can we afford democracy?

Whilst I would fight to uphold our right to peaceful demonstration in the face of opposition to government decisions, the scenes in Piccadilly last weekend filled me with horror. 
Does such violent behaviour, and the destruction of innocent people's property by the angry mob, help our cause?
Not at all, quite the reverse. How much of our tax payers' money did it cost to police the event, and what cost to clear up the mess? Who's paying for all of this? Us.
We may not like our current financial situation, and many will argue that the cuts are too quick, too deep, but what option do we have? Continue to borrow and spend irresponsibly, or bite the bullet and tighten our belts.
Trust me, it's going to get worse before it gets better, but when you've sold the family silver to live a lifestyle beyond your means what other choice do we have?
It's time to sink or swim, and we are all paddling for all it's worth, hoping we'll come out the other side, stronger and having learnt from the expeirence.
In the coming elections it's not who you vote for that will matter so much as exercising your right to do so. If you don't vote what right have you to complain about who you get? If you want change then you need to get involved in the decision making process, like I did.