The Case Against Rioting

Democracy only works if we accept that sometimes our side loses

Photo by Colin Lloyd on Unsplash

I declare that we need a RIOT, a Righteous, Invasion of Truth!

Props to Carmen, the great gospel singer, I loved that sound back in the day. Sorry, couldn’t resist!

So I imagine that no matter who wins the US presidential election, there is probably going to be some protesting and maybe even some rioting in the USA.

Now protesting is one thing, a legit right to vent one’s spleen at our political leaders, the system, or at “the man.” But there is a line between protesting and rioting.

In a liberal democracy, we have the privilege of expressing our beliefs through the peaceful means of elections so that there can be a peaceful transition of power. That's kind of the whole point of democracy, right? We have the freedom to vote, to protest, to speak out, to organize, and to advocate for change. But when that crosses the line into violence and destruction, it undermines the very principles we're fighting for, the very things we want to preserve: peace, security, and equality.

Rioting after an election not only damages public and private property, it also creates anarchy, destroys local businesses, and jeopardizes people’s safety. It can escalate tensions and lead to further division within our communities, along either racial or socio-economic lines. To be honest, rioting accomplishes very little besides giving license to people who just want to use the chaos to indulge their own destructive fantasies and see the world burn!

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Rioting changes the political atmosphere for the worse. Instead of focusing on the issues at hand, the conversation becomes about the riots themselves, and any legitimate concerns get overshadowed. Riots create the fire and the smoke that hide the real problems that need to be dealt with.

Whether it’s ANTIFA or MAGA, rioting mobs are monsters that nobody can legitimately claim they can put on a leash, control, or manipulate. Mobs are not known for their restraint or rationality but are more like a terrifying and fiery storm that consumes all that lies in its path.

I have no doubt that readers of my substack are not prone to rioting. But it’s important that nobody ever validates rioting because of their tribal loyalty or because their animosity has reached the point of desiring to see wanton destruction.

And hey, if you're feeling disheartened by the election results, that's totally okay. It's okay to be upset, to vent, to seek support from like-minded individuals. But let's channel that energy into productive outlets. Get involved in local politics, volunteer for causes you believe in, or support organizations that are working towards the change you want to see. Or else, be the change you want to see!

At the end of the day, rioting in a liberal democracy after an election is like spewing acidic chemicals into the street and expecting it to cleanse the streets when it only serves to make our communities more toxic.

Instead, in our role as good citizens in an evil age, let us do as Paul says in Romans:

So then, let us pursue what promotes peace and what builds up one another (Rom 14:19).