The Recession and the Summer of Rage

I see that British police aren't buying the latest Great Recession mantra; just think happy thoughts and it will go away.

They're preparing for a summer of rage.

Police are preparing for a "summer of rage" as victims of the economic downturn take to the streets to demonstrate against financial institutions, the Guardian has learned.

Britain's most senior police officer with responsibility for public order raised the spectre of a return of the riots of the 1980s, with people who have lost their jobs, homes or savings becoming "footsoldiers" in a wave of potentially violent mass protests.

Now I must admit that when I first read this story I had a hard time imagining hordes of middle class people rioting in the streets. Could they really be THAT angry?

But then I read what Chesley Sullenberger....the hero pilot....told Congress today.

They cut his pay, they terminated his pension, they forced him to work two jobs seven days a week to survive.

And I thought why shouldn't people be really angry at an inhuman economic system that treats people like animals?

And do we really just want to put lipstick on that pig again? When it's causing so much misery. ...and torching the planet.

Or will the Greatest Recession be the greatest opportunity to push for real change?

Will rage consume us? Will it lead to fascism?

Or will it be the burning light ....of a new world rising?