That's pretty much what the Bishop is saying though.
It was the blame being put on Thatcher I was disagreeing with.
Nope,it is down to the breakdown of family/school and general discipline when young in my opinion.
All british boys/men should do a years service in the forces when they are young to help with discipline.
You cannot blame governments and the such for this...it is down to lack of respect and no discipline.
I'd totally blame the government for this. Parents and teachers aren't allowed to discipline children any more, if they do they'll end up being arrested or sacked or sued. Don't see how you can blame them (parents and teachers) when their hands are pretty much tied - if the kid says fuck you then what are they supposed to do?
I don't see military service being the answer as the damage is often done well before that. My solution would be military style boot camps which kids get sent to if their parents and teachers can't control them, or if they break the law. Take them away from their mates, mobile phones, video games, internet, booze and so on and they'd get the message pretty quick.
A massive rethink is needed on the whole criminal system as well. As soon as someone gets an adult criminal record they're fucked and the chances of them getting out of the criminal life style are drastically reduced. Far too many end up in prison when there are better options such as curfews, tagging and various other restrictions that can be placed on them.
Take those arrested during the riots for the more minor offences (like grabbing something from a shop that had already been broken in to). Give them a a choice - a criminal record and some time in prison, or 1000 hours community service over the next 5 years. Plenty of options available.
