Riots, looting, vandalism, etc.

Puppycow · 19th July 2020, 08:21 PM

https://twitter.com/DailyCaller/stat...88892471599104

Quote:

NOW: Rioters are looting an Amazon store in Seattle

I'm a loyal Democrat but I don't understand why some people on the left seem to think that this sort of thing is acceptable. Nor why local politicians like mayors would allow their cities to be destroyed like this.

This is obviously not a "peaceful protest".

It's not "political speech" it's a crime.

acbytesla · 19th July 2020, 08:33 PM

Originally Posted by Puppycow

https://twitter.com/DailyCaller/stat...88892471599104

I'm a loyal Democrat but I don't understand why some people on the left seem to think that this sort of thing is acceptable. Nor why local politicians like mayors would allow their cities to be destroyed like this.

This is obviously not a "peaceful protest".

It's not "political speech" it's a crime.

I don't think its ok. I don't think you're going to find many on the left that thinks it is ok. The problem is hooligans too often co-opt protests.

Cain · 19th July 2020, 08:41 PM

I don't know why people think of looting as political rather than opportunistic.

Also, peaceful protests can be illegal. That's how civil disobedience works. Looting is marred by an element of self-interest.

Puppycow · 19th July 2020, 08:42 PM

Originally Posted by acbytesla

I don't think its ok. I don't think you're going to find many on the left that thinks it is ok. The problem is hooligans too often co-opt protests.

Why does the city government allow this? Where are the police? How on earth can Seattle be considering getting rid of half of its police force at a time like this?

Puppycow · 19th July 2020, 08:45 PM

Originally Posted by Cain

I don't know why people think of looting as political rather than opportunistic.

Also, peaceful protests can be illegal. That's how civil disobedience works. Looting is marred by an element of self-interest.

Indeed they can be, but this doesn't seem to be an example of that. It's well over any line that can reasonably be defined as peaceful.

Frank Newgent · 19th July 2020, 08:50 PM

This is exactly why I still have a flip phone.

Roger Ramjets · 19th July 2020, 08:52 PM

Originally Posted by Puppycow

I'm a loyal Democrat but I don't understand why some people on the left seem to think that this sort of thing is acceptable.It's not "political speech" it's a crime.

Actually it's both. A content populace wouldn't riot and loot.

Quote:

Nor why local politicians like mayors would allow their cities to be destroyed like this.

Sometime the best way to fight a fire is just let it burn itself out.

Meadmaker · 19th July 2020, 09:00 PM

I wish that they understood that this sort of thing helps Donald Trump.

At least, it seems to me that it does. Maybe swing voters will see the descent into chaos and blame the guy in charge.

As for the rioters themselves, I hope there was surveillance video and that the lawbreakers who can be identified are prosecuted. Unfortunately, the worst of the vandals, like the guy swinging the chair at the window, went to significant lengths to protect their anonymity, so catching them might be optimistic.

Puppycow · 19th July 2020, 09:07 PM

Originally Posted by Roger Ramjets

Actually it's both. A content populace wouldn't riot and loot.

Sometime the best way to fight a fire is just let it burn itself out.

Great idea. Let's defund the fire department too. From now on, just let fires burn themselves out. Why fight a fire when you can just let the whole city burn to the ground.

Puppycow · 19th July 2020, 09:13 PM

Originally Posted by Meadmaker

I wish that they understood that this sort of thing helps Donald Trump.

This worries me too. I don't want four more years of that, but I see this more in terms of local politics. I don't live there but if I did, I could consider voting differently when it comes to the mayoral election.

Quote:

At least, it seems to me that it does. Maybe swing voters will see the descent into chaos and blame the guy in charge.

I don't know if this affects how people think about the presidential race or congress, but I do think it would make me think about how to vote at the local level.

Quote:

As for the rioters themselves, I hope there was surveillance video and that the lawbreakers who can be identified are prosecuted. Unfortunately, the worst of the vandals, like the guy swinging the chair at the window, went to significant lengths to protect their anonymity, so catching them might be optimistic.

Most of them will probably get away with it I imagine, as I don't see police anywhere.

Modified · 19th July 2020, 10:27 PM

Originally Posted by Roger Ramjets

Actually it's both. A content populace wouldn't riot and loot.

