Feel Free To Riot

Unenforced Rules are No Rules

What is the difference between the riots that occupied the Capitol two weeks ago and the racially motivated riots that destroyed storefronts in many of our cities last year? You might say the difference is the iconic nature of the buildings involved. It was called sedition to occupy the Capitol building, but destruction of city centers was deemed justified outrage. Or, the difference could be the motivation for the riot. The capitol riots were in protest of a belief that their candidate was cheated out of the election. I’m not saying their basic grievance was justified, but they believed it was. The riots across our cities were in protest of the belief that systemic racism is rampant in America. Again, some may dispute the claims of systemic racism, but belief in those claims spawned civil unrest. Instead of examining the differences, maybe it would be more enlightening to examine the similarities.

For whatever reason, the Capitol Hill rioters thought their actions were justified, such that there would be no consequences. There has been a series of riots protesting police actions, especially against black citizens. Last year, several blocks in the heart of Seattle were occupied by protesters. During the same outbreak, protestors in Portland occupied and extensively damaged a federal building. These actions were praised by the national press. Members of Congress spoke out in support of the lawlessness. Police who tried to protect private and public property were demonized both in the media and by local and national leaders. The only people punished were the police officers who tried to enforce the law. If riots and civil disobedience were acceptable actions to combat racism, why would they not be acceptable for other issues as well? Could we justify riots in support of gender equality, or how about animal rights, or environmental issues?

The problem, may be even deeper than acceptance of civil disobedience. Washington State voted to challenge federal law and legalize recreational marijuana in 2012. The federal government did nothing! I expected the state initiative to be immediately struck down. Our national leaders decided to not enforce the law. It was the first time I had ever heard of such a thing. It set a far-reaching precedent. If states were free to ignore the drug laws, could they reasonably choose to ignore other laws? During the 2016 election, our immigration policy was called into question. States and cities disagreeing with the existing laws felt free to ignore them. Sanctuary Cities harbored those who were in our country illegally. If states and cities could ignore federal law, were counties also free to ignore state law? The Washington legislature passed a law limiting ownership of firearms to individuals under 18 years old. Some county sheriffs openly defied the law announcing they would not enforce it.

There were riots in Seattle and Portland Wednesday after the inauguration. These groups of left-wing extremists occupied part of downtown Seattle looting and breaking storefront windows. The only surprise was the identity of the protestors. Most reporters expected right wing extremists. Riots were expected! How have we gotten to the point that riots are expected? I blame the national media and our politicians. Those who defy the law have been made heroes by the media and our elected leaders.

Our Constitution guarantees the right of peaceful assembly. It does not guarantee the right to destroy property regardless of the cause. Riots in support of civil rights are still riots and threaten our democracy as much as riots in support of other political goals. Our nation is built on law. Any set of rules that are not enforced are not rules but simply empty statements.

Frank Watson is a retired Air Force Colonel and long-time resident of Eastern Washington. He has been a free-lance columnist for over 20 years.