Debjay's post on the arson of an allotment/community building made sickly reading. I wonder what the final cost will be of this latest pleasurable pastime by these Gastards (a fittingly made-up word). Costs in so many different ways to all those people touched by this attack on ordinary people. Cost to local tax-payers? Cost of re-building? Cost of lost goods and equipment? Cost in difficulties to the allotment holders young and old? The emotional costs to all involved? All this and more because the Gastards wanted a bit of fun no doubt.
I wonder how long it will be before 'ordinary' law abiding people start to show their lack of faith in the law and legal system, the seemingly lack of capability to protect us could too easily get to the position where ‘normal’ people start to take matters into their own hands. That would indeed be a sad day should it ever arise, but who could blame law abiding people who take ‘defensive’ action against this nasty, sick and seemingly un-touchable section of society? Especially if it’s to protect that which is of value to them. The confidence of the community comes by way of assurance regarding personal safety and protection of property and is of paramount importance. Without that support, assurance and protection we have no confidence in the society we live and work in.
The present system is letting people down in a big way. Average, ordinary, hard-working people are being let down by a system that doesn't seem to respond to events. It seems to be allowing Gastards self rule at the expense of the law abiding majority. Even on conviction the Gastards laugh at the legal system.
I feel very sorry for Debjay and her allotment friends and I wish this could have been reported as an isolated incident. Sadly it’s not. It’s happened before and while we have this present ‘softly, softly’ way of dealing with convicted Gastards it will continue.
Like many others here I have been on the receiving end of Gastards. Last December I left my plot due to thieves and vandals and it was a very sad day when I looked over my shoulder for the last time at where me and my pal Skeela had spent so many happy years, I was mad, I was sad but it was only me. To see such a direct attack as the one on Debjay's allotment is something else.
Apart from the 'over-board' suggestions, what are the answer to prevention of these mindless, criminal acts? Apparently we have no answer, at least not one that today’s society wants to accept, but if we don’t find it, what is the future? Unless an answer is found to this seemingly un-stoppable rise in criminal vandalism we will forever be at the mercy of mindless Gastards.
We have had this for too long, the present system doesn’t work. Things need to change.
...or am I just blowing steam?
