Turning on the news last night, I saw that the Occupy Oakland protest was now turning violent. I saw tear gas canisters zooming across the screen, flashes from officers bean bag guns and hundreds (maybe thousands) of people scattering in different directions. I had a feeling that something like this was bound to happen, and sadly could tarnish the point that these people are trying to make.
Violence never cures anything. By the police force having to intervene, it only makes the protesters look bad. People are going to see that footage on the news and just think that these protestors are causing trouble and taking up space. Their point will never get across because most of the public will side with the police department. The police department will state why they took action, and for the most part will be trusted. The protesters will have a much harder time stating their case, and any credibility they may have had will now go out the window.
Taking a look at history, most of the successful leaders of major protests made sure to attempt to lead peaceful rallies. Leaders like Martin Luther King and Cesar Chavez all wanted peaceful protests. From what I have heard, this is the first account of violence at an Occupy gathering. Unfortunately, I think that this will only increase tension throughout and lead to more violence. Violence though is not the answer when trying to get your point across. It only weakens your argument and ultimately makes you look unable to state your opinion in a professional manner.
