sinisterporpoise

 I've not commented on the situation in Baltimore, because I don't feel the need to do so. There are thousands of others who make their cases far more eloquently and forcefully than I do.  Yes, there's no question that Freddie Gray's race was involved in his death.  I'm glad the protesters are calling attention to the issue.  It also saddens me that people of a libertarian bent have known that this sort of police abuse has been occurring for years, and it effects anyone of working class status or below. The statistics may show that people of color face this incidents more frequently than white, straight cisgender individuals, but that is not the point I wish to make.  If I were to continue on the previous line of thought, I would probably say something I'd regret. Odds are that I have already done so.

Instead of trying to flounder over some obscure point, I'll put it bluntly. I'm glad the riots happened in Baltimore. If nothing else it is calling attention to a problem with police forces across the country, especially in urban areas. Police departments have long recruited bullies who prey on the week. There is often little distinction between an officer of the law and someone committing a crime, except the officer of the law has a badge that lets him get away with his criminal behavior.

The riots in Baltimore should not stop until there is a revision of law enforcement officer recruitment policies around the country. Officers must undergo psychological testing in order to weed out the type of person who likes to abuse people who he perceives to be weaker than he is. Power-tripping ego maniacs must also go by the wayside.  

If I had more energy and more money for gas, I might even go join the protesters in Indianapolis.