The author makes a good point. These areas have been off the UK media radar for a long time. They haven't had a voice.<p>That said it seems at the moment that this is less political and more economic/criminal activity. What will be interesting is the effect of network communications (Twitter, facebook etc etc) in shifting the balance between Police and rioters.<p>I suspect (But have no direct evidence) that a smaller but more highly trained, equipped and organised Police was effective against a much larger disorganised mass. The tools for communication appear to give the rioters an increasing level of cell organisation that reduces the impact of the Police 'force multiplier'.<p>May explain why they are struggling to respond, just too many rioters with just enough organisation.