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Editorial

The Illusion of Safety

Tuesday, August 23, 2011 – by Ron Paul

Dr. Ron Paul

Recent incidents of violence in Norway and London have made us understandably uncomfortable here at home, as many fear that a worsening economy will lead to violence and unrest in American cities. This is why Congress must view the economy as its first priority and a matter of national security: unless and until we get our fiscal house in order to foster economic growth, civil society will continue to deteriorate.

The fundamental lesson every American should learn from these incidents is that government cannot protect us. No matter how many laws we pass, no matter how many police or federal agents we put on the streets, a determined individual or group can still cause great harm. Both Norway and England have strict gun control laws, and London in particular has security cameras monitoring nearly all public areas. But laws and spy cameras are useless in the face of lawless mobs or sick mass killers. Only private individuals on the scene could have prevented or lessened these tragedies. And we should remember that theft, arson, and property damage were not the only criminal acts in London – innocent bystanders were assaulted and killed as well. In those instances deadly force used in self-defense would have been fully justified.

Perhaps the only good that can come from these terrible events is a reinforced understanding that we as individuals are responsible for our safety and the safety of our families. This means, frankly, that we must safely own and use firearms to deter or prevent criminal assaults on our homes and persons. It is absurd to think police or government agents can protect 310 million Americans around the clock.

Thanks to our media and many government officials, however, Americans have become conditioned to view the state as our protector and the solution to every problem. Whenever something terrible happens, especially when it becomes a prominent news story, people reflexively demand that government do something. This impulse almost always leads to bad laws, more debt, and the loss of liberty. It is completely at odds with the best American traditions of self-reliance and individual responsibility.

Do we really want to live in a world of police checkpoints, surveillance cameras, and metal detectors? Do we want to imprison every disturbed or alienated individual who fantasizes about violence? Do we really believe government can provide total security? Or can we accept that liberty is more important than the illusion of state-provided security?

Freedom is not defined by safety. Freedom is defined by the ability of citizens to live without government interference unless they use force or fraud against others. Government cannot create a world without risks, nor would we really wish to live in such a fictional place. Only a totalitarian society would even claim absolute safety as a worthy ideal, because it would require total state control over its citizens' lives. Liberty has meaning only if we still believe in it when terrible things happen and a false government security blanket beckons.




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  Posted by wulirider on 08/23/11 07:36 PM

Posted by alexsemen on 08/23/11 11:54 AM
Dear Noel,
don't ask mr. Ron Paul. he don't knows because there will business as usual, and nothing will happen!
First of all the future doesn't exist only when it become the past.
2012 change of Consciousness !!???
Yes , indeed will be ! We will be slaves , absolutely slaves and to be perfect accepted slave will be necessary another Consciousness or better Conscious -less humble under human as cows and pigs !

All good. Personally, I created a scenario analyzer for taking into consideration the main man-made events possible and any extraterrestrial events you might want to consider. In either case, you can add or subtract as many as you want, and THEN, put in the probability that you believe of its actual occurrence. THEN the spread sheet does the analysis of one or more of the events happening. Why do this? This can help any individual or family assess staying where they are (city or country), bugging out to safer ground, another part of the country or leaving the country. Myself, I moved to the country from the city, as that is my preferred location even for economic dark days ahead with the dollar collapse and probable marshal law scenario. However, any Bio weapon, atmospheric drift, any nuke, could require I get out and head further South, even leave the country. Finally, any pending cosmological event, well, depends on what happens and how soon we find out. Anyway, I have found using the scenario analyzer helped me to better prepare for pending scenarios, based on my personal idea of their happening. My alternative plans for Bug-out, retreat, vehicle prep, leaving and how far, have been made robust with this approach. KNOWING that the elites, the ancient regime has done what it has done, knowing what I understand about Secret Space Wars, leads me to lean toward certain alternative scenarios and let the dice roll!!!
Best
Noel

  Posted by wulirider on 08/23/11 07:36 PM

Posted by alexsemen on 08/23/11 11:54 AM
Dear Noel,
don't ask mr. Ron Paul. he don't knows because there will business as usual, and nothing will happen!
First of all the future doesn't exist only when it become the past.
2012 change of Consciousness !!???
Yes , indeed will be ! We will be slaves , absolutely slaves and to be perfect accepted slave will be necessary another Consciousness or better Conscious -less humble under human as cows and pigs !

