It is depressing to hear and see all the news of violence and thuggery which has blighted the lives of Londoners in the past few days. In a modern society we don't expect that to happen but some primitive instincts of human nature - not least greed and envy - seem to take over when the opportunity arises.
We search desperately for answers. Schools, sink estates, unemployment, drugs - is that where we've gone wrong. How could it happen? Ordinary, decent hard-working people are suffering and they don't seserve to see their day-to-day existence ripped apart by young criminals. Most of us can't imagine what it is like to see your home or business go up in flames and feel so utterly desperate when there is no help nearby.
History has a way of re-visiting our lives. The Peasants Revolt of 1381 was an orgy of death and destruction by thousands who marched on London to challenge the authority of Parliament and the Monarchy. Wat Tyler may have thought he had the people with him but in the end this aggressive Essex lad didn't have the sense to curb his demands and Sir William Walworth, the Lord Mayor of London, decided enough was enough and stabbed him to death.
Four hundred years later, the orgy of violence as repeated by the Gordon Riots. This time it was anti-Papist attitudes which fired up the mobs who marched on the capital looting, wrecking the jails, releasing the prisoners and threatening the Bank of England. When the fires died down and the rioters dispersed, Gordon was arrested, charged and remarkably acquitted. His links with the aristocracy had, on this occasion, saved hime and he went on to convert to Judaism.
What will history make of the 2011 madness? Probably the age of many rioters has shocked people and no doubt will be the basis of discussion for many years to come. The flames which touched the heart of a modern, civilised city have left deep social scars as well and had millions of people shaking their heads in disbelief at the images on television and in the newspapers. Will revenge be swift like it was for Wat Tyler and Lord Gordon. Off with their heads! Certainly not. The punishment should fit the crime so take away their Blackberrys first of all. We're a civilised city. Aren't we?
