BLACK LIVES MATTER: A RALLYING CALL FOR ANARCHY

BLACK LIVES MATTER: A RALLYING CALL FOR ANARCHY

By Domenick J. Maglio PhD Traditional Realist

On October 22, 2015 President Obama again made a statement defending the “Black Lives Matter” movement. He described the movement as highlighting specific issues that are only happening in black communities. However, the issues should be focused on how everyone should interact with authority figures now, not about past discrimination. All communities need to respect law enforcement to maintain stability and peace.

According to President Obama’s narrative the movement sprung up after unarmed black men such as Trayvon Martin in Florida, Michael Brown in Ferguson and others elsewhere who were killed by the police. There was no mention by him that after an exhaustive legal process the judicial system found that the accused were innocent in both above cases. These verdicts were substantiated by additional federal justice department reviews of the cases.

This and other statements of President Obama have legitimized, empowered and expanded this movement, a movement that is chanting “F—the Police,” “Pigs in a Blanket- Fry ‘em Like Bacon,” “Race Bastard” and other incendiary comments all over the country. The Internet has exploded with hateful and taunting videos towards the police. They are undeniably beyond the pale, vicious calls for attacks on police. The day after President Obama’s above-mentioned statements there was hate speech and violence against police in a three-day “Black Lives Matter” rallies in New York City.

These blatant incidents provoking and killing of police are becoming epidemic. This is not a free speech problem rather these protests are attracting people to come together to form a mob mentality to intimidate the public, restrict police power and push the limits of civil behavior. It does not address grievances but creates disorder to incite and agitate violence towards all police regardless of religions, ethnic or racial backgrounds.

President Obama said in his defense of these violent gatherings “we as a society particularly given our history have to take this seriously.” He further justifies the movement “rather what they (BLM) were suggesting there is a specific problem that is happening in the African-American community that is not happening in other communities. This is a legitimate issue that we’ve got to address.”

President Obama does not believe the nationwide spike in violence and crime in black communities has anything to do with the “Black Lives Matter” movement although his FBI director, James Comey, has indicated that it does. Mr. Comey has concluded that the extraordinary rise in black crime is partially caused by the restraint of police from being more aggressive because of the riots in Ferguson and the vile anti police videos that show the cops are not receiving sufficient backing to do their job.

We should remember the job of the cops is extremely dangerous and thankless.  They are sworn to do their duty to uphold our laws but not supposed to be social workers. All officers, regardless of the shade of their skin, deserve the respect of their authority. Any overt resistance or harassment of a police officer’s commands is and should be a prosecuted offense.

President Obama should remember he represents all citizens so his words matter. He should articulate and inspire all citizens to respect the institutions and laws of our nation and not make excuses for any special interest group. The President of the United States is the chief executive officer of the nation and all its citizens.

Every individual has grievances and injustices they have experienced. Most citizens regardless of ethnic, racial or religious identification and socio-economic background have stories of being stopped for a violation. Many have experienced sternness, rudeness and even unfairness meted out by an officer of the law. There are legal remedies to illegal police behavior.

Usually it is best to look towards the future rather than stew in the past. It is not in the long-term interest of any groups to disregard authority figures especially those assigned to maintain order. This respect for authority figures only increases resentment and uncontrollable anger. The gratitude for the wonderful opportunities and gifts this great nation offers them is lost.

Encouraging anarchy is not a solution to decreasing police discrimination. When confronted by police, an individual should listen and comply with the direction not challenge and resist. It will create a tinderbox for rampant chaos that causes a destructive rage gone wild. Riots are not an appropriate venue to discuss viable changes. People should look at problems rationally, not be frightened into appeasing violence.

Let us treat every man, woman, and child with the respect they deserve including all authority figures such as parents, teachers, elders and law enforcement.  Order, respect and inclusion leads to harmony while disorder, disrespect and exclusion end in anarchy. “Black Lives Matter” riots do not do anything to improve the lives of the people in those communities.

Domenick Maglio, PhD. is a columnist carried by various newspapers, an author of several books and owner/director of Wider Horizons School, a college prep program. You can visit Dr. Maglio at www.drmaglio.blogspot.com.