Protests in Baltimore. Are they on the rise?

1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 21:23:18 -0400

On Saturday afternoon, a peaceful protest sometimes turned bad (briefly). We have seem a rise in protests against actions of police officers. What do you think is the main reason for the protests now? Haven't there always been some people shot and killed by officers? What's making the difference now?

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-city/bs-md-ci-downtown-protest-damage-20150426-story.html

Response by SPC Carl K. made Apr 26 at 2015 9:43 PM

SPC Carl K. — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 21:43:02 -0400

There seems to be a lot of unnecessary racial tension happening over the last few years. There are several reasons for this. First and foremost is the media coverage of events that are reported as a racially motivated event, even if it is not, in reality. The media creates this atmosphere more than it should. Second, divisive people, such as Al Sharpton, have a knack of hogging the camera to call out these alleged racial incidents. Third, in this era of false outrage, you have many people who get easily "offended" for the slightest reasons, most of which are laughable. These are the people who are quick to jump on the bandwagon and want to protest and riot every chance they get. Finally, the abundant use of social media has changed society. It is being used more and more to rally people behind both good and bad causes. The posting of videos of every police interaction happening does not help the situation.

By far, the biggest culprit is the media. If they did their job with due diligence like they used to, there wouldn't be as many sensationalized stories in the name of ratings, as opposed to neutrally reporting the news stories that matter, with no spin attached.

Overall, I believe these instances are highly avoidable.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2015 5:59 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 05:59:39 -0400

The events in Baltimore are going to be this months "Ferguson."

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2015 3:56 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 03:56:38 -0400

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Response by CH (MAJ) William Beaver made Apr 28 at 2015 1:13 PM

CH (MAJ) William Beaver — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 13:13:43 -0400

If Francis Scott Key were in Baltimore Harbor today, the National Anthem might sound a bit different....

O say can you see? By the dawn's early light, what so sadly we saw, at the twilight's last burning?

In the streets the police cars
through the perilous night,
O'er the buildings we watched
that were looted in the fight,

And the riots everywhere, the gunfire in air, gave proof through the night, that the gangs were still there.

Oh say do those riots in Baltimore still rage, o'er the land of the free the home of the 'shamed.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2015 5:35 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 05:35:37 -0400

Is it too soon to post counter protest comic relief?