Unarmed teenager is shot several times, killed, and body is left on street for several hours. Police claim he was a thug. Unarmed Residents react with negative comments. Police carry assault rifles to the funeral. Unarmed Residents peacefully protest. Police bring in tear gas and riot gear. A few protesters start rioting and burned a convenience store. Police start shooting into crowd with “rubber bullets” and concussion grenades, mark area as a no fly zone, use helicopters, and bring in a tank. Unarmed Residents keep nightly vigil of protests. Police chief says there is no curfew, but Police arrest reporters and residents who protest at night. National news broadcast focuses on rioting and looting (which has been very little).
contrast with
Cattle rancher refuses to pay fees for grazing on public lands, claims god behind him, and that he is not subject to federal laws. Armed supports gather at his ranch and declare they will kill any federal officers and state they will use women as shield. Cattle Rancher is called a hero for individual rights, appears on several news broadcasts and given a platform to argue his illogical stance. He has still not paid the fine which is over a million dollars. Police refuse to intervene, and Federal officials decide to not push matter. Politicians argue that Federal government agencies shouldn’t be armed and that the agency overstepped it’s bounds.
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So what makes the difference in responses?
The color of the skin.