The Politics of Envy is the new threat to national security

I have been watching the debate and the analysis of the riots all day. It is clear to me. The riots weren't about class or race or the cuts. It is about people wanting things for free and without working for them. I have long seen this trait in children around me and I worry about it.

The politics of envy come from the celebrity culture which is widely adored by children everywhere. Take this as an example, Justin Bieber the pop star, has a twitter account and whenever he tweets it only takes 30 seconds for it to be retweeted 100+ times. For 100 plus teenagers to be sitting there waiting for Justin to say something amounts to an obsession. Shows like X-Factor or Britain's Got Talent are taken by children to mean that all they have to do is to sing or dance to become famous and rich. Children never pay attention to the judges criticism of those who have no talentc or how those who do have talent have to work harder. Children only hear what they want to hear and see and they see fame and wealth in these shows. 

Children would not have participated in the riots if the parents had taught them between right and wrong. Not all parents, however, are bothered to do this. For example, a 15 year old boy was in court today and his parents did not even bother to show up. The judge shook his head at this. Also, children are copycats. If one does something the others will follow and join in.

People are saying that the bankers created a culture of greed and that the rioters are following their example. I don't think the rioters can be compared. The rioters were opportunistic and were looking for what they could not afford. The children in the riots probably don't even follow politics close enough to know about the banking crash and sub-prime mortgages.

Gang culture has been mentioned as being behind the riots. Apprently the children join gangs for protection reasons and to feel part of a family. I find this sad. Why can't they find this at home?  I heard a woman two days ago say that if the Government forces single mothers to go back to work when the child is 5 years then the child will join a gang. I couldn't understand why this should be the case. Are gangs babysitters?

I don't think any Government can ever do enough to save children from knife and gang culture and broken homes. We must realise that the solution is a partnership between parents, Governments, social workers, teachers, police and youth leaders. But the child still has to want to participate in society. We can help but they must then take responsibility for their actions and learn to help themselves.

Our Western style of democracy was taken advantage of by the rioters. Libyan TV was broadcasting the riots and telling Libyans that people in the UK were demonstrating in support of Gaddafi. We were used. With China on the rise and how it does not believe in human rights we must protect our freedom and carry on dealing with those who threaten it.