to think that I may not be able to pursue a new career path because the system has too many drains.

Anyway, rant over. Thank you again for the reply and keep up the good work.

Caroline84 said...

Stuart,

Thank you for the advice. I am nervous of the selection process for the course, as I believe the requirements have become a lot stricter to reduce intake numbers.

It saddens me that the public services are constantly having their funding cut, when there are people raking in more than the average yearly salary on benefits. I have worked since leaving school, and it's depressing to think that I may not be able to pursue a new career path because the system has too many drains.

Anyway, rant over. Thank you again for the reply and keep up the good work.

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