When I recently viewed the mob destruction in Baltimore on the evening news, my first reaction was to say to myself, “Seriously? Not this again.” Another Ferguson-type incident was unraveling before the world’s eyes on national television. Does not everyone realize that this type of behavior did not accomplish anything positive the last time it was tried? Does not everyone realize that acting like barbarians and setting fires, looting, and throwing bricks at the police officers are not adequate ways that civilized people address their discontent? Why are young students getting involved in this violent uproar? And why would any human being burn down their CVS and then cut the fire hoses so that the fire cannot be put out?

Yes, it is upsetting and unfortunate that a young black man died of injuries obtained while in police custody. I find it extremely disturbing that more and more incidents are in the spotlight. Racist actions in our country need to stop. It is a good thing that we are learning about the incidents that are occurring so that we are not disillusioned into thinking that racist targeting is extinct. However, it is not a good idea to set the town on fire because we are upset. Has our society really come to that? Peaceful protests and organized marches may seem too low key for these vigilantes, but it is the only way they will be respected or taken seriously. Although subsequent protests in various cities have been mostly peaceful, they do not diminish the embarrassing lack of self control by those partaking in the initial incident. When we hear the word “Ferguson” we think of rioting. Now when we hear “Baltimore” we think of rioting.

I do admire the African-American veteran who stood up to the rioters; he ordered them to leave. This older gentleman had the courage and insight to try to make a difference. I also felt respect for a single mother who saw her son on the news. She marched down to the scene and she was caught on camera reprimanding him over his lack of judgment. Unaware of the camera’s focus on her, she was unrelenting in condemning his actions and held him accountable. (I couldn’t help thinking that his mob of friends is never going to let him forget that) But where were the other parents? If every parent got their son or daughter, wouldn’t the incident have been broken up a little easier? A fair amount of young students were involved.

The death of 25 year-old Freddie Gray, who died of a spinal injury in police custody, is now forever linked to the mob destruction in Baltimore. It is not what the Gray family wanted, especially on the day of his funeral. These actions were completely and utterly disrespectful to the Gray family. Those actions were also disrespectful to our country. I hope this was the last destructive uproar over a senseless death of an African-American. We need to show the world we are better than that.