A reporter who is prepared to speak his mind? Surely not!
I've always liked the Italians. Having made a few trips over there, they have always seemed to have a logical view of things. Plus they have great wine, and pasta. Some of their cars are quite good as well.
Having been in situations like the G20 demo, although on not quite as big a scale, I know from personal experience how difficult it is to control a large, hostile crowd, and also how easy it could be to allow 'red mist' to descend. Don't get me wrong, any death is regretable and my sympathy goes to the family of the chap that died.
I once asked a senior officer why water cannon was not used, and after getting a load of cowcrud given, he eventually gave two reasons. Economics was one, the other was it not being 'The British way of doing things'. The last answer struck me as very similar to that given when submarines and tanks were first thought of. History repeats itself.
CS gas has been used on the mainland UK, in Toxteth in the early 80's, but it is very difficult to control and it is indiscrimate.
Baton rounds are available, and baton gunners have been on standby at most major 'Public Disorder' incidents in recent years. They were not used, as it takes some senior officer with a big old pair of kahoonies to say 'use them'.
One of the most effective methods of crowd control has been (and will continue to be) horses. Again, having seen them in action, I know how useful they can be. If I saw 3/4 of a ton of armoured steak coming towards me with a bod on its back waving a large persuading stick, I know what I would be doing. Being like Brave Sir Robin, and running away.
I could go on and on and on about this subject, but in summary, I'm very glad that a 'journo' has spoken their mind.
As George Bernard Shaw once said:
"Anarchism is a game at which the Police can beat you."
