Recently, in the city of Oakland, Oscar Grant was killed outside a train station by an officer which has lead to riots in the city. To shed a little light on why this led to protest and a riot was because this man was black. Not to be racist, but I think everyone can agree that had this been any other race, more than likely it would not have led to a riot especially since the black community is the majority ethnicity in the city. None the less, these people have the right to be outraged but at no point can a riot be justified, especially in the United States which I have voluntarily signed up to support and defend so that they have their rights to protest and be outraged. As someone who is a resident of the state, I have to voice my opinion to those who are outraged with this atrocity.
From Mercury News.com:
At least 105 people were arrested for a variety of offenses Wednesday night. Police said charges for those arrested included assault on a police officer, looting, vandalism and arson. Some of those detained were found to have drugs, which added another count to the charges.
Angry about the New Year’s Day shooting by a BART police officer, protesters smashed businesses and set fires in downtown Oakland, and confronted Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums on the steps of city hall.
Oakland police beefed up their presence on the streets Thursday morning, with officers in riot gear patrolling the streets as they anticipated more protests. Businesses downtown were cleaning up, dealing with the aftermath of smashed windows and cars.
I am outraged by the way the people of Oakland protested towards this, if this could ever be called a protest. This is the kind of behavior you would see on the news when reporting violence that occurs in the Middle East. Those who were involved reduced themselves to the thinking that terrorists do to gain support for the wrong-doings that occur in their countries.
I understand that this shooting was a tragedy, but at no point should violence come across the minds of the American people and shows how weak and pathetic the people of Oakland really are. Watching the O’Reilly Factor, the city of Oakland isn’t so innocent when it comes to crime. I read the Morgan Quitno statistics for Oakland, which rates the safest and dangerous cities in the country, and Oakland is the 5th most dangerous for 2008. How dare you riot and protest those who are there to protect and serve. Crimes are committed against the innocent to make you the 5th dangerous city in the country and you riot for this? Protest over the crime rate and make every effort to make your city more livable.
The city of Oakland is a disgrace to the state of California and I am appalled by your actions.
I understand your point of veiw, feeling slighted by citizens of the nation that youve sworn to defend, and i share it to a degree as a someone in DEP. but as someone who lives in the bay area (san francsico) and spent alot of time in oakland i can understand why alot of people would be angry. first of all youve gotta see the video, hes shot in the back while handcuffed, to be honest with out the video and the public out cry (and yes riots) i dont think anyaction would have ever been takin agaist against the officer. it may not have been the best thing to do but in my opinion it certainly help push for legal action. p.s. im loving the blog paints a good picture of what lies ahead of me.