What Can We Learn From The Riots?

It is with this in mind that I ask a simple question - which interpretation will result in the most positive outcome - The right-wing or the left?
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The riots in London were widespread. Shops were looted, houses burnt and cars destroyed. The media has been arguing over the causes of the riots and what motivated the rioters. The basic divide seems clear: the right-wing blame social media and the left blame income inequality and funding cuts.

One thing is clear: the media is setting the agenda here. The looters continued to rob and steal whilst the media dictated the public's feelings towards the crisis.

It is with this in mind that I ask a simple question - which interpretation will result in the most positive outcome?

The right-wing or the left?

If the government were to pander to the right, we may see civil liberties in the form of social media being suppressed if a riot occurred again. If the government were to pander to the left, we would see possible economic and policing reforms.

With this in mind, does it really matter which side of the argument reflects the most objective truth?

Clearly it is the outcome of these riots that is important - these will be the consequences which our children must live with.

With this in mind, the left-wing interpretation bears the most potential fruit. It is clear that the riots have their roots in economic and social problems. The actual motivations of the rioters may not reflect economics - but the conditions within which their rioting 'nerves' were harvested do.

The government must take these riots as a sign of ineffective policy. Funding cuts must be compromised for the sake reducing income inequality. Funding for youth programmes must see a fortification. Upon such cuts, young people no longer have the youth centres which have for so long harvested their creative energies.

Young people will then resort to the streets as a place to relax. This will bring with it many social problems - including boredom and rioting.

The government faces a clear choice - improve funding for youth programmes and reduce income inequality, or prepare for the next riot.

The rioters may not have had a cause - they may have been rioting for the adrenaline and loot. But the blame behind creating the social and economic conditions within which such energies can reach fruition lies with the government.

Cameron, it's time to take a step back and think about what really caused this crisis.