They sometimes do it because their local sports team won the championship. I'm not sure if that qualifies as "content", but it is certainly not discontent.

a_unique_person · 19th July 2020, 10:34 PM

Originally Posted by Puppycow

https://twitter.com/DailyCaller/stat...88892471599104

I'm a loyal Democrat but I don't understand why some people on the left seem to think that this sort of thing is acceptable. Nor why local politicians like mayors would allow their cities to be destroyed like this.

This is obviously not a "peaceful protest".

It's not "political speech" it's a crime.

I haven't heard anyone call looting and rioting peaceful protest.

Stacyhs · 19th July 2020, 10:48 PM

There is no excuse for the looting and vandalism. None. Those doing so are opportunistic criminals using BLM/George Floyd/police brutality as an excuse for their behavior. I'm all for the peaceful protests but the looters and vandals need to be held accountable for their crimes.

Puppycow · 20th July 2020, 01:11 AM

https://www.king5.com/article/news/l...d-286332f427f0

Local news story

Quote:

SEATTLE — A "well organized" group marched through downtown Seattle to Capitol Hill Sunday afternoon causing significant damage to businesses and the Seattle Police Department's West and East Precincts, according to a Seattle police spokesperson.

The group also injured a dozen Seattle police officers, sending one to the hospital.

"It was kind of a joint effort to target specific businesses and government buildings and do property destruction and vandalism," said Seattle police in a press conference Sunday evening.

A group of peaceful protesters gathered in Westlake Park for several hours Sunday and then a separate group arrived carrying baseball bats and was set out for "destruction and damage," police said.

The group marched from Westlake Park to the Municipal Courthouse, where they broke out several windows, police said. They then headed towards the West Precinct on Virginia Street and threw rocks, bottles and "mortar-type" fireworks at officers.

At least 12 officers were injured and one was taken to the hospital after fragments hit his neck and throat area, police said. Other officers suffered lacerations and abrasion injuries.

Police used blast balls and pepper spray to get the crowd to disperse and at least two people were arrested, according to police. Police did not use tear gas, officials said.

Only 2 arrested? Who are these people? Antifa I assume?

Stacyhs · 20th July 2020, 01:25 AM

Originally Posted by Puppycow

https://www.king5.com/article/news/l...d-286332f427f0

Local news story

Only 2 arrested? Who are these people? Antifa I assume?

More than likely and it angers me because they are undoing all the good the peaceful protesters have accomplished in bringing attention to BLM /police brutality. They are giving credence to Trump's claims and that really pisses me off.

Silly Green Monkey · 20th July 2020, 02:03 AM

They might not be Antifa. In the early days of the protests white-power extremists were arranging lootings and violence to ensure that protesting would be associated with crime.

Delphic Oracle · 20th July 2020, 02:29 AM

My favorite is complaining about police intimidating people from filming them, then those same people violently intimidate anyone with a camera filming them.

One minute everyone screams "cameras up" and start chanting "the whole world is watching", next minute if you have a camera out, you're a disgusting traitor, a plant, working for the enemy, etc.

Puppycow · 20th July 2020, 02:29 AM

Originally Posted by Silly Green Monkey

They might not be Antifa. In the early days of the protests white-power extremists were arranging lootings and violence to ensure that protesting would be associated with crime.

Do you know of any strong evidence for this?

Safe-Keeper · 20th July 2020, 02:43 AM

Originally Posted by Silly Green Monkey

They might not be Antifa. In the early days of the protests white-power extremists were arranging lootings and violence to ensure that protesting would be associated with crime.

Also, in some areas you already have gangs hitting stores like this. Either way, thugs taking advantage of civil unrest to loot stores and do things they otherwise wouldn't get away with isn't exactly uncommon.

Puppycow · 20th July 2020, 03:25 AM

Originally Posted by Safe-Keeper

Also, in some areas you already have gangs hitting stores like this. Either way, thugs taking advantage of civil unrest to loot stores and do things they otherwise wouldn't get away with isn't exactly uncommon.

Did you see the video? People were spray painting slogans on the walls. If you're there to steal, why stop to spray paint graffiti? I don't think mere theft was their main motive here. They wanted to make a statement against Amazon. I saw white girls holding up protest signs to block the view.

Besides the local news and more right-leaning news orgs, I don't see much coverage of this event.

I saw at least one Black Lives Matter protest sign carried by a person who then started smashing windows. At 6 seconds into the video you can see the sign.

In fact the video doesn't really show them stealing anything. Maybe they did, but it mostly appears to be smashing windows and spray painting graffiti

Safe-Keeper · 20th July 2020, 04:10 AM

Quote:

Did you see the video?

