Evening out

Paula G · Post by **Paula G** » Tue Aug 09, 2011 5:45 pm

It looks like I will be able to get out on my own and have some Paula time on Saturday night, so I plan to attend my local support group meeting, only two worries - what to wear, and in the light of recent local events will the meeting still be going ahead - the group meets in Croydon the centre of Monday night's disturbance

Michelle Miller · Post by **Michelle Miller** » Tue Aug 09, 2011 9:07 pm

I'm thinking it'll be difficult to find something that is summery and yet will go with improvised weaponry/riot gear, but if anyone can pull it off, you can.

Post by **KimberlyS** » Wed Aug 10, 2011 2:11 am

Good luck with the meeting. Hope the disturbances does not a affect it'.

Absaroka · Post by **Absaroka** » Wed Aug 10, 2011 8:17 am

I hope it goes well. Remember that discretion is the better part of valor.

What were the riots about, anyway?

Zari

Anthony Simon · Post by **Anthony Simon** » Wed Aug 10, 2011 8:48 am

Absaroka wrote:I hope it goes well. Remember that discretion is the better part of valor.

Well, that seems to have been the view of most people in London yesterday. Shops shut early (it was hard to get a coffee at 6PM where I lived) and people seemed to have stayed off the streets. There was an awful lot of fear (in that kind of restrained, understated British manner), but loads more police. As a result nothing much seems to have happened, though the rioting spread to other parts of the country (before there had been only a bit elsewhere).

It's anybody's guess how it's going to be at the weekend, but I think Paula's meeting is quite likely to be called off.

What were the riots about, anyway?

Zari

Answers on a postcard to the PM's office please. But one article I liked:

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/c6feac6c-c1b9 ... abdc0.html

Post by **DonnaT** » Wed Aug 10, 2011 12:34 pm

A shooting sparked the riots http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article ... otout.html

However, there was a peaceful protest that later turned violent, as is bound to happen in such cases.

The rioting was just people wanting to loot, cause damage, and steal as opportunity presented itself. The looters could care less that Duggan had been shot.

Paula G · Post by **Paula G** » Wed Aug 10, 2011 1:08 pm

The protest about the shooting may have been the start, but not the cause. What I have seen does not reflect an angry community protesting against authority, rather it seems to be about greed, self interest and opportunity. I get the impression that many people, not just the young underclass, are taking advantage of the police being occupied elsewhere to run amok and loot, it seems that it is only the fear of getting caught that stops some people from living lawless lives. Does this mean that the riots in 80s where wasted and that Maggie has won?

Susan · Post by **Susan** » Wed Aug 10, 2011 3:49 pm

This has a long way to go yet. The Police have proved to be ineffective and the politicians only spout hot air.

Vigilantism is in the air and only the rain at present is keeping a lid of sorts on matters.

Interesting times

Joan · Post by **Joan** » Wed Aug 10, 2011 4:09 pm

The police, certainly on Monday evening, were much short of being robust. Makes me wonder whether they had an agenda, the Home Secretary also failed to provide direction and leadership.

In political situations the police were robust enough - G20 & students Demos! I do appreciate that whatever tactics they use robust or hands off they are subject to criticism.

Magie was the initial perpetrator in the demise of society, she was the one the spouted that our responsibilty was to our own foremost and last.

I must add there is no excuse for the behaviour of thugs and thieves over the last few days.

Joan

Paula G · Post by **Paula G** » Fri Aug 12, 2011 2:42 am

It appears that the others in teh Croydon group are all goingto Brighton for the big Pride event there, so no local meeting this week. So here I am with a Saturday night when I can get out on my own with nothing on, you could say all dressed up and nowhere to go, looks like I might end up staying at home and watching the Cricket high lights or a film of TV again after all.
If not on Saturday then I'm not at all sure when Paula will get out again.

Erica S · Post by **Erica S** » Fri Aug 12, 2011 7:19 am

Paula,

Whatever you decide to do I hope you have fun and are safe (if you go out dressed)

Hugs,

Erica

Davita · Post by **Davita** » Fri Aug 12, 2011 5:28 pm

I suspect this is too late, but the can be advice for next time...

Just because the plan fell through doesn't mean you should cancel time out en fem. Take these cancellations as chances to break out of the same routines and make some new routines. Next time you will have more choices and so less likely to be all dressed up with no place to go.

Paula G · Post by **Paula G** » Sun Aug 14, 2011 9:41 am

In the end I did not go out, my wife was not feeling well so I stayed at home with her - after all we have to get our priorities right - one of the good things about a group like this is that it is a safe place to go out of an evening, especially a Saturday night. I can't think of any places I could go and feel totaly safe as a lone CD around here on a Saturday night. Now if I had someone to go with whether another Cd or a civilian it woudl be a different matter. there are a couple of my GG friends who I have been considering coming out to, if only so I can have some company on occasion, but I am sure you are all aware of all the arguments and fears involved in my internal debate on this.