I drove past three teenagers dressed in hoodies on a baking hot day the afternoon David Cameron suggested we should afford them greater understanding.

 

Were they making a fashion statement? Was it a tribal uniform? Or were they trying to be intimidating? Unlike the Tory leader, I am not really interested in understanding what they intended. The effect of what they wear and the way they wear it spooks people - and they know it.

 

It scares old folk, kids on their own going to and from school, indeed anyone in a vulnerable situation or of a nervous disposition. In my day, it was Doc Marten boots, half-mast tartan trousers and skinheads. They dressed like that to be "hard", to be dominant. Hoodies have got what they want because Cameron has given them the recognition they think their "uniform" deserves.

 

So after hugging a hoodie, where does it end? Are we expected to befriend a burglar, cuddle a car thief or maybe adopt an armed robber? In life, there are the leaders and the followers. Followers will wear a hoodie because that's what everyone else wears. They are not frightening - they're just kids with no sense of purpose and direction who can be misguided foot soldiers for the leaders.

 

But the sort of leader we want in politics is one who stands up for doing the right thing, setting the right example and making us aware of our responsibility and the consequences of our actions. There is a consequence to wearing a hood. Political leaders talk about not giving in to terrorism - when of course they do time after time. Cameron has to ask himself if he gives in to hoodies, how could we trust him as a Premier if he has to negotiate with Al-Qaida? As for hoods being just a fashion statement, let's put it like this. If you wear a mask, it isn't automatically assumed you're a member of the Lone Ranger Fan Club.

 

If you wear bovver boots, folk won't think you're into hill-climbing and if you don't want to look guilty before being found innocent, it isn't advisable to wear a hoodie. Simple as that. If you do wear one and you feel victimised, then leave it at home... unless you're training to be a Cistercian monk!

 

Source: http://www.people.co.uk/news/eammonholmes/

 

The end to David Cameron's short and frankly, weak political career at the very top?

Nah...

 

...Besides who reads the People?

:lol: Scallies, they're all pissing their sides