Belfast another appalling attack, we need to ask what is driving this.

Galaxy

Presumably we should also understand the people protesting tonight, after all they have just witnessed a beheading on their streets.

I doubt whether those protesting witnessed anything, they heard about it in the media I would think?

It won’t be until the cold light of day sees plenty of them in court for other violent acts, carried out to protest against this violent act, that the light will dawn for those individuals sadly. That is so often the way for protests.

Galaxy

Presumably we should also understand the people protesting tonight, after all they have just witnessed a beheading on their streets.

The hundreds protesting tonight did not witness the attack Galaxy a few people did and no, I don’t understand children throwing flares at the police, others setting fire to private vehicles and an attempt to set fire to a HMO. Many of the people popping on their balaclavas ready by their front doors.

Yet we are being asked to understand the sad feelings of a man who attempted to behead another.

Who by Galaxy?

Oh there will be arrests I have no doubt, then there will be diversity is our strength, more united than divided, something about controlling social media, and it will work as well as the last time.

Wyllows post gave detailed reasons about not excusing but understanding casdon.

You can’t fight fire with fire, and I feel sorry for the people of Belfast tonight suffering violent protests that won’t help the poor victim or his loved ones, or help the police investigate this terrible case, the only thing it might achieve are more injuries or worse.
A terrible state of affairs.

Maremia

What answers have you found so far Sago?

I have learnt that Khat/Qat is a popular drug that can cause psychosis.

I have learnt that the people of Belfast are not taking this lying down.

I have learnt that many posters will not accept that we have a problem with violent immigrants on our streets.

*Glaxy I am suggesting that we have to understand all the strands involved on the events we are witnessing and I was alluding to one I do know about first hand, both the lady who came over after great violence and turned it to the good, and the patients who suffered from psychotic internalised racism.

They had turned the racism against themselves - others psychosis turn it outward. `it becomes just one of the factors we have to consider.

It never excuses violence, but if we fail to understand that particular strand we cannot deal with it. Just as the many examples of dreadful white violence that involve Mental Health issues have to be understood or we can never deal with them.

I think the O/P is just another whipping up of hatred and out come the anti immigration crew.

Because we have been given not just so many examples of events that had they had a racial element are headlines, and lead to riots because of the reporting,

But even reliable statistics showing that the % of this sort of violent crime is not higher amongst immigrants.

Sorry, Galaxy as in my first line.

I am absolutely disgusted by people who think escalating violence solves anything.

We are not like the balls on a Newton's Cradle, which always react when hit. We are rational human beings with brains and free will.

While Tommy Robinson and Elon Musk have been calling for protests in Belfast, Robinson and Musk's father have been meeting on Moscow. Quote from Robinson: “I’ve come to see how this country got itself so well on to the straight and narrow and see the beauty of a civilised society here.” It's a wonder he didn't want to fly Russian flags rather than Union Jacks!! Oh what a patriot!

I just do not understand how people can't see that they are being manipulated by some very malign players.

Sago

Maremia

What answers have you found so far Sago?

I have learnt that Khat/Qat is a popular drug that can cause psychosis.

I have learnt that the people of Belfast are not taking this lying down.

I have learnt that many posters will not accept that we have a problem with violent immigrants on our streets.

And just how does that move anything forward?

Whipping up hatred. Oh God I give up.

from BBC I player an hour ago

"North Belfast MP, Sinn Féin's John Finucane said: "There is understandable disgust and revulsion at the horrific attempted murder that took place last night.
I share that revulsion.

But the scenes we are witnessing tonight, family homes attacked, cars burnt, damaged infrastructure and parts of our community in flames, are shameful and disgraceful

No one has the right to spread fear, terrorise innocent families or unleash lawless disorder on our streets

He says the focus "must remain on supporting the victim".

The actions of those who are destroying their own communities are totally unacceptable

"It is clear that the horrendous attack last night is being used to whip up fear, division and hatred. That must be called out."

Well yes as I predicted up thread.
Then diversity is our strength.
Social media controls.
Stronger together then divided.
I am sure it will be as successful as previously.

Quote form Belfast Live Facebook page by resident

"Where is the same level of outrage about violence against women, or domestic abuse, child abuse, acts committed by local people. I'd welcome this level of concern for all acts of violence... The ability of local people to spring into action for political gain absolutely astounds me. Let's just band together to support the police and all the victims of this crime"

Photos show the scene. Its quite obvious which group are behind yet another incident.

Galaxy

Well yes as I predicted up thread.
Then diversity is our strength.
Social media controls.
Stronger together then divided.
I am sure it will be as successful as previously.

Why should we stop calling out those who foment violence just becuase we've "heard it before?

'Look at that over there' isn't going to work either. But on it will go.

I've been trying to work out which area of Belfast, ie whether it was a Catholic area specifically under attack, by old enemies, or non specific. Can't find information yet.

Galaxy

'Look at that over there' isn't going to work either. But on it will go.

By supporting it, you are just as much part of it. It's not about looking at anything over there.

Yes along with supporting misogyny I am now supporting violence. Obviously.

It’s much easier to criticise what others are doing than it is to find any workable solutions - because all the options have inbuilt downsides.

Well yes of course.
But I don't think saying the same things over and over again and hoping it will work is really a workable plan.
If peoples vote doesn't work ( and it hasn't time and time again) then they will protest. And involved in that will of course be some dangerous people.

Incidents are a trigger, but are almost unrelated to protests though, no political solution other than an oppressive dictatorship would stop sporadic outbreaks of mass violence, it’s been happening for hundreds of years.

Wyllow3

I've been trying to work out which area of Belfast, ie whether it was a Catholic area specifically under attack, by old enemies, or non specific. Can't find information yet.

The attack last night took place in a predominantly Catholic area of the City.

Before anyone leaps down my throat I am well aware this is not sectarian.