When Ray Lewis Says it's Time to Stop, it's Time to Stop.

Needless to say at this point, Baltimore is totally out of hand. The events leading up to Freddie Gray's death appear to be pretty damning of the officers involved, and my heart goes out to him and his family, as it does to all those who are wrongfully killed. The harsh reality is that tragic events like this happen, but they are not tied to one race or group of people. We have to remember who provokes and fuels the fire in these cases: the media. While it is important for Gray's death to become public knowledge and for those responsible to be punished if necessary, it is also important for us to remember that the media highlights certain events for political, cultural and socioeconomic gain. Whatever the case may be, whoever is wrong, the rioting going on in Baltimore is not the answer. I do not blame black Americans for seeking justice for Freddie Gray's death. However, that justice does not come from destroying your city and its businesses. There is zero correlation between a private business owner and an overzealous, violent police officer. How are you making a difference for your race, your city and Freddie Gray by looting, rioting, vandalizing and attacking your fellow citizens? Whether Freddie Gray was a criminal or not, the punishment does not fit the crime and it is a terrible shame that this young man's death is being overshadowed and convoluted by an angry, ignorant mob. Furthermore, by resorting to violence and destruction, the police are now being handed more responsibility, more power, and therefore more opportunity to defend themselves--and we all know what that can lead to. Think before you act, Baltimore. 

I can't stress this as strongly as Ray Lewis can, so I'll stop here and let him finish.