Bring It On

July 21, 2002

by Brian W. Peterson

California is due for some action. On September 11, the local Los Angeles network affiliates frequently broke in on their networks’ broadcasts to inform viewers that nothing was happening in California. Los Angeles International was quiet. San Francisco International was quiet. Really quiet.

While the major networks - and ABC - struggled to make sense out of that dreadful day, keeping viewers informed of the latest reports, the Los Angeles affiliates glumly reported “nothing” in anticipation of a terrorist attack in the Golden State.

Next came Gov. Gray Davis’ pronouncements a few months later that there were credible terrorist threats to California bridges. The FBI’s response was, “Huh?”

But now, the governor and the LA media have their break. The doldrums are over - the riots are coming. Dust off those camera lenses, get ready for some photo ops, and get those building contractors ready - we gonna have some of that economic stimulation.

Governor Davis is in a tight reelection bid against a Republican businessman who has never held public office. He needs the opportunity to show that he cares. He needs to walk amongst the little people, and dole out some more public funds to buy a few more votes.

During the LA Riots in 1992, the television reporters seemed to have a blast. The day-shift reporters were working with the night-shift reporters; reunions were breaking out everywhere. Viewers easily got the sense that reporters were just having a ball.

When the OJ Simpson verdict was acceptable to those who threatened riots, one could almost hear collective sighs of exasperation and sadness amongst television reporters. The fun of 1992 would have to wait until another day.

Another day is just about here.

Because the electricity has managed to stay on, so far, this summer, we have seen - over and over and over and over - the footage of the Inglewood Police Department roughly handling a teenager who resisted arrest. Never mind who deserved what or whether the police acted appropriately. What matters is, California, which has felt so left out since September 11, has a chance to get back into the spotlight.

For those unfamiliar with southern California, Inglewood is an LA suburb, near LAX, that was until recently the home of the LA Kings and Lakers.

Al Sharpton has come to Inglewood. Chants of “No justice, no peace” reverberate through the streets. The governor needs a good riot to distract attention from the gargantuan state deficit. The network affiliates want a good riot to catch up with old friends. The timing is right. The weather is good. Let’s do it.

There is one other faction that would be quite pleased to hear people shout, “burn baby, burn.” This group is a loose conglomeration of black advocacy groups, perpetual victim-status groups, and those who generally enjoy seeing “the establishment” get a spanking. From the NAACP to Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton to Human Rights Watch, the coming Inglewood - and thus Los Angeles - riots will be a great opportunity for TV time and fundraising.

In most states, having a riot is something to be avoided. In California, even the anticipation is a thrill. Viewers can feel it in the local news broadcasts, hear it in the reporters’ voices.

In fact, riots are just one of the four seasons (the other three are wildfires, earthquakes, and floods). California needs the attention that riots would bring. Negative attention, you say? No such thing in a state driven by glamour and publicity.

Riots are good. The aftermath brings federal dollars, attention to certain causes, economic activity, federal dollars, public hand wringing by liberals, and federal dollars. We like federal dollars because they are free. Just ask local Congresswoman Maxine Waters. She’ll tell you.

The current political climate as it relates to the videotaped arrest of the teenager in Inglewood is indeed being heated by the local press, the governor and sundry “rights” groups. Each has its own agenda. Each has its own potential profit. Each may likely get its way.

The wildfire season may have to be interrupted this year. It appears that we’re about to enter riot season. Everyone loves when the seasons change, particularly in California.

_________________________________________

Brian W. Peterson writes a political column for the Antelope Valley Press (circulation approximately 60,000) in Palmdale, California. He is a graduate of Oral Roberts University, where he majored in TV/Film. Brian’s weekly commentary and newspaper columns can be found at www.LifeAndLiberty.com.

Send the author an E mail at Peterson@ConservativeTruth.org.

For more of Brian's articles, visit his archives.