Reason and Objectivity Are Dead

In my view, there is really only one reasonable conclusion to reach based on the events of the past week: Floyd's death was a criminal act; the looting and rioting were rife with criminal acts. The rule of law should be applied equally to all.

And yet I awoke this morning to chorus of media coverage - some from once venerable and respected outlets - that justified, excused, or otherwise apologized for the rioting. Some pieces suggested that the riots were the inevitable and richly-deserved comeuppance for historical racism (a position that negates individual volition, individual guilt, and the rule of law.) Others struck a more ominous tone: implying that if some unspecified demands were not met, more damage and suffering would be inflicted on the persons and property of innocents. This is a mantra more suited to a domestic terrorist organization than a civil rights movement. I am shocked at the number of otherwise educated and intelligent commentators who are willing to publically contort themselves to find convoluted apologies for flagrantly criminal conduct. It's irrational and intellectually dishonest. And infuriating, to be frank.