All good. Personally, I created a scenario analyzer for taking into consideration the main man-made events possible and any extraterrestrial events you might want to consider. In either case, you can add or subtract as many as you want, and THEN, put in the probability that you believe of its actual occurrence. THEN the spread sheet does the analysis of one or more of the events happening. Why do this? This can help any individual or family assess staying where they are (city or country), bugging out to safer ground, another part of the country or leaving the country. Myself, I moved to the country from the city, as that is my preferred location even for economic dark days ahead with the dollar collapse and probable marshal law scenario. However, any Bio weapon, atmospheric drift, any nuke, could require I get out and head further South, even leave the country. Finally, any pending cosmological event, well, depends on what happens and how soon we find out. Anyway, I have found using the scenario analyzer helped me to better prepare for pending scenarios, based on my personal idea of their happening. My alternative plans for Bug-out, retreat, vehicle prep, leaving and how far, have been made robust with this approach. KNOWING that the elites, the ancient regime has done what it has done, knowing what I understand about Secret Space Wars, leads me to lean toward certain alternative scenarios and let the dice roll!!!
Best
Noel

  Posted by rossbcan on 08/23/11 05:36 PM

Posted by Friend_of_John_Galt on 08/23/11 05:10 PM
The 2nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution reads: A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the People to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.

Unfortunately politicians at Federal, state, and local levels have been busy infringing this right for a long time. Sadly, this limits the ability of citizens to protect themselves. Consider the potentially different outcome had the 9/11 terrorists faced an aircraft cabin with 200 armed citizens? How about a bank robber, finding both bank tellers and banking customers equipped with side arms?

California (where I unfortunately live) has a rule that gun owners may carry a side arm if it is unloaded -- but they may load the weapon only when "in danger." (So how do you know when you're in danger? When a criminal pulls a gun and demands your wallet. So, you say, wait! I need to load my gun! ... . not likely... )

Case after case shows that the current gun control laws simply make the criminals more aggressive and the law abiding citizens into passive victims.

A gun is a TOOL, with no volition and therefore, morally neutral.

Any moral evaluation pertains to those who pull the trigger and whether it was "defense of life or property (stored productivity EQUALS life)" OR "iniating aggression". There is no "in between".

  Posted by Friend_of_John_Galt on 08/23/11 05:10 PM

The 2nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution reads: A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the People to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.

Unfortunately politicians at Federal, state, and local levels have been busy infringing this right for a long time. Sadly, this limits the ability of citizens to protect themselves. Consider the potentially different outcome had the 9/11 terrorists faced an aircraft cabin with 200 armed citizens? How about a bank robber, finding both bank tellers and banking customers equipped with side arms?

California (where I unfortunately live) has a rule that gun owners may carry a side arm if it is unloaded -- but they may load the weapon only when "in danger." (So how do you know when you're in danger? When a criminal pulls a gun and demands your wallet. So, you say, wait! I need to load my gun! ... . not likely... )

Case after case shows that the current gun control laws simply make the criminals more aggressive and the law abiding citizens into passive victims.

  Posted by rossbcan on 08/23/11 04:53 PM

Posted by Jeanna on 08/23/11 12:47 PM
Not only is the government incapable of providing for the security of over 300 million Americans, they will not do it. The courts have already ruled that the police cannot be held responsible for not responding to 911 calls.

There is also a conflict of interest in that their pay check is the same piece of worthless scrip that is being used to transfer the wealth of the productive sector of this country. The judges, the police, the legislators are all paid off by the bankers with this FRN. If they rule against TPTB, they risk their livelihoods. It is no wonder that there is no justice left in America.

I suspect we may witness a repeat of the Wild West decades. I know of several people who are using their rights under open carry laws in the western states, and others who are enrolling in the required courses to obtain the permits to carry concealed. Probably a good idea.

"who are enrolling in the required courses to obtain the permits to carry concealed"

..hmm, identify yourself to THEM? Probably NOT a good idea.

and, you need a "permit" to exercise a constitutional right?

Learn, yes, but not from THEM. And, ask "permission"?

Best that THEY don't KNOW the extent of opposition. Makes THEIR be pugnaceous risk analysis far less certain, perhaps moderating their aggression.

