Mad

I can't believe it! I've just heard on the radio that the government is now contemplating removing benefits from people found guilty of participating in the recent riots. Is it just me, how is it going to help to remove people's income, as well as their homes from them?

The vast majority of people in receipt of state benefits need that income. Most are unwell or unemployed. That doesn't mean they are lazy. Most do want work, want to earn their own money but can't for some reason. Yes, some people who are out of work aren't seriously looking for work, but that is usually because they have had so many rejections they cannot face any more, at least not without help & support. 

Certainly these are among the people may have had some cause to riot, to want changes in the system, want to be able to have some reason to hope, to realistically dream of a better life for themselves & their families. What they don't need is being made hungry, homeless & poorer than they already are. 

In what I have written I'm not condoning the riots. Where crimes have been committed, they should be punished. Personally I can see no justification for the vandalism, arson & theft that took place. I just don't see how these penalties, affecting not only those involved but their, often innocent, families, are going to make a happier & safer society in which to live.