I'd defend most anyone against unasked for assaults

[bigtree]

I don't think Prince Charles and his wife deserved to have their vehicle set upon by students or anyone else. That's not the type of society I want to see. That behavior isn't a reflection of any movement that I would associate with. There's nothing anyone else does that can or should force me to take up arms or violence against someone to promote or further some political cause. It's counterproductive; and, its a mockery and antithesis of the very principles individuals often assert in their protests. It's nothing to celebrate or cheer. Outbursts of violence and violent protests are sometimes as unavoidable as they are regrettable, but we shouldn't be encouraging such a base level of expression and persuasion.

[Kablooie]

1. He didn't deserve it but he is a symbol. That's why he was attacked.

[Brickbat]

2. When your job is existing as a symbol, you can't be surprised when people attack the symbol.

It's happened a few times in history.

[bemildred]

3. "Deserve's got nothin' to do with it." -- William Munny

Well, I agree, but they also have no more right than the rest of us to be exempt from this sort of thing.

[Hardrada]

4. We shouldn't be encouraging royal stupidity either.

Why were they parading around in a Rolls when a horde of very angry students were OCCUPYING PARLIAMENT SQUARE? And who is writing the script for all this anyway? It is very cinematic like Dr. Zhivago or some such flick.

[Lasher]

18. Right, incredibly bad timing having your opulence on full display.

Before a crowd of victimized students.

[pinboy3niner]

5. Good movements sometimes do bad things

Some in the Vietnam antiwar movement abused veterans. Some couldn't "separate the war from the warrior." It happened. If anti-authoritarian movements were more authoritarian, maybe these things wouldn't happen. :)

[leftstreet]

6. Shit happens n/t

[FamousBlueRaincoat]

7. it's all good

When people rise up, it's not pretty, and it's not usually romantic until history is written.

If revolution didn't put leaders in danger, than it wouldn't really be a revolution, would it?

For those of us who want a society with better leaders, or where the people are the leaders, or with no leaders, there are bigger things to worry about than a prince getting scared. In fact, I would like to see more princes scared.

[Tunkamerica]

9. thank you for that

Not all movements can be confined to thinking subversive thoughts and using mildly discouraging words on the internet.

[Name removed]

8. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[bigtree]

10. am I wrong in thinking

. . . that you're advocating violence?

(seemingly silly question, but I didn't want to be presumptive)

[HEyHEY]

11. Nope, just intimidation

I really think that we're at a point where no one gives a shit about the government policies they are leaving behind for their children.

[bigtree]

12. threats of violence?

[HEyHEY]

13. yup

I think what the students in the UK are doing is spot on. No one was listenting to them, this will seriously effect their lives.

[bigtree]

14. what about consequences for the ones encouraged to act in that way?

Is that also a concern of yours?

[Metric System]

15. Whoa.

[Catherina]

16. Two expensive pieces of decoration driving through an auusterity protest

in a grotesquely expensive Bentley on their way to a frivolous activity, dressed to the T, dripping with millions of pounds of diamonds and emeralds, shouldn't be too surprised at extreme hostility.

They pissed their knickers in fear did they? Tough shit.

[upi402]

17. unasked for assaults...

I imagine the "asked for" variety is a bit pricey. No?

[safeinOhio]

19. You have to breaks some eggs

to make an omelet.