6 responses to “When will you people fucking learn?”
I think we need to separate the stupid, offensive campaign (and the police brutality/fatality in the news) from the general principle.
I think that we all should become police informants. If I was beaten up or burgled or killed then I would rather hope someone would inform the police forthwith. “Yeah, I know who killed Robin but I’m not a grass. I have principles.” I happen to think the ‘murder is wrong’ principle trumps the ‘grassing is wrong’ principle.
Piers, if the campaign were about ratting on neighbours who leave smelly wheelbins outside their homes, then I’m with you 100%.
And I think the original advert wasn’t exactly inspiring (unlike your reworked version).
But the basic principal seems reasonable to me. And it’s not exactly “spying on your neighbours”. Isn’t the gist of the message “if you think your neighbours are making an explosive device that could kill lots of people, then it might be a good idea to have a quiet word with the cops”?
OK, the advert was crass. And it was a waste of money.
But the basic concept of preventing mass murder seems reasonable enough.
And let’s not forget that once your neighbours have been reported for throwing away cleaning products or looking at CCTV cameras, they can be held for 28 days WITHOUT CHARGE.
28 days probably soon to become 42days, and if some people get their own way then 90 days – without necessarily actually having done anything illegal.
If I didn’t go into work for that long, I’d lose my job – and shortly afterwards, my house.
6 responses to “When will you people fucking learn?”
I think we need to separate the stupid, offensive campaign (and the police brutality/fatality in the news) from the general principle.
I think that we all should become police informants. If I was beaten up or burgled or killed then I would rather hope someone would inform the police forthwith. “Yeah, I know who killed Robin but I’m not a grass. I have principles.” I happen to think the ‘murder is wrong’ principle trumps the ‘grassing is wrong’ principle.
If the campaign was “Have you seen your neighbours commit a criminal act?” then I might accept your argument.
But it isn’t.
This campaign is asking everyone to become an informant, not a witness. Two completely different things.
It is not my job to spy on people for the government. End of.
Piers, if the campaign were about ratting on neighbours who leave smelly wheelbins outside their homes, then I’m with you 100%.
And I think the original advert wasn’t exactly inspiring (unlike your reworked version).
But the basic principal seems reasonable to me. And it’s not exactly “spying on your neighbours”. Isn’t the gist of the message “if you think your neighbours are making an explosive device that could kill lots of people, then it might be a good idea to have a quiet word with the cops”?
OK, the advert was crass. And it was a waste of money.
But the basic concept of preventing mass murder seems reasonable enough.
Link to the two posters.
The first poster urges you to report anyone who puts cleaning products in their rubbish.
The second poster urges you to report anyone looking at a CCTV camera.
I submit that these are completely different to “If you think your neighbours are plotting to kill someone, call the police.”
Which can be done by calling your local police station at any time. Number’s in the phone book.
And let’s not forget that once your neighbours have been reported for throwing away cleaning products or looking at CCTV cameras, they can be held for 28 days WITHOUT CHARGE.
28 days probably soon to become 42days, and if some people get their own way then 90 days – without necessarily actually having done anything illegal.
If I didn’t go into work for that long, I’d lose my job – and shortly afterwards, my house.
I’m with Piers. Enough’s enough.
Yes, it’s too much.