Minneapolis self destructs.

PATTERN OF SELF DESTRUCTION OF BIG CITIES CONTINUES

MINORITY RESIDENTS BIG LOSERS AGAIN

The violent response to the death of a black Minneapolis citizen is a sad repetition of a cycle of destruction that has plagued big cities of America since the 1960's. While protests against injustice or police abuse is an acceptable response that can lead to changes and reforms, violent looting, arson and destruction is the most counterproductive action that can be engaged in. Will this be the beginning of a decline in Minneapolis that may take decades to repair. A comparable situation in Detroit in 1967 hastened the decline of that city that has yet to recover.

The video of the black citizen being abused by a police officer is a sad testimony that police abuse is still a problem. It is likely that such incidents will always be a possibility and proper punishment for such actions are always needed. The minority population of Minneapolis had garnered the sympathy of a nation and reminded everyone that some police officers do abuse their authority. This incident was condemned by many police officers and police organizations. They understand that such incidents undermine their ability to protect their citizens and be effective in their jobs.

All that is now put aside by the distraction of looting, arson and senseless violence against those citizens and businesses who had no part of this affair. It is so counterproductive that you can bet that this area will likely decline in economic health for years to come. Some of those businesses will never return. Others will cross off this city as a possible location for future business. Some residents are likely already deciding were they will move to in the near future. 

The media loves these events, they love to stoke the flames and label the violence as a just outlet for the citizens rage. Often black leaders also love the spotlight to spew their racist propaganda that will just make it all worse. When the flames and rioting is over, they will all move on to the next sensational story and the good citizens of the area will live with a decline in their standard of living that may never be repaired.

It is a sad commentary on a pattern that has been going on for decades. Poor communities act in a manner that condemns their communities to increased poverty rather than upward prosperity. The few anarchists are allowed to set the direction of the lives for the whole community.