Black lives matter

I used to think it was ok to say "all lives matter" but I've come to realize it sounds really snarky. The 'Black Lives Matter' movement has organized to protest injustice and inequality, and if people outside the movement say, "but all lives matter" it kind of negates all their work while horning in on their successes.

The organization sees that there's inequality and they want it rectified. It's their movement. I'm in favor of equality and as long as they are not doing anything illegal let them have their successes. I hope they are not behind the riots.

Demonstrations and Riots

A lot of people are demonstrating today, have been for a few days, and I thought I'd write down a few thoughts.

First, I agree with the idea behind the demonstrations. It's always bothered me that black people are more likely to be stopped by police than anyone else. I wish I had the power to just wish that away, but I don't.

Second, people have a right to peacefully demonstrate and should be capable of doing so without rioting. That's a constitutional right.

Third, people don't have the right to riot and loot. Some of these protesters are staying out past curfew just so they can start looting after dark. They are going to hell.

I gave a ride to a coworker who asked what I thought of the demonstrators and I said I was against them. I should clarify that I was thinking about rioting, rather than demonstrating.