I just wanted to remind everyone that the First Amendment to the United States Constitution provides that Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

            I seems like the lessons of 2024 have carried over into 2025.

            Peaceful demonstrations in the City of Angels devolved into chaos, then riots.  Yes riots.  More than 20 businesses have been looted, and demonstrators are seen on media videos hurling rocks and other items at law enforcement officers.  These are not isolated incidents. 

            No the violence didn't start when the National Guard was dispatched, it was going on before that, putting lives at risk and more.

            The sites of the peaceful demonstrations have grown to include San Francisco, Seattle, Chicago, and Philadelphia.  So far, they have remained somewhat peaceful with minimal incidents.

            We've all seen the police cars burning, United States flags being burned on Los Angeles streets while protestors stand on burning vehicles waving Mexican flags, vandals chopping up curbs and sidewalks for weapons to be throw at law enforcement officials, and cement blocks and commercial-grade fireworks being tossed at police. 

            You can wave any flag you wish but, when you do it standing on a burning police cruiser you are inviting suspicion that you may be involved in its' torching.

            Or, more recently, the media video of a working woman pleading with protestors blocking a street in the Big Apple to please let her through so she go to work to feed her young child.  Instead of cutting her a break and letting her through, one male protestor laughed and taunted her.  He mocked her need to get to work just to feed her child.

            There are many more examples of ways to hurt you cause.  Just turn on the news (any channel).  Some tell you not to believe what you see.  But, you're looking at it and you're seeing it.  Instead of violent protestors gaining supporters they are losing them and your cause is suffering from your actions.

            People can disagree and peacefully protest but when your actions harm or threatened other people, destroy property, and purposely infringe on the rights of other you can expect a response from law enforcement.  When you violently and physically fight that response you should expect to be arrested.  Don't act surprised.

            There are things each of us don't like or disagree with, and there are peaceful ways to get results.

            Protest, but do it peacefully.