Violence does not help

[TNNurse]

Or fix anything.

Looting and destroying property will not change anyone's mind. It will not bring that young man back or bring peace to his family.

I absolutely think that taking to the streets in Ferguson MO is understandable but not productive. How can young people learn that violence only brings more violence? I try to teach people at work that yelling at a person (patient) who is out of control does not calm them down. They do not listen to what you are saying. Continuing to speak calmly over what they are saying and doing is more effective.

Having said this, I also firmly believe that racism is rampant in that town and many others. Just look at what has been said about our President in public. Robbery is not punishable by death.

If you as a police officer cannot handle a situation with an unarmed person doing something illegal without shooting them, you are not much of a police officer or a human being. Was this officer trained to shoot and ask questions later??

I was a young adult in the 60s and did not expect this flashback of racial violence now that I am in MY 60s.

[NOLALady]

1. From what I've read,

some of Ferguson's residents have resorted to violence, while most have not.

Under the circumstances the citizens have practiced remarkable self control since they have been under attack.

It seems to me that the Officers are the ones who are totally out of control. JMHO!

[antiquie]

2. There is only so much injustice that can be swallowed.

I think the residents have, overall, shown credible restraint.

ETA: Protesters tried to keep looters out of stores

[99Forever]

3. Not entirely true.

"Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable."

John F. Kennedy


You can only push people so far before they act. Judgmental "advice" as to when that is, isn't helpful when it comes from those of us that aren't the targets of systematic mistreatment by those sworn to "Protect and Serve".

Perhaps if you had to worry that your son might be gunned down by trigger-happy brutes with badges, for little or no reason at all every time he left your home, you might see things a little differently.

[TNNurse]

4. Oh, I understand why some have acted

With violence, though I do not have a son and particularly a Black son. My point is that is does not fix anything, it does not bring a resolution. Violence brings more, it is self-generating.

That officer and some of his coworkers are out of control and need to do a little time in our wonderful judicial system, except of course that might make them worse.

It is too sad that too many Americans hate other Americans as much as they hate anyone who isn't just like them. I am including many members of Congress in that statement. The bigotry of the wealthy and advantaged is horrendous.

[99Forever]

6. I'm not so sure you do understand.

When other avenues have failed, as they have and continue to do, there comes a point, inevitably, when there will be violence. It might not "fix it" but it will happen. Angry people do angry things, no amount of words and platitudes will change that. We don't have to like it, but we MUST accept the reality that if we don't make the system better BEFORE it erupts, it's going to blow up in our faces.

Corrupt, violent, brutal police AND their enablers must be prosecuted and sent to prison for their crimes. If that doesn't happen, expect more and increasingly angry protests across this nation.

[Little Star]

7. .

[justiceischeap]

5. There are many reasons for violence during protest

Frustration
Assholes
People sent in to stir up shit to make peaceful protests look bad

By and large the protests in Missouri have been peaceful but that doesn't sell advertising or bring in viewers so the media focuses on the looting instead of the hundreds if people protesting peacefully with purpose.