Nope. I was commenting on these phenomena in general.

If protesters are looting, burning cars, and vandalising property, that's obviously not okay.

Belz... · 20th July 2020, 04:45 AM

Originally Posted by Puppycow

https://twitter.com/DailyCaller/stat...88892471599104

I'm a loyal Democrat but I don't understand why some people on the left seem to think that this sort of thing is acceptable. Nor why local politicians like mayors would allow their cities to be destroyed like this.

This is obviously not a "peaceful protest".

It's not "political speech" it's a crime.

Who said it's acceptable?

Distracted1 · 20th July 2020, 05:11 AM

Originally Posted by Belz...

Who said it's acceptable?

What does it being "not" acceptable entail?
Letting it proceed, or stopping it?

Belz... · 20th July 2020, 05:15 AM

Originally Posted by Distracted1

What does it being "not" acceptable entail?
Letting it proceed, or stopping it?

I think the OP implied that some people said it was acceptable.

SuburbanTurkey · 20th July 2020, 05:16 AM

Originally Posted by Distracted1

What does it being "not" acceptable entail?
Letting it proceed, or stopping it?

Strangely enough, the cities that didn't take an iron fist approach to breaches of public order have been the most successful in keeping things peaceful.

Many major cities in the US had outbreaks of protests that turned into riots in the immediate aftermath of the George Floyd murder.

Now, only a select few are still having ongoing, if not escalating, bouts of public disorder and opportunistic looting. It should be noted that these cities have also seen some of the most robust police responses since day 1.

Doing nothing, or using a very light touch, is often the best tactic if the goal is reducing violence or property damage. Sending out the riot cops to gas and beat crowds practically guarantees continued unrest.

Portland has had 50+ days of continuous unrest in the streets. The cops are out in full force, using everything short of just opening fire with lethal weapons into the crowd. It's a real-time natural experiment in the effectiveness of jack-boot tactics to quell riots and is failing miserably.

Distracted1 · 20th July 2020, 05:20 AM

Originally Posted by Belz...

I think the OP implied that some people said it was acceptable.

Allowing it to proceed unchecked, when the means to quell it are available, is "accepting" it.

Belz... · 20th July 2020, 05:28 AM

Originally Posted by Distracted1

Allowing it to proceed unchecked, when the means to quell it are available, is "accepting" it.

No, that's not what "acceptable" means.

Distracted1 · 20th July 2020, 05:29 AM

Originally Posted by Belz...

No, that's not what "acceptable" means.

what does not accepting it look like?

ac·cept·a·ble
/əkˈseptəb(ə)l/

1.
able to be agreed on; suitable.
"has tried to find a solution acceptable to everyone"
2.
able to be tolerated or allowed.
"pollution in the city had reached four times the acceptable level"

shuttlt · 20th July 2020, 05:39 AM

Originally Posted by Belz...

Who said it's acceptable?

Here is the NYT arguing for a diversity of tactics:
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/16/u...rge-floyd.html

"What emerges is not only an antiseptic image of individual activists, but an oversimplified division between “right” and “wrong” ways to protest that historians and social scientists say impedes understanding of how movements achieve their goals."

They say that “That’s not necessarily the same thing as condoning setting buildings on fire, but it’s certainly not the case that plain civility is something that would ever work.” Saying it's not necessarily the same things as condoning arson is pretty hedging language for the NYT.

"Social movements are almost always messy — and that’s part of what can make them effective, historians say."

"In terms of plain effectiveness, apart from moral and philosophical considerations, it is not always the case that peaceful protest helps a movement achieve its goals and violent protest hurts it."

"Most often, historians say, social movements succeed in the vast space between riots and “civility.”"

Belz... · 20th July 2020, 05:43 AM

Originally Posted by Distracted1

what does not accepting it look like?

ac·cept·a·ble
/əkˈseptəb(ə)l/

1.
able to be agreed on; suitable.
"has tried to find a solution acceptable to everyone"
2.
able to be tolerated or allowed.
"pollution in the city had reached four times the acceptable level"

See definition (1)? It's entirely a matter of opinion.

Distracted1 · 20th July 2020, 05:50 AM

Originally Posted by Belz...

See definition (1)? It's entirely a matter of opinion.

Okay.
What does not finding it acceptable (able to be agreed upon, suitable) look like?

Belz... · 20th July 2020, 05:57 AM

Originally Posted by Distracted1

Okay.
What does not finding it acceptable (able to be agreed upon, suitable) look like?

