How police respond to demonstrations makes all the difference in the world

[Dread Pirate Roberts]

The show of force and physical confrontation are invariably going to escalate the situation. This is usually purposeful to discredit the message of the protest. The tone is set by the response. I'm sure the sheer size of the demonstrations-let alone the message-was unnerving to the authoritarians. The bottom line remains, if you don't like the politics of the demonstrators and you don't agree with what they have to say, those in charge will be far more aggressive. Did the police physically confront the "open it up" dress-up boys wearing their camouflage and carrying weapons? On the other hand, a respectful response will almost guarantee a peaceful protest.

[uponit7771]

1. K&R, the PD leadership in some communities are lax and allow cultures that are against the community

... and pro whatever some LEO wants.

[frazzled]

2. Isn't the bigger issue

how police respond to African American citizens going about their business, each and every day, in this country? Let's not lose sight of the issue.

[LizBeth]

3. The obvious and agree and we are seeing it played out across the country. The difference between

the force with compassion and unity and the combative force.