  Posted by clark on 08/23/11 04:51 PM

Jeanna wrote, "I suspect we may witness a repeat of the Wild West decades."

I sure hope so! ... the more peaceful part anyways. Have you read anything like the following? Your comment reminded me of it:

The Culture of Violence in the American West: Myth versus Reality

"Contrary to popular perception, the Old West was much more peaceful than American cities are today... "

Click to view link

In looking for the above I found this, it seems like it might be interesting:

An American Experiment in Anarcho- Capitalism: The Not So Wild, Wild West

Click to view link

  Posted by Jeanna on 08/23/11 12:47 PM

Not only is the government incapable of providing for the security of over 300 million Americans, they will not do it. The courts have already ruled that the police cannot be held responsible for not responding to 911 calls.

There is also a conflict of interest in that their pay check is the same piece of worthless scrip that is being used to transfer the wealth of the productive sector of this country. The judges, the police, the legislators are all paid off by the bankers with this FRN. If they rule against TPTB, they risk their livelihoods. It is no wonder that there is no justice left in America.

I suspect we may witness a repeat of the Wild West decades. I know of several people who are using their rights under open carry laws in the western states, and others who are enrolling in the required courses to obtain the permits to carry concealed. Probably a good idea.

  Posted by alexsemen on 08/23/11 11:54 AM

Posted by wulirider on 08/23/11 08:45 AM
Ron Paul's article points out the truth of the matter: the elites now are behaving as the elites have each and every time: treat the masses as fodder for the cannon and slaves for producing taxes. In any historical setting over 4,500 years, even since the Magna Carta, this phenomenon has not changed. My question though, is THIS time, the FEMA camps, the sheer size of them and the NUMBER of them, the known underground cities built since the 1980's by FEMA and told to the people to be for the people, and in 9/11 THEN told were REALLY for COG: continuation of government! These elites know something MORE than an economic downturn coming that is worse than the one in 1930's. SOMETHING BIG is coming. Whether a nuke or Bio weapon, something big is being aimed at America and they are pushing hard for it WHY? Or is it something based on physics, and the galactic alignment issue? The elite have taken too many steps for self protection this time round and the FEMA camps, one for 50,000 'residents' in an above ground prison setting, and located around the USA, should be warning enough. The only Remnants standing after this will be those in the rural areas, small groups and survival oriented communities. America will be hammered by the Russians, Chinese and Mexicans as they take areas of land here and there. The novel "1 Second After" captures the idea best. However, if something catastrophic via galactic alignment issues or returning creatures from millions of years past, to collect some perceived value from this lovely planet, we are in for one hellva few decades of survival. Lastly, the idea of a 2012 being a change in Consciousness, well that will be self-evident with passing of elenin, the comet out of no where, a first in human history, and with so many coincidences in timing and physical presence as to make many a scientist wonder if...

I suggest, Congressman Paul, that you offer to share a bit more of what you know is coming, beyond the deliberate economic downturn by the sack of dung that are running this world with a iron fist. You know something; they surely do and the elites of this world are digging deep and maybe leaving via Breakaway Civilization scenarios a la Richard Dolan, Joseph P. Farrell and Richard C. Hoagland. If so, tell the people and let the people do what they need to do NOW. Yes, chaotic, but honest. Yes, dangerous, but the best opportunity for all to try and face the future with honestly, candor and integrity.

Thanks
Noel

Dear Noel,
don't ask mr. Ron Paul. he don't knows because there will business as usual, and nothing will happen!
First of all the future doesn't exist only when it become the past.
2012 change of Consciousness !!???
Yes , indeed will be ! We will be slaves , absolutely slaves and to be perfect accepted slave will be necessary another Consciousness or better Conscious -less humble under human as cows and pigs !

  Posted by alexsemen on 08/23/11 11:39 AM

Posted by speedygonzales on 08/23/11 12:55 AM
Opposition Labor leader Ed Miliband said a lack of morality was not confined to a "feral underclass" but was also displayed by risk-taking bankers, legislators who fiddled their expenses and newspaper reporters who hacked telephones for stories -- all major topics of debate in Britain in the past couple of years.

"When we talk about the sick behavior of those without power, let's also talk about the sick behavior of those with it," he said in a speech at his old school in London Monday.