Saying that it's not acceptable. Conversely, finding it acceptable would entail people saying so.

Are we done with the English language classes? Shouldn't the OP demonstrate his claims instead?

Distracted1 · 20th July 2020, 06:04 AM

Originally Posted by Belz...

Saying that it's not acceptable. Conversely, finding it acceptable would entail people saying so.

Are we done with the English language classes? Shouldn't the OP demonstrate his claims instead?

I think the words used to describe things are important (I am not suggesting that you do not).
Allowing something to proceed unchecked is tacitly finding it acceptable, even if one proclaims that it is not. That was the thrust of my point- sorry if it seemed like an unwanted English language discussion.

Belz... · 20th July 2020, 06:05 AM

Originally Posted by Distracted1

I think the words used to describe things are important (I am not suggesting that you do not).
Allowing something to proceed unchecked is tacitly finding it acceptable, even if one proclaims that it is not. That was the thrust of my point- sorry if it seemed like an unwanted English language discussion.

I'm not saying your point was worthless, only that I think you're using too narrow a definition. I can find things completely unacceptable but do nothing about it. e.g. the massacre in Rwanda.

BobTheCoward · 20th July 2020, 06:13 AM

Originally Posted by Belz...

I'm not saying your point was worthless, only that I think you're using too narrow a definition. I can find things completely unacceptable but do nothing about it. e.g. the massacre in Rwanda.

I feel this conversation is a personal victory even if I'm not part of it.

Distracted1 · 20th July 2020, 06:14 AM

Originally Posted by Belz...

I'm not saying your point was worthless, only that I think you're using too narrow a definition. I can find things completely unacceptable but do nothing about it. e.g. the massacre in Rwanda.

I hear you.
In order to not accept the Rwandan genocide, however, the means to stop it would need to be available to you.
Seattles' city government has those means. They are Democratically controlled. It is logical to say that they accepted the behavior.

BobTheCoward · 20th July 2020, 06:18 AM

Originally Posted by Distracted1

I hear you.
In order to not accept the Rwandan genocide, however, the means to stop it would need to be available to you.
Seattles' city government has those means. They are Democratically controlled. It is logical to say that they accepted the behavior.

You don't know if they have those means.

Distracted1 · 20th July 2020, 06:19 AM

Originally Posted by BobTheCoward

You don't know if they have those means.

Consider my post edited to add "presumptively"

BobTheCoward · 20th July 2020, 06:20 AM

Originally Posted by Distracted1

Consider my post edited to add "presumptively"

Then as a skeptic, I recommend you reject your own claim until you have evidence to support it.

shuttlt · 20th July 2020, 06:22 AM

Originally Posted by BobTheCoward

You don't know if they have those means.

Have they asked for federal assistance if they lack the means?

19th July 2020, 08:21 PM	#1
Puppycow Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Yokohama, Japan Posts: 25,585	Riots, looting, vandalism, etc. https://twitter.com/DailyCaller/stat...88892471599104 Quote: NOW: Rioters are looting an Amazon store in Seattle I'm a loyal Democrat but I don't understand why some people on the left seem to think that this sort of thing is acceptable. Nor why local politicians like mayors would allow their cities to be destroyed like this. This is obviously not a "peaceful protest". It's not "political speech" it's a crime.
	__________________ A fool thinks himself to be wise, but a wise man knows himself to be a fool. William Shakespeare

19th July 2020, 08:33 PM	#2
acbytesla Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 27,931	Originally Posted by Puppycow https://twitter.com/DailyCaller/stat...88892471599104 I'm a loyal Democrat but I don't understand why some people on the left seem to think that this sort of thing is acceptable. Nor why local politicians like mayors would allow their cities to be destroyed like this. This is obviously not a "peaceful protest". It's not "political speech" it's a crime. I don't think its ok. I don't think you're going to find many on the left that thinks it is ok. The problem is hooligans too often co-opt protests.
	__________________ Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get to me. .

19th July 2020, 08:41 PM	#3
Cain Straussian Join Date: May 2002 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 14,213	I don't know why people think of looting as political rather than opportunistic. Also, peaceful protests can be illegal. That's how civil disobedience works. Looting is marred by an element of self-interest.
	__________________ April 13th, 2018: Ranb: I can't think of anything useful you contributed to a thread in the last few years.

