When did the line get blurred between protesting and looting/vandalism/assault? Peaceful protesting is a right in our freedom loving country. Vandalism/looting/assault is a crime and should be punished to the full extent of the law. When a protester picks up a rock to throw, burns a car or store, loots a business or assaults an officer they become criminals, not protesters. Until authorities start enforcing the law these violent actions by mobs will not stop. Call out the National Guard or even Army if you have to but start arresting and prosecuting those that incite riots or engage in criminal acts. It's hard to commit those crimes inside a jail cell where these criminals belong.