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Who is at fault with the Ferguson protesters/rioters?

Under our First Amendment; Americans have the freedom of speech which prohibits the government from banning speech. Under the US Constitution Americans have the right to peaceably assemble.

Up until the Grand Jury made publically known their decision....all of the protesters were legal in what they were doing. Also, up until this time the Missouri governor called the Missouri National Guard to be in Ferguson to protect the town and businesses if the verdict was 'not guilty'.

Once the Grand Jury made their decision public....the protesters began rioting, stealing and destroying buildings ... all because Brown's step-father told them to 'burn it all down'. Also, right before this moment....the Missouri National Guard was ordered, by president Obama, to 'Stand Down'....therefore, the Missouri National Guard did nothing.

Is Brown's step-father at fault or the president for telling the National Guard to

'Stand Down'?

If Brown's step-father is at fault....then shouldn't he also be responsible for all the damage he incited?

If the president is at fault...then shouldn't he be responsible for all the damage done because he ordered the National Guard to 'stand down'?

1 Answer

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  • Mark B
    Lv 7
    6 years ago

    The protesters did not suddenly become violent because the step-father said "burn the ***** down". Most wouldn't have hear him. They were already to loot and damage. There had been a lot of damage done earlier. The convenience store where the cigars were stolen had already been looted/burned long before the verdict was out.

    The President does not have the authority to order the National Guard to "stand down" when they are called up under state orders. They answer to the GOVERNOR when they are under state service.

    It would be a stretch to put all financial liability for the damage on the step-father. It is possible he could be charged with "inciting a riot", but that would be a political mess.Local shop owners won't sue, because they fear retaliation.

    There was a lot of coordination at the local and state level to be ready without showing an aggressive police/military presence that could be an excuse for protesters to become more violent.

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