The Talking Clock: My thoughts on the student Millbank protests.... including praise for the Met Police, for a change.

The Talking Clock is an opinion based, independently authored, small 'c' conservative, libertarian blog.

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Wednesday, 10 November 2010

My thoughts on the student Millbank protests.... including praise for the Met Police, for a change.

You've no doubt seen the images of the student protests in Millbank.

I'm not sure I agree with their cause. I can see both sides of what the students think on tuition fees. I can also see what the politicians - and no doubt some of the taxpayers - might say. Should University tuition be free? Probably not, no. Should it cost as much as £9,000..? Probably not, no.

Do I agree with the students having smashed things up a bit? Absolutely not, no.

I'm also trying to remember whether student groups were violent towards Labour when they reneged on tuition fee pledges. And I'm not sure there were such scenes. Which smacks of political bias.

I think the BBC would like us all to criticise the Met Police. However, from what I have seen - thus far - I would PRAISE the Met Police. They have facilitated a protest, even when it turned violent, and had to treat a situation with some fluidity. Again and I stress - from what I have seen - I think they have handled the situation very well indeed. I would praise the Met Police for doing what I pay them for - facilitating the people's voice and stepping in when a line too far had been crossed.

And while I do not support the student violence...

...I still find it somewhat reassuring that some of our younger folk appear to have a bit of spirited fire in their belly.

2 comments:

Harbinger10 November 2010 19:41
You and I disagree on this TC.

Firstly those in westminster had the privilege of a grant system and so should our students.

Secondly, mass immigration has driven more of our youth to university, many whom would normally have gone into jobs in the community or a trade, but haven't because of mass immigration into the UK and job scarcity. A degree will get them out of the UK (although a trade would also).

Thirdly, think about it? Were the UK to pull out of the EU that's £40million a day that would sort out education. No Iraq/Afghan war - more cash. No bank bailout - more cash. No Eu students subsidized - more cash. Far higher foreign student costs - more cash.

Fourthly, if violent protest means change of policy detrimental to society then so be it. I'm all for it.

Students are showing up the rest of society in their action against the government. It's a pity we don't do the same isn't it?
Do I agree in violent protest? No
Do I agree in government obliteration of the UK? No
Do I therefore agree in violent protest to stop government obliteration of the UK? Damn right!
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The Talking Clock10 November 2010 19:50
(smiles) Harbinger, we don't disagree to too great a degree. I'm with you 100% on it all the way - except the bit about violent protest.

Millions of people staging a sit in so that Parliament and The City could not operate - that I'd support.

And rounding up those politicians who commit treason and putting them on trial - that I'd support.

But I'm not violent in nature. Normally.
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