The Gazette. Learn something new today and every day.

Letter: Rioters must be arrested, charged

John Wilson

Feb. 12, 2017 12:00 am

Every citizen is entitled to protest in a peaceful manner. However, when we see students, professional agitators, etc., rioting, burning vehicles, breaking windows, destroying property and stealing, this is not protesting - this is rioting. Everyone who does these actions should not be coddled or tolerated. Every one of them should be arrested, charged, convicted and jailed to the maximum extent.

Furthermore, whoever is sponsoring, promoting and otherwise encouraging this kind of behavior should likewise be prosecuted. One of the great traditions of this country has been the ability to peacefully settle any differences and anarchism must be stopped and stamped out.

John Wilson

Cedar Rapids

Opinion content represents the viewpoint of the author or The Gazette editorial board. You can join the conversation by submitting a letter to the editor or guest column or by suggesting a topic for an editorial to editorial@thegazette.com