So... if you didn't notice London's a mess! It's been kicking off everywhere! So I thought I'd do my own piece onwhat's been going down in the heart of London town and elsewhere across the UK. On Thursday 8th August, Mark Duggan was shot dead by police in circumstances that are yet to be fully revealed. No one, at present knows what happened to Mark, and I think it is important that we do not judge until we hear the full story. Mark had a partner, children and a family who are all grieving. Mark's family, like any family, deserve to get answers about his death, so a peaceful protest was held outside a police station in Tottenham. Family and friends requested answers from the police about his death, and unfortunately, this didn't happen -tempers flared. A witness then contacted the BBC and said the Riot, which devastated Tottenham on Saturday, was caused by a young female approaching the police asking for answers about the death of Mark Duggan. This female was then set upon by police which caused outrage, and widespread chaos. Subsequently, as we all came to realise, London descended into a place where it was normal to see someone robbing the local shop, the sounds of helicopters and sirens blaring through the streets of Hackney, Brixton,Clapham Junction, Edmonton, Enfield, Lewisham, Peckham, Croydon, Colliers wood (I would go on but... I will let you see for yourselves.) http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?msid=207192798388318292131. 0004aa01af6748773e8f7&msa=0&ll=51.558503%2C -0.055275&spn=0.114195%2C0.298691 People are disgusted by the mass looting and fires to people's businesses, homes and cars. The ripple effect has spread, and what started as Tottenham Riots, changed to London Riots and is now UK Riots. Three men were killed in Birmingham and one man was shot in Croydon as a result of the madness that continues. Another man also remains critically ill in hospital after being set upon by thugs. Now everyone has an opinion on this. Some people are blaming the government, others police and the parents of those out there and unsuprisingly, it is turning into a race issue. My point is, it's not just black people doing these things. Every race has been seen on TV looting and although on our screens it's mainly young people seen (News only shows us what they want us to see don't be fooled) I have seen people of all ages and classes involved. One part of society blaming another is not helpful and I believewe need to all stick together and try to help with the resurrection of our society. In all honesty, I'm not a great fan of the police, but they are there to do a job to protect our streets-whether you agree with it or not. It's their job, they're not all racist although I do believe there is institutional racism within the system - but you can't tar them all with the same brush. The people who are getting involved are just following fashion, they don't know why they are doing it! (One girl claimed it was to claim her taxes back- I don't thinkshe had ever worked!!) When it kicked off in Tottenham and everyone saw the looting, it became a game of Grand Theft Auto - Who can mash up their 'ends' the most!!!! I feel people need to start taking responsibility for themselves and for their actions however, it is easier to be following the crowd. How many people who have been dragged into the hype of getting stuff for free or at a discount price? Think how many of you have acquired 'stuff' through ill gains or 'off the back of a lorry'- stolen is stolen..hmmm... #justsaying For example, if you found a wallet on the floor how many of you would hand it to the local police station???? Or if a cash machine started giving out randomly £50.00 notes how many of you would be there with your money bag??? I'm not condoning looting at all but people are happy when they get stuff for free! (You know this.) The big chains do exploit us as a nation and with growing prices I'm not surprised people took their chances. Like Robin Hood, the poor steal from the rich!!! Sadly, these people took it too far when they decided to burn down towns, started robbing houses, local small businesses and innocent people got hurt. One of the worst videos I've seen is of a boy getting robbed after being helped up http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=327J3ISiVOU There are a range of issues in society that have caused the sudden uproar and destruction of the UK unemployment, absent fathers, poverty, social exclusion, demonisation of the youth- if we had looked at these issues sooner would this have happened??? My husband grew up in a poor part of Peckham in the 80's he came from a single parent family and lived much of his childhood on the poverty line. However, he went to college, got a job and even though he became a father at 18, he is a brilliant Dad. (With no criminal record) The fact is, not everyone is a product of what is going on around them. You don't have to fall into the cycle. Everyone has options. Yet, believe it or not, those around you; be it friends, family or community have a part to play in how we all grow. One Lady on LBC made a valid point yes there is poverty all over the UK we are not in Africa there is always fresh water, food and we have a welfare system that everyone has access to if they need it!!! I have had many messages from friends and family stating what they have seen and heard. A lot of people are scared to go out (I have been driving with a baseball bat to protect myself in the event of being attacked) and although it is calming down and there is a greater police presence anything could happen! Last night, I drove to a friends in Norwood from my house in Rotherhithe and back driving through areas such as Forest Hill, Peckham, Crystal Palace, Sydenham, Surrey Quays and Old Kent Road. I can tell you I saw 4 police Vehicles and not more than a dozen police so where they all are is beyond me. I just urge people to know where your children are in these dark days. One mother, who thought her children were at the gym, found out they were looting the Curry's store in Brixton! I do think we, as parents, play an important role in teaching our children right from wrong and to those mothers who were out looting WITH their children "SHAME ON YOU"! Even though my children are still young I made it quite clear to both of them the other day if they ever were involved in anything like I would firstly take the crisp new trainers they had robbed, off their feet hurling them at one part of their body and secondly march them to the local police station handing them in. I don't know how many other parents would do this but I strongly believe in teaching my children right from wrong. A lot of parents act like their children are angels and like their child could never do wrong and these are the worst culprits! Know your children. My daughter is eight, slightly on the mouthy side, can be quite rude when she wants to be, likes to have the last word and sticks up for what she believes in. (Yes, a miniature me). If her teacher says to me she did XYZ today she knows she will be punished. I will protect my children to the end of time but if they have done wrong they need to understand there will be consequences!!! It's nice to see communities coming out and cleaning up the mess and sticking together to show the behaviour we have seen is not on. I've heard about people protecting their areas and making a stand ensuring that anyone who comes near will be met by people who are serious about protecting what they have!! I just hope all this stops and soon London seems to be calming down for now, I'll leave you with an African proverb I have seen on Twitter this week... "It takes a whole village to raise a child."
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