Opinion

Peacefully is the way to protest

Posted January 13, 2015 11:01 pm

I bought a T-shirt that says "I Can't Breathe." Now, why did I buy this item?

I bought it to protest the actions of one police officer who, against department policy, used a choke hold on an asthmatic man resulting in his death.

This T-shirt in no way condones protests that result in mob actions of looting, criminal damage to property or arson. Some individuals even promote mob action.

Peaceful demonstration done in an orderly manner is the proper way to protest. This is the only good way to promote your cause and this tells people that you have a positive message which brings their attention to a bad situation.

What have we learned from these sorts of demonstrations? That certain people should avoid placing themselves in potentially bad situations. Police departments should review their policies regarding this sort of thing and have periodic reviews. The potential protesters should learn to have peaceful demonstrations in a civilized manner. It makes more friends that enemies.

Fifty years ago I was at Selma with MLK and was present at several anti-war gatherings over the years. We were peaceful as we should have been. It still applies today, even more.

Raleigh Sutton

Elgin

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