It was a line echoed by Cameron. Leaders are conscious that voters, disillusioned by what many see as a failure to punish bankers they hold responsible for the financial crisis, could take unkindly to being lectured by politicians, the press and police, all institutions hit by scandal in the recent past.

Hey Speedy... , what's the difference between Tony Blair and Miliband !!??

  Posted by John Danforth on 08/23/11 10:10 AM

It's coming. Don't let yourself get swept up in it:

Click to view link

Stay away from crowds. Avoid big cities if you can. Be prepared. Do not get caught in a 'flash mob' of democrats.

  Posted by rossbcan on 08/23/11 09:00 AM

Posted by wulirider on 08/23/11 08:45 AM
Ron Paul's article points out the truth of the matter: the elites now are behaving as the elites have each and every time: treat the masses as fodder for the cannon and slaves for producing taxes. In any historical setting over 4,500 years, even since the Magna Carta, this phenomenon has not changed. My question though, is THIS time, the FEMA camps, the sheer size of them and the NUMBER of them, the known underground cities built since the 1980's by FEMA and told to the people to be for the people, and in 9/11 THEN told were REALLY for COG: continuation of government! These elites know something MORE than an economic downturn coming that is worse than the one in 1930's. SOMETHING BIG is coming. Whether a nuke or Bio weapon, something big is being aimed at America and they are pushing hard for it WHY? Or is it something based on physics, and the galactic alignment issue? The elite have taken too many steps for self protection this time round and the FEMA camps, one for 50,000 'residents' in an above ground prison setting, and located around the USA, should be warning enough. The only Remnants standing after this will be those in the rural areas, small groups and survival oriented communities. America will be hammered by the Russians, Chinese and Mexicans as they take areas of land here and there. The novel "1 Second After" captures the idea best. However, if something catastrophic via galactic alignment issues or returning creatures from millions of years past, to collect some perceived value from this lovely planet, we are in for one hellva few decades of survival. Lastly, the idea of a 2012 being a change in Consciousness, well that will be self-evident with passing of elenin, the comet out of no where, a first in human history, and with so many coincidences in timing and physical presence as to make many a scientist wonder if...

I suggest, Congressman Paul, that you offer to share a bit more of what you know is coming, beyond the deliberate economic downturn by the sack of dung that are running this world with a iron fist. You know something; they surely do and the elites of this world are digging deep and maybe leaving via Breakaway Civilization scenarios a la Richard Dolan, Joseph P. Farrell and Richard C. Hoagland. If so, tell the people and let the people do what they need to do NOW. Yes, chaotic, but honest. Yes, dangerous, but the best opportunity for all to try and face the future with honestly, candor and integrity.

Thanks
Noel

The only thing anyone needs to KNOW is that very powerful forces are interfering in our individual and collective ability to CHOOSE to survive or have peace. It is not "neccessary" to do a rigorous "whodunnit" conspiracy analysis. The players are just interchangable pawns, easily replaced by thousands of criminal opportunists, waiting in the wings, for "opportunity". The "game" needs to be changed by understanding the REAL "terms of engagement". Just show a litle courage and make individual CHOICES consistent with your own circle of trust survival. Above all, don't initiate aggression (they provoke this and misrepresent defense as offense, acquiring faux credibility and power).

KNOW THE SCORE, how and why things "work" (or not):

Click to view link

The TRUTH will set you free...

  Posted by wulirider on 08/23/11 08:45 AM

Ron Paul's article points out the truth of the matter: the elites now are behaving as the elites have each and every time: treat the masses as fodder for the cannon and slaves for producing taxes. In any historical setting over 4,500 years, even since the Magna Carta, this phenomenon has not changed. My question though, is THIS time, the FEMA camps, the sheer size of them and the NUMBER of them, the known underground cities built since the 1980's by FEMA and told to the people to be for the people, and in 9/11 THEN told were REALLY for COG: continuation of government! These elites know something MORE than an economic downturn coming that is worse than the one in 1930's. SOMETHING BIG is coming. Whether a nuke or Bio weapon, something big is being aimed at America and they are pushing hard for it WHY? Or is it something based on physics, and the galactic alignment issue? The elite have taken too many steps for self protection this time round and the FEMA camps, one for 50,000 'residents' in an above ground prison setting, and located around the USA, should be warning enough. The only Remnants standing after this will be those in the rural areas, small groups and survival oriented communities. America will be hammered by the Russians, Chinese and Mexicans as they take areas of land here and there. The novel "1 Second After" captures the idea best. However, if something catastrophic via galactic alignment issues or returning creatures from millions of years past, to collect some perceived value from this lovely planet, we are in for one hellva few decades of survival. Lastly, the idea of a 2012 being a change in Consciousness, well that will be self-evident with passing of elenin, the comet out of no where, a first in human history, and with so many coincidences in timing and physical presence as to make many a scientist wonder if...

