i'd like to preface this comment by stating that i like to stereotype and generalize as much as the next guy, and generally i get irritated when people reject my generalizations just on the basis that they're generalizations. that said, i really don't understand the need for people to categorize these events as 'peaceful protests' or 'violent looting and rioting' when obviously they're both.

anyone who's been involved with a tense political situation knows that it's a lot easier to turn a peaceful protest violent than to turn a riot peaceful. there are very clearly some opportunistic shit disturbers who went out in baltimore looking for some thrills and free shit, and an outlet for aggression. that should be clear to anyone and OP has identified a particularly pathetic attempt to deny that.

we also have no idea how many people are out there aching for justice and abstaining from or discouraging violence. maybe we could gather some stats and decide if the black people of baltimore are 'mostly OK' or 'mostly niggers' but i really don't think it helps much. if there's even one person there protesting peacefully for justice, then they deserve justice.

i think, lets hold all these protesters to the normal standards of the law. there is no excuse for assault or robbery. the police should do the best they can to subdue the violence, and to arrest and charge people as possible or necessary.

lets also hold the police to the normal standards of the law. i don't care if freddie grey was an incorrigible drug dealer and was guilty again, police officers are not supposed to execute suspects in custody.

we have laws that dictate how civilians and cops are supposed to act, and they're not being followed. the solution is to properly enforce the existing laws, on both sides of the fence. if that's not gonna work, then lets change the laws. i really don't see any benefit in trying to label or lay blame here.