19th July 2020, 08:42 PM	#4
Puppycow Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Yokohama, Japan Posts: 25,585	Originally Posted by acbytesla I don't think its ok. I don't think you're going to find many on the left that thinks it is ok. The problem is hooligans too often co-opt protests. Why does the city government allow this? Where are the police? How on earth can Seattle be considering getting rid of half of its police force at a time like this?
	__________________ A fool thinks himself to be wise, but a wise man knows himself to be a fool. William Shakespeare

19th July 2020, 08:45 PM	#5
Puppycow Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Yokohama, Japan Posts: 25,585	Originally Posted by Cain I don't know why people think of looting as political rather than opportunistic. Also, peaceful protests can be illegal. That's how civil disobedience works. Looting is marred by an element of self-interest. Indeed they can be, but this doesn't seem to be an example of that. It's well over any line that can reasonably be defined as peaceful.
	__________________ A fool thinks himself to be wise, but a wise man knows himself to be a fool. William Shakespeare

19th July 2020, 08:50 PM	#6
Frank Newgent Philosopher Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 6,789	This is exactly why I still have a flip phone.
	__________________ Disturbances of the semantic reactions in connection with faulty education and ignorance must be considered as sub-microscopic colloidal lesions - Alfred O. Korzybski

19th July 2020, 08:52 PM	#7
Roger Ramjets Philosopher Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 5,271	Originally Posted by Puppycow I'm a loyal Democrat but I don't understand why some people on the left seem to think that this sort of thing is acceptable.It's not "political speech" it's a crime. Actually it's both. A content populace wouldn't riot and loot. Quote: Nor why local politicians like mayors would allow their cities to be destroyed like this. Sometime the best way to fight a fire is just let it burn itself out.
	__________________ We don't want good, sound arguments. We want arguments that sound good.

19th July 2020, 09:00 PM	#8
Meadmaker Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 24,747	I wish that they understood that this sort of thing helps Donald Trump. At least, it seems to me that it does. Maybe swing voters will see the descent into chaos and blame the guy in charge. As for the rioters themselves, I hope there was surveillance video and that the lawbreakers who can be identified are prosecuted. Unfortunately, the worst of the vandals, like the guy swinging the chair at the window, went to significant lengths to protect their anonymity, so catching them might be optimistic.

19th July 2020, 09:07 PM	#9
Puppycow Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Yokohama, Japan Posts: 25,585	Originally Posted by Roger Ramjets Actually it's both. A content populace wouldn't riot and loot. Sometime the best way to fight a fire is just let it burn itself out. Great idea. Let's defund the fire department too. From now on, just let fires burn themselves out. Why fight a fire when you can just let the whole city burn to the ground.
	__________________ A fool thinks himself to be wise, but a wise man knows himself to be a fool. William Shakespeare

19th July 2020, 09:13 PM	#10
Puppycow Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Yokohama, Japan Posts: 25,585	Originally Posted by Meadmaker I wish that they understood that this sort of thing helps Donald Trump. This worries me too. I don't want four more years of that, but I see this more in terms of local politics. I don't live there but if I did, I could consider voting differently when it comes to the mayoral election. Quote: At least, it seems to me that it does. Maybe swing voters will see the descent into chaos and blame the guy in charge. I don't know if this affects how people think about the presidential race or congress, but I do think it would make me think about how to vote at the local level. Quote: As for the rioters themselves, I hope there was surveillance video and that the lawbreakers who can be identified are prosecuted. Unfortunately, the worst of the vandals, like the guy swinging the chair at the window, went to significant lengths to protect their anonymity, so catching them might be optimistic. Most of them will probably get away with it I imagine, as I don't see police anywhere.
	__________________ A fool thinks himself to be wise, but a wise man knows himself to be a fool. William Shakespeare

19th July 2020, 10:27 PM	#11
Modified Philosopher Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 6,802	Originally Posted by Roger Ramjets Actually it's both. A content populace wouldn't riot and loot. They sometimes do it because their local sports team won the championship. I'm not sure if that qualifies as "content", but it is certainly not discontent.
Modified Philosopher Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 6,802

19th July 2020, 10:34 PM	#12
a_unique_person Director of Hatcheries and Conditioning Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Waiting for the pod bay door to open. Posts: 42,975	Originally Posted by Puppycow https://twitter.com/DailyCaller/stat...88892471599104 I'm a loyal Democrat but I don't understand why some people on the left seem to think that this sort of thing is acceptable. Nor why local politicians like mayors would allow their cities to be destroyed like this. This is obviously not a "peaceful protest". It's not "political speech" it's a crime. I haven't heard anyone call looting and rioting peaceful protest.
	__________________ *Continually pushing the boundaries of mediocrity.* Everything is possible, but not everything is probable. “Perception is real, but the truth is not.” - Imelda Marcos

19th July 2020, 10:48 PM	#13
Stacyhs Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: United States Posts: 17,368	There is no excuse for the looting and vandalism. None. Those doing so are opportunistic criminals using BLM/George Floyd/police brutality as an excuse for their behavior. I'm all for the peaceful protests but the looters and vandals need to be held accountable for their crimes.

