CAMERON LEADS AGAIN – AT 8:54 A.M. ET:  British Prime Minister David Cameron is emerging as perhaps the most forceful leader in the West.  He (and Angela Merkel of Germany) spoke out forcefully against the failures of multiculturalism despite attacks by the trendies, who thought that any questioning of the sacred concept was almost criminal.  Now Cameron, in the face of the British riots, is leading once more, pushing aside the idols of the failed British welfare state.  From The Telegraph:

David Cameron is to promise to confront the “moral collapse” in British society that led to last week’s riots and try to assert his authority over police chiefs who have publicly attacked him.

The Prime Minister, facing unprecedented criticism from the police, will say he has the strength to “take on and defeat” social problems caused by a weak and “demoralised” state.

Mr Cameron will use a speech in his Oxfordshire constituency to underline his personal leadership in dealing with the root causes of last week’s violence.

Both police and politicians faced criticism for the slow initial response to the riots, but Mr Cameron will declare: “I will not be found wanting.”

The aftermath of the disturbances has seen relations between the Government and the police sink to a new low. Four police chiefs yesterday made public attacks on Mr Cameron’s law-and-order agenda.

One chief constable told The Daily Telegraph that the Prime Minister had been “disrespectful” and risks losing the support of the police.

Gee, I thought the police worked for the elected officials, and not the other way around.  Police in Britain aren't like police in the U.S.  Law enforcement in Britain is riddled with political correctness and a reluctance to use force, even when it is clearly necessary.  Some British police officials have expressed their shock that Cameron has taken on legendary U.S. police chief Bill Bratton (Boston, New York, Los Angeles) as an adviser.  Bratton actually believes that criminals deserve to be punished. 

Senior Conservatives hit back by accusing the police of being “out of touch”.

Mr Cameron will attempt to rise above the row, offering a damning analysis of Britain’s moral decline and promising a raft of reforms in response.

Ministers began to set out some of those changes yesterday, signalling moves to end legal anonymity for under-18s accused of rioting. Tougher enforcement would “make life hell” for gang leaders, the Government promised.

COMMENT:  Cameron is somewhat hobbled by the fact that he heads a coalition government, made up of Tories and liberals.  The liberals are not necessarily on board with the law-and-order emphasis, but they're lying low.  Given the recent week of rioting, I'm not sure sociological theories will prove too popular with a traumatized public.

Cameron has the potential to be another Maggie Thatcher.  He outclasses Obama by miles.

August 15, 2011