It seems like everybody wants to be a tough guy (or gal). Peacefully protesting grievances against the government is every citizen's right.  The keyword is peacefully.  When protests turn into riots and infringe on another person's rights, well, then it can become not so peaceful.

            Fortunately, around here, the protests are peaceful.  Maybe a blow of the horn here or there, or an inflammatory shout or gesture but nothing that sparks a riot.

            Yes, social media can ratchet up the rhetoric but, so far, it hasn't sparked any riots around here.

            If a law enforcement officer tells you to get out of the car, get out of the car.  If a law enforcement officer tells you to get behind the safety line, get back behind the safety line. 

            Even if you've done nothing wrong (in your opinion), listen to what the law enforcement officer tells you.  Don't defy them. If you've done nothing wrong and you feel your rights were violated, you can sue them next week.  Don't worry, somebody is recording the encounter.  Save that confrontation for the court battle.

            Residents of our area are peacefully protesting.  That can draw support for your position.  But a word of advice – ditch the profanity on some of the signs.  I have the same advice for all the politicians who have lowered themselves to the freedom of using f-bombs whenever the camera and microphones are in front of them.

            They are not impressing me nor scaring me.  If that's the best they can do to try and threaten others or sway their opinion, it's sad.

            They should be rallying their constituents now in preparation for the 2026 voting booth instead of threatening their opponents with violence.

            Their words and actions now can bring change sooner than they think.  But they must follow through.

           Tough words today and no legislative action or legal proceedings tomorrow often lead to violence on the streets.

           No matter how many times you are interviewed, the outcome is the same.