tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6789853048889996288.post4202296918800551927..comments2012-10-29T19:41:16.192+13:00Comments on Global Dialog 1: Britain: London's burning issueUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6789853048889996288.post-19495264461638378872011-08-11T23:15:01.230+12:002011-08-11T23:15:01.230+12:00David Cameron has attempted to encourage public pa...David Cameron has attempted to encourage public participation in the process of improving society through the government's "Big Society" concept. This has taken time to take hold. However, the London Evening Standard reported on July 29 that "Cameron's vision for a Big Society bank became reality today, with the first investment set to help disadvantaged young people into work or education.<br /><br />The bank, now relaunched as Big Society Capital, is set to receive £600 million in equity capital in the coming months - £400 million from dormant bank accounts and £200 million from the big four UK high street banks.<br /><br />It is aimed at giving socially orientated financial organisations greater access to affordable capital, so they can in turn help charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups."<br /><br />The New Statesman, Morning Star and the Left have been scathing of the initiative. The Morning Star reported on August 2, "David Cameron's Big Society propaganda bubble well and truly burst today after it was revealed cuts to vital local services risked a meltdown in Britain's social infrastructure.<br /><br />The trade union-backed False Economy website found that around 2,000 charities and community groups were facing budget cuts of at least 5 per cent, with some losing their funding altogether.<br /><br />False Economy researchers said that the cuts risked jeopardising entire charitable operations in some of the most deprived parts of the country."<br /><br />In the end, you're right. If the people don't press for change themselves then society can't improve. Governments can attempt to set the stage for societal development, but the people themselves have to demand it.<br /><br />The spontaneous response to riots in London is exemplified by action taken by locals in Clapham Junction in Battersea, when hundreds came out into the streets to assist local shopkeepers in the clean-up operation and to sweep roads clear of debris. Perhaps this will be the start of a process of regeneration and a huge improvement in community spirit.<br /><br />After the 7/7 terrorist attack on London in 2005, American journalists noted that the peoples' calm and community-spirited response was indicative of the spirit of the British when under attack during the Blitz in WWII.<br /><br />The current turmoil in the UK might spur a similar response.<br /><br />However, news of three Asians mowed down by a car as they attempted to protect local property in Birmingham was an horrific crime, derisable and utterly condemnable. There's been an understandably angry reaction from local Asians and then sensible calls for calm.<br /><br />It has to be hoped that the spirit of community which existed during the Battle of Britain will prevail. Actions of left- or right-wing lunatics or fanatics to further stoke the flames of dissent or to use the mayhem to incite should be stamped on with the full force of the law and the utter condemnation of the people.Robert Kimbellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11581252229039424449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6789853048889996288.post-68349607406207266932011-08-10T10:47:09.603+12:002011-08-10T10:47:09.603+12:00There is a saying that goes something like this, &...There is a saying that goes something like this, "how a house is built is how it has to be maintained".<br /><br />I think it's evident that this is a systemic problem, however I feel that looking to 'authorities' to patch these issues is missing the boat entirely.<br /><br />Change can only be affected by desire firstly and secondly by will. There will never be a willing authority - it doesn't suit the model. History shows us that the will to change must come from people themselves or their society will slip into oblivion. The challenge is to the people. If you shirk responsibility and obey denial other people will control your life indefinitely.Marcelnoreply@blogger.com