Students

[tobyaw]

Student tuition fees was the big issue in English politics today. Clegg defended his position at PMQs, while the NUS marched outside. There was potential to damage the coalition, particularly with the politically opportunist change of heart on fees by Labour.

But then it all went wrong for the students: the protests descended into violence and confrontation, and the news channels were filled with students expressing astonishing levels of entitlement. Students justifying their bully-boy tactics made for pretty unpleasant listening. I felt great sympathy for the people working in the Millbank Tower and at 30 Millbank, and in the surrounding area.

The students' message appeared to be that they want taxpayers to give them money, and if they don't, violence will follow. Isn't that a protection racket?

What a nasty bunch.

Comments

[silme.livejournal.com]

I know that you're a Tory and I'm not :), but I'll be curious to hear about the march from the student perspective (and not the media's) tomorrow. One of my second-year lit student organised our college's student entourage at the rally today; he was the one who arranged the coach etc. (I teach him tomorrow.)

Also, some of my teaching colleagues attended. I'll be interested in hearing their perspective. Like me, they're UCU members. I did think about attending, but the sad thing is I don't dare to miss much time as we can't fall behind -- there's so much to teach; I rarely take sick days also and feel bad when I do have to take a sick day. I don't feel bad about missing for an exam board course simply because they help us aid students. We're given tips and information that otherwise isn't received.

I will watch the news at 6pm. I've not seen anything before now as I've been teaching all day. There's been little opportunity even to read work email today -- it's been that busy, alas.

Edit: Ah, it sounds as if it started peacefully and mostly was peaceful until a small minority went wild. *sigh* There's always someone who has to ruin it. :(