I suggest, Congressman Paul, that you offer to share a bit more of what you know is coming, beyond the deliberate economic downturn by the sack of dung that are running this world with a iron fist. You know something; they surely do and the elites of this world are digging deep and maybe leaving via Breakaway Civilization scenarios a la Richard Dolan, Joseph P. Farrell and Richard C. Hoagland. If so, tell the people and let the people do what they need to do NOW. Yes, chaotic, but honest. Yes, dangerous, but the best opportunity for all to try and face the future with honestly, candor and integrity.

Thanks
Noel

  Posted by Ichabod on 08/23/11 08:14 AM

Speedy,
We don't have a direct election for president because we have the best form of government on earth: a constiutional republic. Look at a county map of the US. We have regions of the country with specific conditions that would be overwhelmnd by the populous cities. A centralized top down control would also wipe away all of your freedoms.

Obama wants to now make all aliens citizens and grant them social security, medical care. He wants their vote. Instead of looking after the rights of all citizens, he wants to buy votes from groups. The Republic is uniquely American. I'm with you on Ron Paul. He would not want your suggestion for a populous vote. It returns to "the voice of the people is the voice of God." No, it's the voice of the mob whipped up by those who seek to manipulate them.

Reply from The Daily Bell

Correction, the US had a constitutional republic. Today it remains only in name only.

  Posted by rossbcan on 08/23/11 08:11 AM

"deadly force used in self-defense would have been fully justified."

Basic problem is: the "state" has monopolized and subverted the provision of goods / services that used to be private, subject to the unseen hand of collective choice in an environment of competetion leading to highest value (most bang per buck). Now, because of forceful monopolization, we have least value (most bucks / no bang)

If you personally defend yourself, property or the life and property of others, then, you have acted against the monopoly and, the harpies of beurocracy, lawyers and appartus of state will descend upon you like locusts with pretexts and false arguments that resolve to: You ARE a criminal because you have taken justice into your own hands and, frankly, justice is the turf reserved for your self-proclaimed moral and intellectual superiors, wielding YOUR guns, against you. Further, justice is so mythical that it cannot have an objective, actionable definition, similar to the elusive (and ever changing) "will of god" wielded by tyrannical clergy during the last dark age.

Justice REALLY Defined: We are all free to profit or suffer and learn (adapt to excellence) by facing the consequences of our OWN choices. Injustice is to be forced to suffer the consequences of choices of unaccountable (irresponsible) others.

As Ron Paul states: the swamp needs to be drained and, even if (an incredibly stupid assumption) legislators, beurocratic wonks, judges, police and military were honest and determined to insure "crime does not pay" and deal with predators: THEY ARE WOEFULLY INSUFFICIENT IN BOTH NUMBERS AND POWER.

To restore civilization (peacful, honest trade), the "rule of law" needs to be enforced, by every single victim of crime against their predators and, "tolerated" by the courts, with absolutely zero cost or resistance to "self defense", including from the state and their crimininal "just obeying orders" minions. Crime may pay, in the short term, but, in the long term, destroys the productive and predators alike, by collapse of civilization:

Click to view link

Socially, the US is now starting to see "flash mobs", looting. This is to be expected when "right to CHOOSE to live peacefully" is subverted to "entitled to life of irresponsibility", at the expense of the honest and productive. How can they be blamed? They see it as a "fact", hammered into their pea brains for their entire lives that they are "entitled" and, by logical inference, the middeman of the state (to whine to) is redundant.

This is not rocket science. It is simple carrots and sticks. You get what you measure and encourage, you decrease what you discourage. Appeasement of laziness, sloth, irresponsibility has now made those who act so a very large collective survival threat (purpose: defend elites by rioting when entitlements are threatended. Elites reap a hefty commission freom attendent power structures). This is also what powerful criminals falsely bewlieving they are "in control" want. A social / economic "reality" of personal responsibility and accountability would be "open season" on predators. The opposite (NOW) is "open season" on the productive.

