Thousands attended the funeral of Freddie Gray, which became a protest against the violence and impunity of uniformed thugs.

However, a riot followed, partly provoked by obnoxious racism.

While I don't feel much sympathy when uniformed thugs are attacked, doing so plays into their hands. Meanwhile, burning cars and looting stores is no more justifiable now than at any other time. But this property crime is less grave an issue than homicide.

Nasty statements by some thugs helped provoke the rioting. Eventually the riot was suppressed by soldiers.