Things are beginning to look scary in Baltimore

You seem to be enjoying splitting hairs with your ridiculous semantics, foolana.  Yes, ALL the people we can see on TV are ALL that we can see; so, yes, they're ALL looting and destroying property and exercising criminal behavior.  No matter how you slice it, they're ALL thugs, punks, and criminals breaking the law.  ALL of them!  That we can see, of course.

Yes, I can see ALL of them that are on TV.  Since they are on my magic box and getting beamed into my living room then yes, I see all of the looters that are getting caught on camera.  What I do not see are any peaceful protestors.  

A lot of depts do provide at least uniforms and a vest. Whether it be with a uniform allowance yearly or them buying it for you. Some depts (mostly smaller places) don't unfortunately and you're required to buy it yourself. It's NOT cheap. Some go completely without a vest because they can't afford one. DH is outdated but he wears it out of habit but it won't protect him.

its interesting that so many of the "protesters" have backpacks!!!  hmmmmm....

cindy

They're kids. If you look at the pictures, they look like they can't be a day over 16.

It's incredibly sad.

Is this some bad attempt at sarcasm?

The kids walked out of school. Literally, got up and walked out. Are they all kids? No. But many of the people with book bags literally got up and walked out of class.

why did they walk out of school, to "peacefully protest"?  like i said before, for most of these "protesters" it's nothing more than an opportunity to loot, destroy shit and hurt people...

For what it's worth, the Baltimore station, WBAL, reported earlier that it was posted on social media that this whole thing was planned for 3:00, when the kids walked out of class. It's been reported on our local stations throughout this that most of the rioters are kids.

You asked why they had backpacks. I explained why. WTF are you ranting about? Calm down.

This is such a terrible situation. I feel horrible for the individuals and businesses that have been harmed! I would be feeling very fearful and anxious if I lived in the vicinity.

I do think that the violence and destruction that is going on is more than just "thug mentality". I think it's an indication of how hopeless and angry these people are. People who feel like they have recourse, hope, and a way to make things better, don't behave that way.

I live about an hour from Baltimore but have friends and family there. I am so worried for them. The news has been covering this all day and sometimes I feel like the media just incites more people to do something.

I feel for the family of Freddie Gray, his twin sister came on TV over the weekend and asked everyone NOT to do anything. That justice would be served in a lawful way. It seems like no one is honoring the family wishes. It's so sad all around. They buried him today and are now dealing with this.

The governor has just declared a state of emergency and has activated the National Guard. How can this be happening?

I'm sorry I hope your dh doesn't have to go down there. 

This stuff is just bs. I commend the family of Freddie Gray for their recent statements asking for this to stop. 

I agree. Mr. Gray's family spoke out and asked for it to stop and that was very upstanding on their part IMO. My thoughts and prayers go out to his friends/family as well as the rest of the good citizens of Baltimore.

The governor has just signed orders to send in the National Guard.