New York Times (August 17)
In the UK, “the thousands who were arrested last week for looting and for more violent crimes should face the penalties that are prescribed by law.” It is, however, petty and misguided to try to further persecute them as Prime Minister Cameron has suggested by “cutting off government benefits even to minor offenders and evicting them.” The Prime Minister should focus on restarting the economy and creating jobs. “Making poor people poorer will not make them less likely to steal. Making them, or their families, homeless will not promote respect for the law. Trying to shut down the Internet in neighborhoods would be an appalling violation of civil liberties and a threat to public safety, denying vital real-time information to frightened residents.”
