Some possible lessons to learn from recent events in Seattle.

“The right of the people peaceably to assemble and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances” must be protected by the law and by law enforcement agencies.

No legal right exists for the people to assemble and act violently or destructively.

Unsanctioned violence perpetrated by the people or the police must be prevented and punished.

Police are necessary. They protect life, liberty, property, and society.

Policies regarding the hiring, arming, training, conduct, and discipline of police officers require constant vigilance, periodic review, public input, and continuous improvement.

The unlawful destruction of public and private property must be prevented and punished.

Revolutionary violence in the United States is unjustified and unjustifiable.

Governmental retreat in the face of violence sets a dangerous precedent.

The laws regarding violent behavior must be enforced and applied to all, regardless of the race, color, or ethnicity of the victims, perpetrators, or police officers involved.

After the street confrontations and open hostilities subside, life does not automatically return to normal. Action must be taken to heal the societal wounds, to acknowledge those who have helped de-escalate and resolve the situation, to rehabilitate those who have acted irresponsibly or unlawfully or, alternatively, and when appropriate, to ensure that those who have acted irresponsibly or unlawfully face consequences for their actions.