20th July 2020, 01:11 AM	#14
Puppycow Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Yokohama, Japan Posts: 25,585	https://www.king5.com/article/news/l...d-286332f427f0 Local news story Quote: SEATTLE — A "well organized" group marched through downtown Seattle to Capitol Hill Sunday afternoon causing significant damage to businesses and the Seattle Police Department's West and East Precincts, according to a Seattle police spokesperson. The group also injured a dozen Seattle police officers, sending one to the hospital. "It was kind of a joint effort to target specific businesses and government buildings and do property destruction and vandalism," said Seattle police in a press conference Sunday evening. A group of peaceful protesters gathered in Westlake Park for several hours Sunday and then a separate group arrived carrying baseball bats and was set out for "destruction and damage," police said. The group marched from Westlake Park to the Municipal Courthouse, where they broke out several windows, police said. They then headed towards the West Precinct on Virginia Street and threw rocks, bottles and "mortar-type" fireworks at officers. At least 12 officers were injured and one was taken to the hospital after fragments hit his neck and throat area, police said. Other officers suffered lacerations and abrasion injuries. Police used blast balls and pepper spray to get the crowd to disperse and at least two people were arrested, according to police. Police did not use tear gas, officials said. Only 2 arrested? Who are these people? Antifa I assume?
	__________________ A fool thinks himself to be wise, but a wise man knows himself to be a fool. William Shakespeare

20th July 2020, 01:25 AM	#15
Stacyhs Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: United States Posts: 17,368	Originally Posted by Puppycow https://www.king5.com/article/news/l...d-286332f427f0 Local news story Only 2 arrested? Who are these people? Antifa I assume? More than likely and it angers me because they are undoing all the good the peaceful protesters have accomplished in bringing attention to BLM /police brutality. They are giving credence to Trump's claims and that really pisses me off.

20th July 2020, 02:03 AM	#16
Silly Green Monkey Cowardly Lurking in the Shadows of Greatness Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Arizona Posts: 5,189	They might not be Antifa. In the early days of the protests white-power extremists were arranging lootings and violence to ensure that protesting would be associated with crime.
	__________________ Normal is just a stereotype.

20th July 2020, 02:29 AM	#17
Delphic Oracle Philosopher Join Date: Sep 2016 Posts: 5,273	My favorite is complaining about police intimidating people from filming them, then those same people violently intimidate anyone with a camera filming them. One minute everyone screams "cameras up" and start chanting "the whole world is watching", next minute if you have a camera out, you're a disgusting traitor, a plant, working for the enemy, etc.

20th July 2020, 02:43 AM	#19
Safe-Keeper Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Norway Posts: 10,357	Originally Posted by Silly Green Monkey They might not be Antifa. In the early days of the protests white-power extremists were arranging lootings and violence to ensure that protesting would be associated with crime. Also, in some areas you already have gangs hitting stores like this. Either way, thugs taking advantage of civil unrest to loot stores and do things they otherwise wouldn't get away with isn't exactly uncommon.
	__________________ "He's like a drunk being given a sobriety test by the police after being pulled over. Just as a drunk can't walk a straight line, Trump can't think in a straight line. He's all over the place."--Stacyhs "If you are still hung up on that whole words-have-meaning thing, then 2020 is going to be a long year for you." --Ladewig

20th July 2020, 03:25 AM	#20
Puppycow Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Yokohama, Japan Posts: 25,585	Originally Posted by Safe-Keeper Also, in some areas you already have gangs hitting stores like this. Either way, thugs taking advantage of civil unrest to loot stores and do things they otherwise wouldn't get away with isn't exactly uncommon. Did you see the video? People were spray painting slogans on the walls. If you're there to steal, why stop to spray paint graffiti? I don't think mere theft was their main motive here. They wanted to make a statement against Amazon. I saw white girls holding up protest signs to block the view. Besides the local news and more right-leaning news orgs, I don't see much coverage of this event. I saw at least one Black Lives Matter protest sign carried by a person who then started smashing windows. At 6 seconds into the video you can see the sign. In fact the video doesn't really show them stealing anything. Maybe they did, but it mostly appears to be smashing windows and spray painting graffiti
	__________________ A fool thinks himself to be wise, but a wise man knows himself to be a fool. William Shakespeare

