Griffin Johnston, 4th period, The importance of civilized protest

An article on BBC.com reports on the recent rioting and the police conflict in Albuquerque, New Mexico. These riots and protests have occurred as a result of the recent deaths of two men at the hand of policemen. One shooting was filmed by policemen using cameras and posted online shortly after causing the unrest. The police department in is said to be too violent, overaggressive, and, even, racist/prejudice towards their victims. This claim has been substantiated by the fact that the APD has shot and killed 23 people since 2010; this number stirs protests due to the small population of Albuquerque compared to much larger U.S. metropolises. The resulting riots and demonstrations have provoked the use of tear gas as well as several arrests due to conflicts escalating to physical violence (the throwing of rocks at the police). The APD is currently under the investigation of the U.S. Justice Department.

It is a hugely beneficial privilege that United States citizens are able to protest, march, speak their mind, etc. about things they see as unjust. This is the aspect of the U.S. government that not only causes there to be a constant, and consistent, demand for fairness and justice especially on the part of the government, but also ensures that the U.S. does not turn into one of the totalitarian dystopian societies so often written about in literature (i.e. Brave New World, The Giver, Hunger Games, etc.) However, as with anything, there is a point where modulation of this right is sometimes necessary. The Salem Witch Trials is a perfect example of this right being taken to the extreme. This situation in Albuquerque seems to have evidence that puts it in a similar category (though, the video of the homeless man being shot by the police was very disconcerting). Policemen, as with anyone, tend to get panicked and this panic can have too much influence over their actions. However, it was right for people to question the large amount of fatalities that have been the result of police shooting. It causes more vigilance and care with how the police carry out their jobs and helps to extract any corrupt officers that might be present. 

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2014/03/31/what-is-going-on-in-albuquerque-your-guide-to-the-police-shooting-protest/

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-26814976