Violence is an expected reprisal for the sustained violent oppression of blacks in America. One of the major contributions of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. to humanity is that he was able to inspire those protesting for equal rights to reject violent retribution against the attacks of the bigots. As the assassination of the New York police officers indicates, non-violence is not an infallible effort.
Support for the policy of non-violence should not be taken for granted. Numerous groups did assert the right of self-defense. Most prominent of those is the Black Panther Party of Oakland, Calif. There are also other smaller groups such as the one in Monroe, N.C. which was led by Robert Williams, a former U.S. Marine. And there has always been the Nation of Islam that vigorously supports the right of self-defense.
When violence occurs it is disheartening to most sensitive people. The assassination of two police officers in Brooklyn is a tragedy, as are the deaths of Michael Brown and Eric Garner. The nation has to face up to the fact that injustice in the criminal justice system, together with substantial economic disparity, has created profound anger among blacks. Those unable to control their temper are likely to resort to violence.
Public officials must develop effective strategies to abate the conflict between the police and black and Latino citizens.