20th July 2020, 04:10 AM	#21
Safe-Keeper Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Norway Posts: 10,357	Quote: Did you see the video? Nope. I was commenting on these phenomena in general. If protesters are looting, burning cars, and vandalising property, that's obviously not okay.
	__________________ "He's like a drunk being given a sobriety test by the police after being pulled over. Just as a drunk can't walk a straight line, Trump can't think in a straight line. He's all over the place."--Stacyhs "If you are still hung up on that whole words-have-meaning thing, then 2020 is going to be a long year for you." --Ladewig

20th July 2020, 04:45 AM	#22
Belz... Fiend God Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: In a post-fact world Posts: 91,292	Originally Posted by Puppycow https://twitter.com/DailyCaller/stat...88892471599104 I'm a loyal Democrat but I don't understand why some people on the left seem to think that this sort of thing is acceptable. Nor why local politicians like mayors would allow their cities to be destroyed like this. This is obviously not a "peaceful protest". It's not "political speech" it's a crime. Who said it's acceptable?
	__________________ Master of the Shining Darkness "My views are nonsense. So what?" - BobTheCoward

20th July 2020, 05:11 AM	#23
Distracted1 Philosopher Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 5,178	Originally Posted by Belz... Who said it's acceptable? What does it being "not" acceptable entail? Letting it proceed, or stopping it?
	__________________ The man with one watch knows what time it is, the man with two watches is never sure.

20th July 2020, 05:15 AM	#24
Belz... Fiend God Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: In a post-fact world Posts: 91,292	Originally Posted by Distracted1 What does it being "not" acceptable entail? Letting it proceed, or stopping it? I think the OP implied that some people said it was acceptable.
	__________________ Master of the Shining Darkness "My views are nonsense. So what?" - BobTheCoward

20th July 2020, 05:16 AM	#25
SuburbanTurkey Philosopher Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Massachusetts, USA Posts: 7,179	Originally Posted by Distracted1 What does it being "not" acceptable entail? Letting it proceed, or stopping it? Strangely enough, the cities that didn't take an iron fist approach to breaches of public order have been the most successful in keeping things peaceful. Many major cities in the US had outbreaks of protests that turned into riots in the immediate aftermath of the George Floyd murder. Now, only a select few are still having ongoing, if not escalating, bouts of public disorder and opportunistic looting. It should be noted that these cities have also seen some of the most robust police responses since day 1. Doing nothing, or using a very light touch, is often the best tactic if the goal is reducing violence or property damage. Sending out the riot cops to gas and beat crowds practically guarantees continued unrest. Portland has had 50+ days of continuous unrest in the streets. The cops are out in full force, using everything short of just opening fire with lethal weapons into the crowd. It's a real-time natural experiment in the effectiveness of jack-boot tactics to quell riots and is failing miserably.
	__________________ Gobble gobble Last edited by SuburbanTurkey; 20th July 2020 at 05:19 AM.

20th July 2020, 05:20 AM	#26
Distracted1 Philosopher Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 5,178	Originally Posted by Belz... I think the OP implied that some people said it was acceptable. Allowing it to proceed unchecked, when the means to quell it are available, is "accepting" it.
	__________________ The man with one watch knows what time it is, the man with two watches is never sure.

20th July 2020, 05:28 AM	#27
Belz... Fiend God Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: In a post-fact world Posts: 91,292	Originally Posted by Distracted1 Allowing it to proceed unchecked, when the means to quell it are available, is "accepting" it. No, that's not what "acceptable" means.
	__________________ Master of the Shining Darkness "My views are nonsense. So what?" - BobTheCoward

20th July 2020, 05:29 AM	#28
Distracted1 Philosopher Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 5,178	Originally Posted by Belz... No, that's not what "acceptable" means. what does not accepting it look like? ac·cept·a·ble /əkˈseptəb(ə)l/ 1. able to be agreed on; suitable. "has tried to find a solution acceptable to everyone" 2. able to be tolerated or allowed. "pollution in the city had reached four times the acceptable level"
	__________________ The man with one watch knows what time it is, the man with two watches is never sure. Last edited by Distracted1; 20th July 2020 at 05:31 AM.

