David Starkey, historian, decided now is a good time to bring up Enoch Powell’s ‘Rivers of Blood’ speech in relation to the London riots. It’s an argument so reductionist he actually distilled the cultural debate to who is ‘black’ and ‘white’. Like an inappropriate uncle drunkenly ranting at the family lunch, this is not his finest hour.
First published in The Baptist Times, 12/08/11
I support the idea of protest but the mindless violence and opportunistic looting in the UK lacked any genuine motivation. If they had gone for food or medical supplies I would’ve at least understood their needs but running off with X-Boxes, designer clothes and sports shoes says more about consumer branding than any proper poverty.
The violence in London makes it harder for genuine protests (like in Syria) to be heard.
I read today that Apple now has more cash than the US government. This is disturbing especially when you consider which welfare programmes are being cut from the US budget (today’s news is also about the US debt ceiling agreement). Are transnationals like Apple stepping in to pick up the tab to fund medicare or social security? Sadly not – it’s not their responsibility. But is the state allowed to tax them more to fill the funding gap? Not if the likes of the Tea Party have their way.
Cake Or Death (Christian Church cartoons by Alex Baker) 