Topic: Oakland Riots

Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake defends her comments regarding giving protesters "space to destroy" property. The hosts discuss the strategy of the Baltimore Police Commissioner, who previously served in Oakland, which involves allowing a riot to vent energy before intervening with law enforcement.

Oakland Police utilized tear gas, beanbags, and a sound cannon to disperse a crowd of approximately 1,000 protesters, resulting in over 100 arrests. An Iraq War veteran is in critical condition with a fractured skull following the confrontation. Reports indicate the use of sound weapons, which can cause permanent hearing loss and concussions, has been suppressed in local media.

The involuntary manslaughter verdict for former BART police officer Johannes Mehserle in the shooting of Oscar Grant led to riots in Oakland. The hosts comment on the light sentence and the subsequent civil unrest, noting that media coverage in other parts of California was relatively muted to prevent the spread of violence.

The practice of throwing shoes at government buildings and embassies has emerged as a global protest meme following an incident involving an Iraqi journalist. While riots in Oakland and Athens receive varying levels of media coverage, the symbolic act of shoe throwing is noted for its cultural impact and effectiveness as a gesture of defiance.