How can we prevent riots

If we want to avoid future outbreaks of violence and discontent, we must do so in a way that fully empowers members of those communities to control their own lives and rise as far as their talents can take them. The temptation will be to take the easy way out and throw money at the problem. This has reduced poverty rates and helped make circumstances for the underprivileged somewhat less trying. Nor will conservative nostrums of tax cuts and deregulation be enough.

But to truly help North Minneapolis and communities like it, we must ensure that economic growth is inclusive, meaning all Americans can fully participate in the opportunities and benefits of such growth. That means paying particular attention to regulations and other policies that protect the status quo at the expense of the disadvantaged.

A good first step would be to eliminate most occupational licensure. Economists have long argued that it is a barrier to entry that protects existing license holders while blocking competition from new entrants.

Poll tax riots on the streets of London, The group allegiances of football crowds: the World Cup. The self-regulating hooligan: Euro , Portugal.

The London riots. Are police attitudes changing? The politics of science. What if the way you express yourself is illegal? Where should the line be drawn between democracy and vandalism; vandalism and art? Looking back with no anger. Instead, they bounced out of the ghettos showing something like insanity.

We should treat insanity therapeutically, not lock it up punitively. Prevention must cost less than punishment. Prevention — investing in interventions that give children emotional stability, hope and opportunities — is not just the cheapest solution it is the right solution, and the most humanitarian. Last week, I worked with a group of young offenders.

One was silent. I thought he was showing how little he cared. I asked him what he would most like to change about his life?

To my surprise, he thought hard. This article is more than 10 years old. Mark Johnson. Prison is the most expensive and least effective response to social unrest. Investing in our poor young people is a cheaper and more humane reaction. Governments could use censorship of the media so that riot triggers aren't publicized, but such behavior is unlikely to be tolerated in a democracy.

Increasing police forces so that mobs don't have time to whip themselves into a frenzy before enforcement arrives would be helpful, but expensive. Social media could play a role; though the technology does make it easier for would-be rioters to find a place to go, it may also be an effective deterrent as lawyers and officials identify people to arrest and prosecute from pictures and messages. Unfortunately, these measures don't address the underlying issues of class and race that provide the fuel for riots.

Perhaps when no one feels unjustly treated, we'll have an end to riots. Of course, then we'll have the flying pigs to deal with. Sign up for our Newsletter! Mobile Newsletter banner close. Mobile Newsletter chat close.