I understand the frustration with the current warmongering and sheer greed and oppression inherent in our society, however violence will only beget more violence. I believe it will not accomplish much. So, some shops and restaurants were shut for a few hours? What changed? A young woman was injured. And a bunch of violent and dogmatic activists isolated themselves further from those who are uninformed, but might potentially have been sympathetic to the message of justice for all. Throwing rocks and engaging in fisticuffs with the police out of outrage does not help the cause. It certainly doesn't "enlighten" more people to your message/demands. It does not reach out to those somewhere along the fence; it will not grow the movement. Instead of creating violence, feed someone, talk with someone about the cause of justice and engage courageously in acts of nonviolent civil resistance. That will involve some self-sacrifice -- but as was stated, it's nothing compared to what the truly oppressed experience on a daily basis.

I am saddened by the comment "I don't think anyone needs an excuse to throw a brick in someone's face." Why do we feel a need to hurt one another? Maybe that young woman was oppressed -- maybe she is a lesbian who had been discriminated against -- perhaps she had been raped by a boyfriend -- maybe she could have joined the movement...

What happened to Mr. Rawlings was an unjust tragedy. But let's grieve that tragedy, not create further violence. To pursue retaliation would be somewhat along the same lines of -- "Someone attacked America on 9/11, so let's go kick some ass."

"An eye for an eye, leaves the whole world blind."
~Gandhi