When Do Protests Go to Far?

It has been a sad few months in America for many reasons. First, Covid 19 has led to state government power grabs that just go to far and needlessly violate the rights of citizens. Second, the George Floyd case is extremely disturbing. Yes, these police officers need to be arrested and locked away for the rest of their lives. Under no circumstance should a man that is not resisting and is already been cuffed be physically restrained. However, I disagree with the many people that are trying to compare the Floyd case to other recent altercations between the police and the black community. They are all different and in many of those cases the police acted appropriately. Not all cases are the same. Third, the protests resulting from the incident are very disturbing that include looting, rioting, and burning down businesses and homes. Obviously these protests are violating the rights of innocent Americans and serve no practical purpose.

When do protests violate rights of other citizens? Even if a protest is peacefully blocking traffic without any prior authority to do so is a violation of people's right to travel freely in public spaces. If protests are peaceful but they leave behind a mess of trash, it violates the rights of some people. To properly protest people must have permission or they must not interfere with other citizens rights to move or conduct business. Besides, this is the best way to make a point. George Floyd's death will be in vain because the protesters actions are no better than the police. It is a sad day for America because instead of solving a problem we are simply making it worse.