I have read today that the cutting of the EMA grant is the cause of the recent riots. What a ridiculous and offensive suggestion. In my opinion it is EMA and a string of policies and attitudes like it which are to blame for the recent disorder. The looting was nothing more than mindless self-gratifying violence and selfish opportunism. To think there was any political motive would be naïve. It happened because people were selfish and didn’t give a damn about the consequences. Not for themselves (because they knew there wouldn’t be any), and not for others (because they didn’t care).

This country is in trouble. Our Education system is failing, parents are failing and the state is failing. The root of our problem is the culture and ideas which this country has brought young people up with. Firstly the idea that you can get something for nothing, that this world owes you a living.

EMA sums this up. We’re going to give you something for nothing. That’s unsustainable in the real world (as it has in fact proven). If we want kids to stay in school longer, make it compulsory. Apart from being a waste of money it’s a terrible attitude to instil.

The benefits system is another example of this. It is not uncommon today to see people claiming over £20,000 a year in benefits once you add all the different ones up. This says nothing for the free travel, prescription charges and other benefits.

Most of my friends earn around £10,000 a year and yet we are paying tax to give benefits to people doing nothing. The average salary is only just over £20,000 a year. Something is deeply wrong here.

If you want to be successful you have to work hard. There’s no other way. But that’s not the attitude we bring people up with.

Another idea young people are brought people up with is that; there are no consequences for your actions.
Do what and say what you want to your teacher. They can’t do anything back to you. British teachers face acts of violence and abuse every day and no one helps them. Many have been forced to leave the profession. We could easily solve this by giving our teachers a few more powers.

You can break the law. There won’t be any consequences other than a slap on the wrist. Rob and steal, you won’t go to jail. It’s not like we have any prison places left anyway. The British justice system will do whatever it can to keep you out. After all we need to keep costs down to pay you your benefits. Do what you want who cares if your actions impact on other people. Play the system, it will always defends the perpetrator.

This seems to have been proven in the rioting case, as many have walked away free despite thieving and vandalism.