Nice crime

12.37.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 1st Jul 2009

"Dad?"

"Yes son"

"What's Trident?"

"Trident - er, well it's the British submarine-based nuclear defence system."

"Oh. So what's the point of that then?"

"Well it protects this country from being subjected to nuclear blackmail by rogue states or terrorist organisations."

"So it stops people messing with Britain?"

"Yes, you could say that. Also it means we're treated with respect on the world stage."

"So you mean nobody disrespects us Dad?"

"That's right son."

"But isn't there a chance it could make us more likely to get wiped out in a nuclear war?"

"Of course not. Nobody will start anything with us as long as we've got atomic weapons."

"Thanks Dad. See you later. I'm going down town."

"Mind how you go son. It's Saturday night and there's some rough people about."

"No worries Dad. Me and my mates all carry blades. Nobody's going to mess with us."

"That's crazy - why on earth do you want to do that?"

"Respect Dad - nobody's going to diss me if I've got a good knife in my hand."

"But don't you realise that statistically you're more likely to get stabbed if you carry a knife?"

"That doesn't make sense Dad. It's obvious nobody's going to start any trouble if they see a blade. You've got to defend yourself on the streets nowadays."

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