When Protests Turn Violent

(Written after the George Floyd murder and the protests that followed.)

We need to keep in mind that there is more than meets the eye when it comes to the violence erupting at the protests. It's not all as clear-cut as we assume. There are so many layers to the riots going on, the most notable being the instigators traveling to urban areas to start trouble for the purposes of distracting from the cause and discrediting the otherwise peaceful protestors. Yes there are those who are making the choice to participate in a violent response to their own anger. There are also matches being thrown into flammable situations. The underlying anger is valid. It has been expressed peacefully over the years to no effect. The pattern continues. Of course the violence is heartbreaking. But the root cause of the anger needs to be addressed immediately. Justified, unredressed anger leads to increased passion in the response. It sets the stage for irrational actions, especially in groups, and the instigators know this. We can't let the violence diminish the message. That is when we lose. Do not let the actions of some, ignited intentionally by others, pull focus off of what needs to change--police brutality against black people has to stop. There is an indisputable pattern showing that it occurs, and it is acceptable in the law enforcement system. This would be a great time for sweeping legislation and reform from within precincts showing that their citizens' voices are being heard. Coral Gables police officers, along with Miami-Dade police, provided a great example for others to follow. I've seen small examples, one from Chattanooga, of individual officers showing support for the message. I believe there are countless officers who are the heroes we need them to be. But the ones who aren't need to be found and dealt with. The system needs to allow for consequences to be appropriate for those who corrupt their position of authority and brutalize and murder those they are entrusted with serving and protecting. Not everyone is fighting the good fight. That doesn't mean it should be abandoned. The truth is still the truth, and those choosing a counterproductive path don't change the need for a productive one. Change is still needed. Don't lose that message.