The Engines of Anarchy

I wasn't going to blog on the weekend, but sat here watching the news I'm not sure i can help myself...

I'm watching the footage of the anti-Israel/pro-Hamas rally.* Why is it that shop windows need to be smashed and face masks worn by the protesters? Why are they throwing things at the police? (if you want to see a tamer version of today's rally, see the link on my second blog post)

Is this another example of the "loony left" using people's suffering to whip up anarchy and fear - just like in Athens last month? I dare say it is. Why can't the good people among that rally, out to protest for a cause they believe in, not see that they are being taken for a ride by extremists? They're being used as pawns by extremists islamist groups and groups such as the SWP who just relish the opportunity to throw things at the police and show Starbucks what for.

It's about time people started paying attention to what causes these rallies to turn so nasty so quickly. And don't tell me it is because they are so desperate. In this conflict, not only do I not believe that to be anywhere near enough of a good excuse for breaking the law and harming policemen, but it's only making the Palestinian supporters look like violent and out-of-control extremists.

*I call it that intentionally. It is not, as some news sources would have it, a pro-Gaza rally. I am pro-Gaza, but would never dream of attending that rally).