Rioting is now a regular feature of political activism in the United States with catastrophic consequences for many small businesses looted and burned in the name some cause or another. In far too many jurisdictions, incredible leniency has been offered to left wing rioters, unlike the people involved in the January 6 incursion into the US Capitol.
Fortunately, federalism still exists in the United States and countermeasures to block or at least mitigate the effects of rioting are making their way through at least two state legislatures. In Florida, as NBC reports:
The Florida Senate on Thursday passed, largely along party lines, a controversial anti-riot bill that was pushed by GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis in the wake of Black Lives Matter protests last summer.
The bill would increase criminal penalties for assaulting law enforcement officials while engaging in a "riot" and defacing monuments and other public property during riots. It would also penalize local governments that interfere with law enforcement efforts to contain riots and set up a citizen's appeal process when cities and counties try to reduce police budgets in response to riots.
The final vote in the Senate was 23-17, with one Republican voting with Democrats in opposition. The bill passed the GOP-controlled House in late March.
With both legislative chambers passing the bill and Governor DeSantis in support, it should soon be law. Florida stores, restaurants, and other small businesses targeted by looters can breathe a little easier.
read more:
Replies