I said 'exactly'.
I do not condone the destruction of personal property or violence against innocent bystanders, but that doesn't mean I see the protest as illegitimate, or the oppression which has driven people to this as less real and less of a problem.
Let's not play with leaves while the roots are sick.
You're playing with syntax.
If you condone rioting, then you have to condone the violence and destruction of property. That is the very definition of the word. Of course, it wouldn't be an RF thread without a proper definition.
ri·ot
ˈrīət/Submit
noun
1.
a violent disturbance of the peace by a crowd.
"riots broke out in the capital"
synonyms: uproar, commotion, upheaval, disturbance, furor, tumult, melee, scuffle, fracas, fray, brawl, free-for-all; More
2.
an impressively large or varied display of something.
"the garden was a riot of color"
synonyms: mass, sea, splash, show, exhibition
"the garden was a riot of color"
verb
1.
take part in a violent public disturbance.
"Let's not play with leaves while the roots are sick."
Sorry, I don't understand that proverb. I actually do want to understand it so could you please explain it to me and how it relates to our conversation?