Two Stories I Ran Across in the News / Blogosphere

So, first I come across a story about the increase in the use of shotguns - stolen shotguns - in crimes in Britain. Since the all-knowing, all-powerful British Parliament, Prime Minister, etc. outlawed private ownership of firearms, crime has actually gone up (similar to the effect seen in Australia). But, being the benevolent Nanny rulers they are, UK subjects were allowed to keep shotguns for hunting. How kind. Apparently grouse hunting is a huge deal across the pond. If you read the article (it's short) pay attention to all the hoops you have to jump through to own and keep a shotgun as a private citizen.

So.....criminals are finding it easier to commit burglary to obtain a firearm in the form of a shotgun. Huh, the criminal is the one using the legally owned firearm for illegal purposes including hold-ups, car-jackings and murder.

Then, I cruise over to another blog, where I find a link to this story. (I also found this one too.) Sir Nanny (or Lady Nanny?) wants to install closed circuit TV in "private" homes in an attempt to "make sure the kids are doing their homework, going to bed early and eating their vegetables." What the f* is that all about? Apparently, Nanny now really wants to be a nanny. Some more quotes from the article outlining the plan:

"the kids and their families will be forced to sign “behavior contracts”
which will “set out parents’ duties to ensure children behave and do their
homework.”

"The idea is that, if a child has a more stable home life, he
or she will be less likely to stray into crime and drugs."

How long before the installed cameras are used to lock up parents for disciplining their children, feeding them junk food, letting them spend too much time in front of the TV or playing video games, etc? Or to confiscate legally-owned shotguns for the "protection" of the subjects? Good luck with that one, chaps. Really, good luck!