Let's try again then. Remember all the Northern Ireland threads in which many people from that region, including yourself Ard, said that people on mainland Britain could not comment because you had to live there to see what was realy happening? Can you not see parallels here? You are repeatedly quoting the press as if what they say is the truth. It isn't. It is only part of it. Would you be happy if I was to post all the articles I ould find about crime and violence in Northern Ireland? Believe me, for every article you have posted I have refrained from posting a similar one about Northern Ireland.

Yes, we all have our problems. No, it's no good turning a blind eye to it. But can you see not see what is happening here? You are suggesting the UK, or Britain as you so blatantly put in the title is a cesspool of violence and iniquity. No where has anyone suggested it is perfect. The truth is that it is somewhere in between. All societies have their problems. Some are worse than others. Some have different issues.

Remember the man-eating virus of a couple of years back? Remember last years bird-flu? Remember the English press having a field day with Irish 'terrorists'? It's what sells papers. The yobs have always been there, I wish that they would go away but they won't leave overnight and just quoting the press over and over does absolutely nothing to further your argument. Unless of course your argument is that the press know better than us? In which case I might as well just go away.

Before I do though I would suggest you take a poll amongst Mudcatters that have visited the UK in recent times. See how much violence and thuggery they have seen. Just check out whether they will be coming back. I won't start it myself but leave it to you to find out the truth for yourself.

Cheers

DtG