There have been a lot of protests over the past year and some of the demonstrations have gotten violent. There are a lot of central themes being played out and many of them are legitimate concerns of the youth. However, engaging in purposeful destruction is different than promoting one's cause. Every society will need some method of policing poor behavior (whether among the population or within itself). There are times when using appropriate force, with respect to human dignity, is needed in order to ensure protests have an appropriate non-violent message.
(As a side note, violence destroys the message and devalues its central legitimacy.)
Arresting those who are committing legitimate crimes that run afoul of legal and moral codes is an acceptable use of police power. They are paid by taxpayers to protect the right for free speech and the right for people not to have their property damaged/destroyed. While we may not agree with everything each individual officer does they often provide an essential function to society that exists in all forms of government.
For example, protesting police excesses, environmental issues, racism, direction of the country, etc... are all acceptable concerns and we have an opportunity to improve our society through collaboration. How and where people direct that message will determine whether it is a useful message designed to help society adapt or it is a useless message that starts to erode society.
Some of the people in these protests are moving beyond voicing their beliefs to purposely damaging other's property and all societies have the right to not allow anger to boil down a destructive path. In this case, I have to support the right of police to use appropriate force to arrest wrong doers and the right of protestors to voice their beliefs without resorting to violence.
I'm not an expert on this topic (other then what I remember from old skateboard culture) I guess there are essential arguments as it relates to capitalism, immigration, BLM, etc... embedded in the march and anarchist symbols. As a youth movement it appears they are saying they do not trust the capitalist system, don't believe their government cares about them, and want more rights for people/workers. Some of what they hope is to end racial disparity and a freer society You can read one description HERE.
Its interesting because we can sort of listen to the central theme and see a disconnected youth that are upset with the direction of the country. True capitalism offers opportunities for all members of society to improve their position based on their skill and ability that is not hindered by race, discrimination, and elitism. Creating a more farer society, a capitalist system that helps the young and poor rise on their skills, is something we can take from what they are saying for future policy consumption.
At the end of the day, it is up to older generations to listen to the multiple protests occurring and find the best way to help youth feel connected to society (its past, present, and future) through providing opportunities to avoid the growing problem of those who are "haves" from those who are "have nots" (i.e. renewed focus on small business). The bitter rivalry between Republicans and Democrats is fueling some of these other issues and it would be wise for our leaders to start thinking about drawing people to a rational center.
(As a side note I believe Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz is doing a pretty good job balancing some of those divergent needs in his press conference.)
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