It is irrelevant whether anyone listens to, understands or acts according to these facts. The carrots for honestly, justice and productivity are now sticks. The sticks for dishonesty, unproductivity and anti-social behavior are now carrots. War is peace. This state of affairs can only persist so long as it is economically viable, meaning, until the seed corn of the wealth of civilization is redistributed to and frittered away by the greedy (those who consume more than they produce).

This is easily proven (as if all of history and current events are insufficient) PROGNOSIS - GRIM:

Click to view link

Since current state of affairs constitutes a severe threat to "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness", you have ZERO choice but to defend yourself.

Thus, like it or not, by your self-interested choices / behavior, you do "get it", as evidenced by the social / economic stats (the productive disengaging, criminals geting bolder) we can all observe.

  Posted by Bluebird on 08/23/11 07:48 AM

As it stands now, citizens do not stand a chance to protect ourselves. Here in West virginia, on the local news today is a story about a theif watching a man at Walmart cash a check, follows him out to the car, grabs him around the neck, putting a sharp object (knife?) to his throat and says "give me your wallet or I will slit your throat." The victim had a permit to carry a gun, pulls it out and shoots the theif in the head as he is trying to get away. Now he sits in jail for killing the man who was to slit his throat because it was not "self defense". doesn't matter if they arrest all the workers who pay their salary, THEY CAN JUST PRINT THEIR MONEY! Go Ron Paul!!!

  Posted by scarlett on 08/23/11 07:15 AM

Yes Maritzanita I agree, the cows visually have left the building also. DB back in the old days with the backdrop of scenery was very intoxicating. Yes I visit but I feel the vibrancy is somehow lost.

Cheers.

  Posted by speedygonzales on 08/23/11 01:30 AM

"Freedom is not defined by safety." Yes it is. As soon as ye have safety net, corporate claws are not so sharp.
Click to view link

The Daily Bell like to see people in Korea position. I like to see em in Germany position. Instead of 50+% taxes for military spending, let money talx for the people of the USA.

  Posted by speedygonzales on 08/23/11 01:20 AM

"The fundamental lesson every American should learn from these incidents is that government cannot protect us. No matter how many laws we pass, no matter how many police or federal agents we put on the streets, a determined individual or group can still cause great harm." As I said that in US is short process. And I really do not care about gov or google spyin'. As soon as one is on the edge of existence one care not. I simply think. US aging population is simply put aside and ripped off as obligation of social security is due. Question is: Where is the money what we paid social security, school taxes, property taxes... The good news is that there is another world rising up. Even Hugo Chavez is working for americans. Competition is a sin. Once Rockefeller said. Give em competition as much as they can get. Communism failed not because of Ronny Reagan, but because of grand grand fothers in the game. It loox like neocons era of Brzezinski, Kissinger, Bush gang, Rove, Rumsfeld... era endin'. Apropo. When did ye last time heard those guys? Internet reformation worx. Even famous Jay Rocky is quiet after his expose about cyber attack. As soon as ye show em twisted mirror they do not like their faces there.
Good bless you Mr Ron Paul, good bless ya all in The daily bell and so on.As soon as we chenged history we can start talkin' about future. The first step is done. And it is irreversible. Gen X is refusin' to work for corporate america at all. They know the trap their fothers got in.
Next step is DECANTRALIZATION and direct elections. Hugo Chavez was, at least, directly elected by people of Venezuela. Why is not president of most democratic country on the world. As once Bush said

  Posted by speedygonzales on 08/23/11 12:55 AM

Opposition Labor leader Ed Miliband said a lack of morality was not confined to a "feral underclass" but was also displayed by risk-taking bankers, legislators who fiddled their expenses and newspaper reporters who hacked telephones for stories -- all major topics of debate in Britain in the past couple of years.

"When we talk about the sick behavior of those without power, let's also talk about the sick behavior of those with it," he said in a speech at his old school in London Monday.

It was a line echoed by Cameron. Leaders are conscious that voters, disillusioned by what many see as a failure to punish bankers they hold responsible for the financial crisis, could take unkindly to being lectured by politicians, the press and police, all institutions hit by scandal in the recent past.