investors | However angry people might be, we're still a nation of laws. The
legal system has to function for justice to be done. Rioting is a
breakdown of public order that can ruin neighborhoods, communities and
entire cities.
That's why Baltimore Mayor Stephanie
Rawlings-Blake's comments are truly astounding. Not only did she not
tell those who were demonstrating to wait until all the facts were in,
she seemed to encourage the worst elements among them to do violence.
In
a press conference Sunday, Rawlings-Blake said, "I ... instructed (the
police) to do everything that they could to make sure that the
protesters were able to exercise their right to free speech. ... We also
gave those who wished to destroy space to do that."
"Space" to
rob, loot and commit arson? Even after 35 people were arrested and six
police officers injured during the protests? It was an extraordinarily
inflammatory comment.
Meanwhile, Baltimore police report "credible
information" that an alliance of gangs has formed to "take out" cops —
possible fallout from the mayor's remarks.
It has been claimed
that this violence was all the handiwork of "outsiders." "The Baltimore
Police Department believes that outside agitators continue to be the
instigators behind acts of violence and destruction," Police
Commissioner Anthony W. Batts told the media.
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It wasn't clearly worded on her part. She should have said "However by giving those peaceful protesters the space and protection to protest, we also gave those who wished to destroy the space to do so." She learned the unfortunate lesson that right-wing whackjobs will selectively cut a soundbite out of context, and use it to promote the angle they desire.
