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Sinister Riots In Lurgan
The SDLP's Dolores Kelly claimed "sinister elements" were "directing" riots in Lurgan that followed the arrests last week and that were said to involve children as young as 10. It's no secret that I wish the police would get tougher with those engaging in recreational violence, but Ms Kelly's remarks got me wondering.
We've heard in the past complaints about the police using rubber/plastic bullets and other complaints about "innocent bystanders" being hurt by police as they attempt to contain a dangerously violent mob. Why (or whether) wee Jonny was nipping out to get milk at the exact time that a riot was going on outside is rarely given much debate, but the idea of malcontent individuals inciting children to attack the police got me wondering if these orchestrators are actually trying to get these youngsters hurt.
Think about it. The whole reason they're rioting is because of the raw hatred they feel towards law and order, and what better way to strike at law and order than to give people a new reason to hate the police? We've seen children used as suicide bombers in Israel/Palestine, perhaps these sorts of riots are just a more covert form of exploitation.