Which Way, Violence or Constructive Conversation? [OPINION]

The SouthCoast region has been a leader in non-violent protests. Some want to go in a different direction.

There have been billions of dollars in property destroyed by riots around America in the last couple of months. The dollar amounts are enormous, but they are a fraction of the true damage.

Business owners and their employees are without an income. The consumers are not going to come back to stores that no longer exist. Those consumers still need to purchase necessities, and they will find other opportunities. Eventually, the public transportation routes that served the now bombed and burned out neighborhoods will be adjusted.

Previously functioning neighborhoods hit by riots become wastelands. Neighborhoods hit by hurricanes, tornadoes, and other acts of God usually bounce back. But when a man-made riot hits an area, the rational people pull out. Nobody will invest in a community that tolerates and even celebrates the destruction of their own existence.

The recent local attacks on people who support law enforcement and President Trump is a bad signal for our community. We can't tolerate or excuse this type of violence. The people who oppose Donald Trump should be particularly concerned about the attacks on their neighbors. 

Andrew Lelling, the U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts, has taken a strong stand against gangs and criminal acts of intimidation. I'm confident the fine men and women in this office are paying attention to the growing political violence in our Commonwealth.

Chris McCarthy is the host of The Chris McCarthy Show on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon. Contact him at chris.mccarthy@townsquaremedia.com and follow him on Twitter @Chris_topher_Mc. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.