Mobs Are Born as Word Grows by Text Message

So-called flash mobs in Philadelphia have become part bullying, part running of the bulls as teenagers sprint through the streets, sometimes brawling and vandalizing.

The flash mob was dreamed up by Larry Niven about twenty years ago. If I spend a bit of effort I can find the story. You will not suppress the notion now it is loose.

The WTO meeting in Seattle ten(?) years ago was a first instance.

Good communication makes divided forces possible.

I see no cure but intolerable monitoring or control after an incident begins.

Classic riot control technique will work. Escape is still a problem for the participants. A night in the lock-up may induce rationality. Survival may become a problem for the leaders of a trapped mob.

What a perfect reason for foot patrols. Cops on the beat. They will see the purposeful movement of groups and call in number and direction. Flash riot control.

The Romans taught us how.