KING AND RIOTS

To the Editors of the CRIMSON:

I object to the Afro statement, "We detest the use of King's philosophy of non-violence to suppress the legitimate and totally justified rebellion of our black brothers and sisters now occurring across the country." Riots are rarely justified and even more rarely of great benefit to furthering the Negro cause. It is not law and order that oppresses black Americans, it is the other people who live in this country. The laws and principles of the nation far outdistance the population's desire to observe them. The effect that the looting of stores and the destruction of homes and lives has upon these people does not help the fight for equal opportunity. The cause gains little when a Negro robs a liquor store or steals a television set; it is hurt tremendously. I question whether replacing the disrespect and unconcern that white America has shown for the Negro with fear is progress towards the end of racial prejudice.

Lincoln said, "There is no grievance that is a fit object of redress by mob law." If law and order is removed, nothing will prevent the racial discord within America from turning into a civil war, White against Black. This can be no man's dream; it is a nightmare. Eugene L. Herzog '71