Dumbing it Down: I have a teenaged son

[JDPriestly]

31. Actually, I had a very bad temper when I was a small child, but

my parents were patient and rational and had self-discipline themselves, and they taught me and the rest of the children in the family how to use our words. I have enjoyed great rewards in my life including good relationships with other people and much happiness thanks to the fact that my parents set good examples of patience and self-control and taught me to try to develop those habits.

You are kind of also saying that you have worked on developing non-violent habits even though segments of society would use your temperament for their purposes.

The problem with the riots is that they are feed the cycle of police violence in that the public sees them and thinks "See that. The police are justified in using a lot of violence in the face of those out of control thugs."

I am the first to say that our country is on the wrong track. Racism, economic unfairness and smugness in the face of the needs of others are horrible.

But the solution is political action. I wonder how many of the rioters voted last November. And if they can't vote, I wonder how many of them organize to get good candidates who represent their interests and then get others to vote for the good candidates.

"Use your words."

That's what angry children in kindergarten and day-care are told. I would say that to angry adults, "Use your words and your votes, and if you can't vote, get others to understand their interests and vote to make your community better."

Riots just cause and justify a backlash against the rioters.