Blog #4: On Black Lives Matter Protest/Riots

First, let's define the difference between a Protest and a Riot.

    A Protest: a statement or action expressing disapproval of or objection to something.

    A Riot: a violent disturbance of the peace by a crowd.

Protests are protected by the first amendment, mostly being associated with The Freedom to Assembly. This is because our Founding Fathers wanted the People to be able to fight against the government if they thought it was being too powerful or invasive.

So the recent protests, these large, non-violent, social gatherings are and should be protected under the Freedom to Assemble.

HOWEVER

There have also been riots in the country, supported largely by Black Lives Matter. In Greensboro alone, someone (or a group) committed Arson in a shopping district only five minutes from a family member's place of work. A Mattress Firm shop was the victim. But I have no heard little to no condemnation of these violent actions, which is awful.

A protest should be non-violent and should not result in the destruction of private property. If you'd like, this link provides a look at the Black Lives Matter movement and talks about racial tensions mostly between the black population and police officers. However, there is a chance that this link may lead to a screen that will read: Article not found, in which case simply look up in google: mtsu.edu Black Lives Matter, and it should be the first link.