20th July 2020, 05:39 AM	#29
shuttlt Philosopher Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 7,314	Originally Posted by Belz... Who said it's acceptable? Here is the NYT arguing for a diversity of tactics: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/16/u...rge-floyd.html "What emerges is not only an antiseptic image of individual activists, but an oversimplified division between “right” and “wrong” ways to protest that historians and social scientists say impedes understanding of how movements achieve their goals." They say that “That’s not necessarily the same thing as condoning setting buildings on fire, but it’s certainly not the case that plain civility is something that would ever work.” Saying it's not necessarily the same things as condoning arson is pretty hedging language for the NYT. "Social movements are almost always messy — and that’s part of what can make them effective, historians say." "In terms of plain effectiveness, apart from moral and philosophical considerations, it is not always the case that peaceful protest helps a movement achieve its goals and violent protest hurts it." "Most often, historians say, social movements succeed in the vast space between riots and “civility.”"
shuttlt Philosopher Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 7,314

20th July 2020, 05:43 AM	#30
Belz... Fiend God Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: In a post-fact world Posts: 91,292	Originally Posted by Distracted1 what does not accepting it look like? ac·cept·a·ble /əkˈseptəb(ə)l/ 1. able to be agreed on; suitable. "has tried to find a solution acceptable to everyone" 2. able to be tolerated or allowed. "pollution in the city had reached four times the acceptable level" See definition (1)? It's entirely a matter of opinion.
	__________________ Master of the Shining Darkness "My views are nonsense. So what?" - BobTheCoward

20th July 2020, 05:50 AM	#31
Distracted1 Philosopher Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 5,178	Originally Posted by Belz... See definition (1)? It's entirely a matter of opinion. Okay. What does not finding it acceptable (able to be agreed upon, suitable) look like?
	__________________ The man with one watch knows what time it is, the man with two watches is never sure.

20th July 2020, 05:57 AM	#32
Belz... Fiend God Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: In a post-fact world Posts: 91,292	Originally Posted by Distracted1 Okay. What does not finding it acceptable (able to be agreed upon, suitable) look like? Saying that it's not acceptable. Conversely, finding it acceptable would entail people saying so. Are we done with the English language classes? Shouldn't the OP demonstrate his claims instead?
	__________________ Master of the Shining Darkness "My views are nonsense. So what?" - BobTheCoward

20th July 2020, 06:04 AM	#33
Distracted1 Philosopher Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 5,178	Originally Posted by Belz... Saying that it's not acceptable. Conversely, finding it acceptable would entail people saying so. Are we done with the English language classes? Shouldn't the OP demonstrate his claims instead? I think the words used to describe things are important (I am not suggesting that you do not). Allowing something to proceed unchecked is tacitly finding it acceptable, even if one proclaims that it is not. That was the thrust of my point- sorry if it seemed like an unwanted English language discussion.
	__________________ The man with one watch knows what time it is, the man with two watches is never sure.

20th July 2020, 06:05 AM	#34
Belz... Fiend God Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: In a post-fact world Posts: 91,292	Originally Posted by Distracted1 I think the words used to describe things are important (I am not suggesting that you do not). Allowing something to proceed unchecked is tacitly finding it acceptable, even if one proclaims that it is not. That was the thrust of my point- sorry if it seemed like an unwanted English language discussion. I'm not saying your point was worthless, only that I think you're using too narrow a definition. I can find things completely unacceptable but do nothing about it. e.g. the massacre in Rwanda.
	__________________ Master of the Shining Darkness "My views are nonsense. So what?" - BobTheCoward

20th July 2020, 06:13 AM	#35
BobTheCoward Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 20,093	Originally Posted by Belz... I'm not saying your point was worthless, only that I think you're using too narrow a definition. I can find things completely unacceptable but do nothing about it. e.g. the massacre in Rwanda. I feel this conversation is a personal victory even if I'm not part of it.

20th July 2020, 06:14 AM	#36
Distracted1 Philosopher Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 5,178	Originally Posted by Belz... I'm not saying your point was worthless, only that I think you're using too narrow a definition. I can find things completely unacceptable but do nothing about it. e.g. the massacre in Rwanda. I hear you. In order to not accept the Rwandan genocide, however, the means to stop it would need to be available to you. Seattles' city government has those means. They are Democratically controlled. It is logical to say that they accepted the behavior.
	__________________ The man with one watch knows what time it is, the man with two watches is never sure.